Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object

A removable base plate for use in an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by successive solidification of layers of a powder material at points corresponding to a cross-section of said object using electromagnetic or particle radiation, said apparatus comprising (i) an opening defined by peripheral walls having a top surface, (ii) a support cooperating with said removable base plate to provide an upper surface for supporting the object positioned within said opening, (iii) elevation adjustment means for varying the elevation of said upper surface, (iv) means for applying a layer of said powder material onto said upper surface or onto a solidified layer of said material formed on said upper surface, and (v) irradiation means positioned above said top surface for irradiating said layer of said powder material at said points corresponding to a cross-section of said object, said removable base plate comprising a metal plate having thereon a presolidified amount of a powder material wherein said upper surface is on said removable base plate;

• wherein said elevation means positions the upper surface, or a solidified layer of said material formed on said upper surface, below the top surface by an amount equal to the layer of powder material to be applied.

A removable base plate for use in an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by successive solidification of layers of a powder material at points corresponding to a cross-section of said object using electromagnetic or particle radiation, said apparatus comprising (i) an opening defined by peripheral walls having a top surface, (ii) a support cooperating with said removable base plate to provide an upper surface for supporting the object positioned within said opening, (iii) elevation adjustment means for varying the elevation of said upper surface, (iv) means for applying a layer of said powder material onto said upper surface or onto a solidified layer of said material formed on said upper surface, and (v) irradiation means positioned above said top surface for irradiating said layer of said powder material at said points corresponding to a cross-section of said object, said removable base plate having a surface layer that is a presolidified amount of a powder material wherein said upper surface is said surface layer;

• wherein said elevation means positions the upper surface, or a solidified layer of said material formed on said upper surface, below the top surface by an amount equal to the layer of powder material to be applied.

A removable base plate for use in an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by successive solidification of layers of a powder material at points corresponding to a cross-section of said object using electromagnetic or particle radiation, said apparatus comprising (i) an opening defined by peripheral walls having a top surface, (ii) a support cooperating with said removable base plate to provide an upper surface for supporting the object positioned within said opening, (iii) elevation adjustment means for varying the elevation of said upper surface, (iv) means for applying a layer of said powder material onto said upper surface or onto a solidified layer of said material formed on said upper surface, and (v) irradiation means positioned above said top surface for irradiating said layer of said powder material at said points corresponding to a cross-section of said object, said removable base plate having a surface layer that provides adherence for said object to said base plate;

• wherein said elevation means positions the upper surface, or a solidified layer of said material formed on said upper surface, below the top surface by an amount equal to the layer of powder material to be applied.