Abstract: A device and a method for the manufacturing of a three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying of layers (25, 26) of a powder material at locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (3) is provided. The device comprises a recoater (24) for applying the layers of the powder material (27) in the building area (5) which is moveable across the building area (5). The recoater (24) is designed with a rigid blade (21a, 21b) which is rigidly connected to the recoater (24). For preheating the powder material (27), the recoater (24) is provided with a heating device (20, 23) which is at least partially integrated into the recoater. In this way it is possible to preheat the powder already during or prior to applying it as a layer and thereby shortening the whole building time for the three-dimensional object (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering powder onto a plane surface (1) of a device for creating a three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer fashion, in particular of a laser sintering machine, is provided. It comprises a covering means (3) which can be moved back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction by means of a drive between a lateral first position and a second position located on the opposite side. In at least one of the positions it can be filled with powder. In order to simplify the apparatus and improve its operation, the covering means (3) comprises a slit (6) extending across the entire width and open at its top and its bottom as well as smoothening elements (7, 8) at the ends opposite of the surface. A store container (9) is provided above the covering means (3), the volume of said store container at each location across the entire width being at least equal to the volume of the slit cavity located underneath.

Abstract: In a method for producing a three-dimensional object wherein the object is generated by successive solidification of individual layers of the object from a liquid or powdery material by action of electromagnetic radiation, the problem arises that the object is either distorted due to shrinkage of the material or that the quality of the surface of the object is poor when using a corresponding shrinkage reducing construction. For the solution of this problem, each layer is separated in an inner core region (2) and an outer shell region (3) and the action of the radiation is controlled in the core region and in the shell region for generating different properties of both regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an object using stereography is disclosed. The apparatus has a bath of liquid material in a container, the bath having a free surface. A support in the container supports and positions the object relative to the surface. A means for applying electromagnetic radiation solidifies a layer having solidified sections of the material. A wiper extends across the surface in a first direction. The wiper is at least partly formed of a flexible material and has a substantially horizontal lower edge, and it is positioned below the free surface of the bath in a working position. Displacement means displaces the wiper in the working position in a second direction substantially transversely to the first direction to move a portion of the liquid material in the bath. The lower edge of the wiper is flexibly yielding so as to apply a thin film of liquid material on a surface of the solidified layer and liquid material between solidified sections when displacing the wiper in the second direction.