A system for producing an object from a powder by selective laser sintering. The system includes a chamber and a support platform in the chamber. A spreader applies a layer of powder to a bed surface. An irradiation source irradiates select points in the powdered layer prepared on the support platform. A radiant heater heats at least a portion of the bed surface. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of select points on the bed surface. A controller adjusts the radiant heater in response to temperature data provided by the temperature sensor.