Device and method for producing three-dimensional models

An apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional models by means of a 3D printing process comprising:

• a build platform having a base surface for application of a build material including a particulate material and a liquid material;
• a support frame arranged around the build platform having guiding elements, to which said support frame is attached:
• i) at least one coater device for dosing the particulate material onto the build platform;
• ii) a receiving container for receiving the particulate material and for filling the coater device with the particulate material;
• and
• iii) a print head device for printing the liquid material using individually controlled nozzles for bonding the particulate material;
• at least two vertical positioning units for moving the support frame in a Z direction perpendicular to the base surface of the build platform;
• a stationary material storage device for storing the particulate material, and
• a material feeding device for supplying the particulate material in batches from the material storage device to the receiving container, wherein the material feeding device has a fixed feeding location positioned below the stationary material storage device, and a discharge location positioned above the receiving container and movable in at least the Z direction with an incline angle that adjusts as the build frame moves vertically;
• wherein the coater device and the print head are attached to the support frame via the guiding elements;
• wherein the coating device, the print head and the receiving container move in the Z direction with the movement of the support frame;
• and
• wherein the material feeding device includes
• i. a conveying crucible for moving the particulate material vertically and a lifting device having a linear actuator that moves the conveying crucible to a height that adjusts as the build frame moves vertically;
• or
• ii. a chain trough conveyor for moving the particulate material vertically and includes an incline angle that adjusts as the build frame moves vertically;
• or
• iii. a conveyor belt for moving the particulate material vertically and includes an incline angle that adjusts as the build frame moves vertically.