Abstract: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object includes a process chamber, a process assistance device including a centre module and an outer module for facilitating a primary gas flow, and a feed device disposed above a build platform for feeding a secondary gas flow through a feed opening of the feed device onto the build platform. The feed device includes two feed channels disposed on either side of a beam inlet opening. The process chamber includes two wall portions opposing each other in an X direction. Each wall portion has a flow surface that extends toward the build platform. The flow surfaces of the two wall portions constrict a cross-sectional area of the process chamber in the X direction. Proceeding from the feed opening of the feed device, a distance between the flow surfaces of the two wall portions in the X direction progressively reduces towards the build platform.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object by selectively solidifying a build material applied layer by layer includes, in at least one process chamber, applying the build material layer by layer to a build platform, generating at least one beam for solidifying the build material using a radiation source, feeding the at least one beam to the build material in the build platform using at least one beam guiding element, and generating a primary gas flow along the build platform using a process assistance device. The process assistance device includes a centre module and at least one outer module aligned with the centre module, so that a section over which primary gas flows is formed between the centre module and the at least one outer module. The centre module and/or the at least one outer module are triggered so as to be movable along the build platform.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object includes applying a build material layer by layer to a build platform, generating at least one beam for solidifying the build material, feeding the at least one beam to the build material using at least one beam guiding element, and generating a primary gas flow along the build platform using a process assistance device. The process assistance device includes a centre module and at least one outer module aligned with the centre module, so that a section over which primary gas flows is formed between the centre module and the at least one outer module. The method further includes generating a secondary gas flow that is aligned onto and fed to the build platform using a feed device above the build platform, so that a section along which the secondary gas flows is created between the feed device and the process assistance device.