Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system which may have an electronic controller, an optical light source controlled by the electronic controller which generates a beam having an output power level, and a current measuring subsystem (CMS) electrically coupled to a conductive substrate (e.g., metal substrate (MS)) while a powder bed layer (PBL) is deposited on the MS. The CMS may be in communication with the electronic controller and detects a current flow as at least one of the MS or the PBL is heated when the beam is scanned over the PBL. The CMS generates a current flow signal in accordance with the detected current flow. The current flow signal is used by the electronic controller to determine when the temperature of at least one of the substrate or the PBL is at least one of above or below a desired temperature.