Patent ID: 8267683

Claim:
A layered-object forming apparatus comprising: a holding mechanism; a base positioned on the holding mechanism and having an upper surface to be transferred to a lower surface of a three-dimensional structure to be formed on the apparatus, a shape of a mucosal surface in a mouth being reproduced on the upper surface of the base; a liquid applying device that applies a liquid comprising a polymerizable component to a predetermined position from above the base; a powder applying device that allows a powder to fall from above the base; a powder removing device that removes an unconsolidated powder on the base; and a controller that is configured to control the apparatus to perform a process that comprises (a) a step of applying the liquid with the liquid applying device, (b) a step of applying the powder with the powder applying device, (c) a step of consolidating the applied liquid and the applied powder by polymerizing the liquid, and then (d) a step of removing the powder that has not been consolidated with the liquid with the powder removing device, the process being repeated to form the three dimensional structure on the base, wherein the controller is configured to control the apparatus so that the liquid is applied first to the base.