Additive manufacturing systems are disclosed. The systems may include a base, and a retaining plate coupled to the base. The retaining plate may include a seat formed in an exposed surface of the retaining plate, and a plurality of pads extending laterally into the seat. The additive manufacturing systems may also include a build plate positioned within the seat and contacting the plurality of pads of the retaining plate. The build plate may include a build surface in substantial planar alignment with the exposed surface of the retaining plate. Additionally, the additive manufacturing systems may include a plurality of build plate retention components positioned in the seat of the retaining plate. Each of the plurality of build plate retention components may be utilized to retain the build plate within the seat of the retaining plate.