An apparatus and method for use in producing three dimensional components by bonding together successive layers of a porous material with droplets of a binder material. A powder is dispensed on a support surface in a layer. A vibratory mechanism vibrates the layer of dispensed powder to compact the ...http://www.google.com.au/patents/US6036777?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6036777 - Powder dispensing apparatus using vibration
