Material supply systems and methods for using the same

A system, comprising:

• a build area positioned along a horizontal working surface that defines a plurality of openings therethrough;
• one or more supply receptacle sidewalls extending vertically under the working surface at a first opening of the plurality of openings and spaced apart from the build area, the one or more supply receptacle sidewalls defining an elongate supply receptacle;
• a dosing hopper positioned above the working surface at a location horizontally spaced a distance from and in selective communication with the supply receptacle, the supply receptacle continuously positionally fixed relative to the dosing hopper, wherein the dosing hopper defines an opening that is aligned with a second opening of the plurality of openings in the working surface to deliver build material to an interior space of the supply receptacle;
• an excess return disposed horizontally between the dosing hopper and the supply receptacle, the excess return defining a third opening of the plurality of openings in the working surface and in selective flowing communication with the supply receptacle;
• and
• a conveyance hopper in communication with the dosing hopper.