A build
material supply system is provided for an apparatus for manufacturing 3D objects from build material
layers, comprising a dispensing device for supplying dispensing amounts of build material to a work surface, the dispensing amounts including layer quantity and excess quantity; a
buffer tank for mixing the build material; an excess quantity return chamber for receiving excess build material; a supply tank for fresh build material; a build material pump; and a controller; wherein the inlet of the build material pump is connected to the supply tank via a first valve, and in a first embodiment: the inlet of the build material pump is connected to the excess quantity return chamber via a second valve and to the
buffer tank via a third valve; the outlet of the pump is connected to the
buffer tank via a fourth valve and to the inlet of the dispensing device via a fifth valve; wherein the controller is connected to the pump and the valves and is configured to: (i) control the first valve, the second valve, and the fourth valve to close, control the third valve and the fifth valve to open, and control the pump to operate so as to allow build material to be dispensed. (ii) Controlling the third and fifth valves to close, controlling the first and fourth valves to open, and controlling the pump to operate, so as to allow fresh build material to flow from the supply tank into the buffer tank; and (iii) Controlling the third and fifth valves to close, controlling the second and fourth valves to open, and controlling the pump to operate, so as to allow excess build material to flow from the excess return chamber into the buffer tank; and in a second embodiment: the inlet of the build material pump is connected to the outlet of the excess return chamber; the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank; and the outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the inlet of the dispensing device; wherein the controller is connected to the pump and the first valve and is configured to control the first valve to open and control the pump to operate, so as to allow fresh build material to flow from the supply tank into the buffer tank and allow excess build material to flow from the excess return chamber into the buffer tank. A method for delivering build material through a build
material system is also provided.