a three - dimensional printer uses inkjet - type printheads to rapidly prototype , or print , a three - dimensional model . a powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities . the powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber . the vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder . other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows . during printing , a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads . in the event of a printhead or jet failure , the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically . after printing , the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure .