an apparatus for making three - dimensional physical objects of predetermined shape by sequentially depositing multiple layers of solidifying material on a base member in a desired pattern , the apparatus comprising : a movable dispensing head having a flow passage therein in flow communication at one end thereof with a dispensing outlet configured in the form of a tip with a discharge orifice of predetermined size therein to dispense material in a fluid state ; a supply of flexible strand of thermoplastic resin material that solidifies by cooling to a solidification temperature ; heated relatively rapidly to a temperature just above its solidification temperature and will solidify due to a drop in temperature upon being dispensed onto said base member . means for supplying said material in a fluid state through said flow passage to said dispensing outlet ; a delivery surface disposed in working proximity to said dispensing outlet of said dispensing head ; means for moving said dispensing head and said base member relative to each other in three dimensions in a predetermined sequence and pattern with respect to said dispensing outlet ; and means for metering the discharge of said material in a fluid state from said discharge orifice onto said base member as said dispensing head and base member are moved relative to each other so as to thus form a three - dimensional object , characterised in that : material is provided to said movable dispensing head in the form of a continuous flexible strand ; said means for supplying said material in a fluid state comprises a heater on said dispensing head proximate said flow passage that heats said flexible strand to a predetermined temperature above the solidification temperature of said material ; and said means for metering comprises a material advance mechanism operatively associated with said flexible strand which controllably advances said flexible strand towards said flow passage at an advance rate controlled in relation to said mechanism means , to thereby regulate the flow rate of said material in a fluid stream from said discharge orifice in relation to the relative movement of said discharge head and said base member ; said material advance mechanism comprises one or more roller pairs that grip said flexible strand therebetween and a speed - controlled driver motor that supplies rotational power to said roller pairs .