Abstract: Examples described herein provide a method that includes performing an image analysis on an image of a layer of an object being manufactured by an additive manufacturing system to identify an exposed surface in the image of the layer. The method further includes performing a build simulation to generate a simulated distortion for the layer. The method further includes evaluating build data to determining a value of an influencing factor for the layer. The method further includes predicting at least one of a predicted distortion or a predicted re-coater interference for a next layer, using a machine learning model, based at least in part on the image analysis, the build simulation, and the build data. The method further includes implementing an action, based at least in part on the at least one of the predicted distortion or the predicted re-coater interference, to alter fabrication of the next layer.