Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is the main technology for additive manufacturing of metallic components and is primarily used for rapid prototyping and tooling in cases with very complex geometry or lightweight design and small quantities. There are manifold influencing parameters, which need to be optimized in order to build components with suitable properties. The paper deals with three distinct application fields, like the development of new tool steel grades for injection molds, light weight design using aluminum alloys with optimized post-weld heat treatment as well as production of copper alloys without porosity. The most sensitive process parameters are displayed and the multi-layered components are characterized using light and high-resolution microscopy as well as mechanical testing.