Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods for performing additive manufacturing. The method includes forming a first layer of a product on a target surface, heating a portion of the first layer with a directed energy source, and forming a second layer of the product on the first layer. The system for performing additive manufacturing includes a vacuum chamber, a target surface disposed in the vacuum chamber, a first layer of material formed on the target surface, a directed energy source configured to heat a portion of the first layer, and a second layer of material formed on the heated portion of the first layer.