Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by laser sintering

An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by successive solidification of layers of a solidifiable material at places of said layers, which correspond to a respective cross-section of said object, using electro-magnetic radiation, said apparatus comprising:

• supporting means for supporting said object;
• coating means for applying a layer of said solidifiable material onto said supporting means or onto a previously solidified layer;
• solidifying means for solidifying said layer of said material;
• and
• heating means for heating said layer of said material, said heating means being disposed above said supporting means and comprising a plurality of straight radiant heaters each having a length, a center region, two opposite end regions and a heating capacity which varies over said length, said heating capacity being greater at said end regions than at said center region,
• wherein said radiant heater comprises two heating resistors each disposed at a respective one of said end regions.