Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object which successively applies layers of material in powder form one on top of the other, wherein the first layer is applied to a support. Prior to providing the subsequent layer, each layer is irradiated selectively in a portion of the layer corresponding to a three-dimensional object being manufactured and wherein the irradiation is carried out in such a manner that the material is melted locally in the corresponding portions. The portions are each irradiated multiple times during multiple spaced time intervals. Operating parameters of the irradiation device (12) cause the polymer material to reach a melting temperature only during a second or a subsequent time interval. The energy introduced during each time interval is insufficient to heat the polymer material from a starting temperature to the melting temperature of the polymer material.