A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers corresponding to the object is provided. The device comprises a building field, in which the solidification of the material in powder form takes place; an application element (61), that applies the building material in powder form in the form of a layer; and a drive mechanism (59) that moves the application element (61) across the building field in order to apply the layer of the building material. The drive mechanism (59) is configured such that for the application of layers it moves the application element (61) between a first end position on a first side of the building field and a second end position on an opposite second side of the building field on a circular path back and forth.