The invention is in particular directed to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by successive deposition of uniform layers of a viscous material, the method comprising a prior calibrating operation comprising the following steps:



positioning at least one calibration stop at a distance comprised between a first distance and a second distance from a working surface, the at least one calibration stop being configured to enable the triggering of a signal in case of contact between the at least one calibration stop and a proximity sensor linked to a recoater blade;
moving the recoater blade (310) linked to the proximity sensor towards one of the at least one calibration stop;
stopping the movement of the recoater blade as soon as a signal indicates a contact between the calibration stop and the proximity sensor; and
estimating (320) the distance between the recoater blade and the working surface after stopping the movement, the at least one calibration value comprising the estimated distance.