Patent ID: 7871551

Claim:
Powder application apparatus for feeding and distributing a powder over a working area in an apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects, said apparatus comprising: a working table with a cutout where a working area is located, a powder storage unit adapted to contain a supply of powder and extending along a side of the working area, wherein the unit comprises walls for keeping the supply of powder in place, wherein the unit is arranged in an open manner by letting a wall facing the working area end a distance above the working table such that powder placed in the unit forms an angle of repose on the side of the powder supply facing the working area, and a distribution member that is arranged to be moveable across the working area to distribute a portion of powder onto the working area, whereby the member extends substantially parallel to the unit, wherein the distribution member is arranged to be, in a first step, moveable towards the unit such as to reach a position a predetermined distance into a supply of powder, when powder is placed in the unit, said distance being sufficiently long to bring about a transfer of a portion of powder from one side of the distribution member to another side of the distribution member facing the working area, and wherein the distribution member is arranged to be, in a second step, moveable towards and across the working area to distribute the portion of powder onto the working area.