A printing apparatus for printing a three-dimensional object, comprising an operative surface, an energy source for emitting at least one energy beam onto the operative surface and at least one supply hopper for dispensing powder onto the operative surface, wherein the powder is adapted to be melted by the energy beam. The supply hopper is configured such that powder being dispensed by the supply hopper has an airborne density when travelling from the supply hopper to the operative surface, and wherein the density provides that the powder is not melted by the energy beam when the powder is travelling to the operative surface.
展开▼
