Method and apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional object

A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising the steps performed in this order, of:

• providing a layer including a portion for forming first object and a portion for forming a wall surrounding the first object being formed on an intermediate transfer member;
• transferring the portion for forming the first object on the intermediate transfer member to the first object being formed and transferring the portion for forming the wall on the intermediate transfer member to a wall surrounding the first object being formed on a stacking unit, thereby a plurality of layers for forming the first object are stacked and the wall surrounding the first object being formed at a distance from the first object being formed is built on the stacking unit;
• injecting a fluid material which transitions back-and-forth between a solid state and a liquid state in response to an external stimulus into a space between the wall and the first object being formed on the stacking unit as a support material for supporting the first object;
• forming a floor with the wall on a side, opposite to the stacking unit, of the first object, and a next object on a side far from the stacking unit than the first object with the floor between the next object and the first object and with a next wall surrounding the next object;
• removing the support material from the formed object;
• and
• obtaining the formed object separated from the wall.