The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for operating a device (10) for producing three-dimensional workpieces (12) by applying
electromagnetic radiation or
particle radiation to
powder layers in a process chamber (14), wherein the device (10) has at least one
powder conveying section (201, 202; T1, T2, T3) for conveying and / or storing a
powder, wherein the powder conveying section (201, 202; T1, T2, T3) has an inlet and an outlet, wherein in an inerting step an
inert gas is introduced into the powder conveying section (201, 202; T1, T2, T3) via the inlet and a gas mixture containing the
inert gas is discharged via the outlet, wherein an
inert gas flow velocity adjustment unit within the powder conveying section (201, 202;T1, T2, T3) the flow velocity of the
inert gas and / or the flow velocity of the gas mixture containing the
inert gas is successively and / or continuously increased from an initial flow velocity value, preferably 0 m / s, to a predetermined, preferably maximum, final flow velocity value within a predetermined time period.