Apparatus for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing and method of using the apparatus

Apparatus (1, 101) for producing an object (3, 103) by means of additive manufacturing, comprising:

• a process chamber (5, 105) for receiving on a build surface (7, 107) of a build plate (9, 109) a bath of powdered material (11, 111) which can be solidified;
• a support (13, 113) for positioning the build plate (9, 109) in relation to a surface level (L) of the bath of material;
• a solidifying device (15, 115) for solidifying a selective part of the material (11, 111);
• and
• a build plate preparation means (17, 19, 117, 119) for preparation of the build surface (7, 107) of the build plate (9, 109) such that the object (3, 103) can be built on the build surface (7, 107) of the build plate (9, 109);
• displacement means (25, 125) provided for displacing the build plate (9, 109) between a first position wherein the build surface (7, 107) of the build plate (9, 109) is received in the process chamber (5, 105) for receiving on the build surface (7, 107) of the build plate (9, 109) the bath of powdered material (11, 111) which can be solidified, and a second position wherein the build surface (7, 107) of the build plate (9, 109) is positioned for preparation of the build surface (7, 107) of the build plate (9, 109), wherein the displacement means (25, 125) comprise a substantial horizontal axis for rotation of the build plate (9, 109) about said substantial horizontal axis between the first position and second position.