Abstract: According to one example there is provided a build material supply unit for additive manufacturing systems. The build material supply unit may comprise a sloping support surface for the build material, which has no hard edges, a mesh above the sloping support surface, and a vibrator to vibrate the mesh and cause the descent of build material.

Abstract: According to an example, a device comprises a sidewall and a base movable relative to the sidewall. The sidewall and base define an internal volume for receipt of build material in an additive manufacturing process. The example device further comprises a membrane. A first end of the membrane is attached to the base such that the membrane is movable with the base. The membrane at least partially extends along the sidewall to form a flexible barrier between the internal volume and the sidewall.

Abstract: A 3D printing apparatus is disclosed herein. The 3D printing apparatus comprises a non-powered compartment defining a chamber to contain build material, and a passive latching element connected to a lateral wall of the compartment to be engaged with a complementary latching element of a platform. A drive mechanism of a 3D printing device is engageable with the platform to apply an upward vertical force to the platform to move the platform upwardly. The complementary latching elements are to: passively latch the platform and the compartment together at a latched position such that upward movement of the platform causes upward movement of the compartment until the compartment is restrained at a sealing position; and to passively unlatch the platform from the compartment, upon further upward movement of the platform.

Abstract: A 3D printing apparatus is disclosed herein. The 3D printing apparatus comprises a build compartment defining a build chamber within which a 3D object is to be generated; and a non-powered platform, moveable within the build chamber, comprising a platform drive interface to engage with an external drive mechanism to cause the platform to move. The 3D printing apparatus further comprises a powder compartment located laterally adjacent to the build compartment, within which build material is to be stored for use in the generation of the 3D object. The 3D printing apparatus also comprises a locking interface to couple the 3D printing apparatus with an external hosting device.

Abstract: According to one example there is provided a build material supply unit for additive manufacturing systems. The build material supply unit may comprise a sloping support surface for the build material, which has no hard edges, a mesh above the sloping support surface, and a vibrator to vibrate the mesh and cause the descent of build material.