Abstract: Methods and devices for setting a printing distance in a 3D printing system are disclosed. In one example the method comprises forming a layer of build material below a printing plane and relatively displacing the formed layer of build material with respect to the printing plane until the distance between the formed layer of build material and the printing plane is a desired printing distance.

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus includes a storage unit, an auger screw, a housing enclosing the auger screw and at least one heater coupled to the housing. The augers screw receives a build material from the storage unit and delivers the build material to a build platform via movement of the auger screw. The build material is heated by the at least one heater as the build material is being moved by the auger screw.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided an accessory for a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The accessory comprises an upper structure to connect to a 3D printer build unit, the build unit defining a build chamber and having a movable support platform, the upper structure defining a build chamber smaller than the build chamber of the build unit, the upper structure being connectable to the build unit such that the accessory build chamber becomes the usable build chamber of the build unit, and an accessory support platform movable within the accessory build chamber, the accessory support platform having a base portion extending below the accessory build chamber to connect to the build unit support platform, such that movement of the build unit support platform causes corresponding movement of the accessory support platform.

Abstract: Printing stations to receive build units are disclosed. The printing stations may comprise a first wall comprising two fixed receiving ports to engage with two fixed mounting elements of the build units, respectively, and a second wall comprising a third fixed receiving port to engage with a third fixed mounting element of the build units, and a calibration receiving port to be coupled to a fourth fixed mounting element when the build unit is inserted into the printing station.

Abstract: According to one example there is provided an apparatus for supplying build material to a three-dimensional printing system. The apparatus comprises a rotatable vane.