Recoating device and method for applying a layer of build material capable of solidification on a working surface

Abstract

A recoater for applying a layer of build material capable of solidification on a working surface, wherein the recoater comprises a discharge port and a flattening member, wherein the discharge port is configured to discharge build material to form a heap of build material ahead of the flattening member, wherein the flattening member is configured to spread material from the heap of build material along the working surface in order to form the layer of build material on top of the working surface through a gap formed between a lower surface of the flattening member and the working surface by relative movement of the flattening member and the working surface, wherein the recoater further includes a shutter distanced from the discharge port, wherein the shutter is configured to be movable between a closed position in which build material is not dispensed onto the working surface, and an opened position in which build material is dispensed onto the working surface, wherein the shutter is configured to close an adjacent area ahead of the lower surface of the flattening member in the closed position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.