A multi-tip extrusion method and apparatus for building a three-dimensional object deposits modeling materials from distinct supply sources, each in a layerwise predetermined pattern, from dispensers having co-planar dispensing tips. The tip spacing is controlled so that a road of material extruded by a leading one of the tips will cool and shrink from the plane of the tips before a trailing one of the tips passes over the road. In this manner, smearing of the road by a trailing one of the tips is avoided.