An additive manufacturing system includes an energy beam generator that generates an energy beam to melt and fuse raw materials for a part and a computing device that controls operation of the energy beam generator. The computing device includes a memory element that stores or access a three-dimensional model of the part, and a processing element that receives at least a portion of the three-dimensional model and controls a parameter of the energy beam generator according to a gradient function so as to apply a variable amount of heat to the raw material that forms an overhang on the part.