A method for producing three-dimensional work pieces comprises the steps of supplying gas to a process chamber accommodating a carrier and a powder application device, applying a layer of raw material powder onto the carrier by means of the powder application device, selectively irradiating electromagnetic or particle radiation onto the raw material powder applied onto the carrier by means of an irradiation device, discharging gas containing particulate impurities from the process chamber, and controlling the operation of the irradiation device by means of a control unit such that a radiation beam emitted by at least one radiation source of the irradiation device is guided over the layer of raw material powder applied onto the carrier according to a radiation pattern containing a plurality of scan vectors.