An additive manufacturing system , comprising: - an additive manufacturing tool configured to receive first and second metallic anchoring materials and to supply a plurality of droplets to form a part , wherein each droplet of the plurality of droplets comprises at least one metallic anchoring material of the first and second metallic anchoring materials ; - sensors disposed on the additive manufacturing tool , wherein the sensors are configured to measure temperature, deflection, composition of applied droplets of the plurality of droplets , a relative position of the additive manufacturing tool to the part , or any combination thereof, and - a controller configured to independently control the composition, formation, and application of each droplet of the plurality of droplets to the part , such that the plurality of droplets is configured to build up the part , - a first workpiece and a second workpiece to be coupled by the part , wherein the first work piece comprises a first material, and the second work piece comprises a second material different from the first material; - a first device configured to preheat the first work piece , and a second heating device to heat the second work piece , the work pieces to be coupled by the part , wherein the controller is configured to independently control the preheating of the work pieces from heating of the at least one metallic anchoring material ; wherein the controller is configured to control the composition, formation, and application of each droplet based at least in part on input from the sensors ; and wherein the part is a joint between the first work piece and the second work piece , the part comprising a gradient composition of the first and second anchor materials such that the composition of the part adjacent to the first work piece is compatible with the first work piece , and the composition of the part adjacent to the second work piece is compatible with the second workpiece . - an additive manufacturing tool configured to receive first and second metallic anchoring materials and to supply a plurality of droplets to form a part , wherein each droplet of the plurality of droplets comprises at least one metallic anchoring material of the first and second metallic anchoring materials ; - sensors disposed on the additive manufacturing tool , wherein the sensors are configured to measure temperature, deflection, composition of applied droplets of the plurality of droplets , a relative position of the additive manufacturing tool to the part , or any combination thereof, and - a controller configured to independently control the composition, formation, and application of each droplet of the plurality of droplets to the part , such that the plurality of droplets is configured to build up the part , - a first workpiece and a second workpiece to be coupled by the part , wherein the first work piece comprises a first material, and the second work piece comprises a second material different from the first material; - a first device configured to preheat the first work piece , and a second heating device to heat the second work piece , the work pieces to be coupled by the part , wherein the controller is configured to independently control the preheating of the work pieces from heating of the at least one metallic anchoring material ; <EOS>