A powder processing arrangement (10) for use in an apparatus (100) for producing three-dimensional work pieces by selectively irradiating a raw material powder with electromagnetic or particle radiation comprises a carrier element (16) having a build section (46) adapted to carry a raw material powder layer while being selectively irradiated with electromagnetic or particle radiation and at least one transfer section (48a, 48b) adapted to carry the raw material powder prior to being applied to the build section (46) so as to form the raw material powder layer to be selectively irradiated with electromagnetic or particle radiation. The powder processing arrangement (10) further comprises a heating device (50) adapted to pre-heat the raw material powder carried by the transfer section (48a, 48b) of the carrier element (16) prior to being applied to the build section (46) of the carrier element (16) so as to form the raw material powder layer to be selectively irradiated with electromagnetic or particle radiation.