Build material handling unit for a powder module for an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects

A build material handling station for adding build material to a powder module for an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects, the build material handling station comprising:

• the power module a connection plate configured to connect to the powder module, wherein the powder module defines a powder chamber, and wherein the connection plate, when connected to the powder module, at least partially seals an opening of the powder chamber, the connection plate comprising a first opening and a second opening respectively passing through a thickness of the connection plate;
• a sieve operably coupled to the connection plate with respect to the first opening of the connection plate, the sieve configured to fluidly communicate with the powder chamber by way of the first opening of the connection plate;
• a pump operably coupled to the connection plate with respect to the second opening of the connection plate, the pump configured to fluidly communicate with the powder chamber by way of the second opening of the connection plate;
• and
• a gas container operably coupled to the pump, the gas container fluidly communicating with the pump;
• wherein the sieve is configured to supply build material to the powder module when coupled to the connection plate, the build material passing from the sieve through the first opening of the connection plate and into the powder chamber;
• wherein the pump is configured to pump gas from the powder chamber to the gas container via the connection plate and to release gas from the gas container to the powder chamber via the connection plate.