Three-dimensional fabrication apparatus

Abstract

A three-dimensional fabrication apparatus includes a fabrication chamber and a roller. Powder is spread in layers in the fabrication chamber. Fabrication layers are formed of the powder bonded together and laminated in the fabrication chamber. The roller flattens the powder in the fabrication chamber. The roller includes a first helical groove region and a second helical groove region. The first helical groove region includes a first groove that moves the powder in the fabrication chamber in a first direction along a longitudinal axis of the roller as the roller rotates. The second helical groove region includes a second groove moves the powder in the fabrication chamber in a second direction opposite to the first direction as the roller rotates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.