Method for adjusting the gloss of an image on a substrate using partial curing of the ink and planarization by contact and apparatus useful for forming an image on the substrate

摘要

Apparatuses and methods for forming images on substrates in printing are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses includes a first marking station for applying a first ink having a first color to a substrate; a first partial-curing station downstream from the first marking station including a first radiant energy source for irradiating the first ink on the substrate with first radiation to partially-cure the first ink; a second marking station downstream from the first partial-curing station for applying a second ink having a second color to the substrate; a second partial-curing station downstream from the second marking station including a second radiant energy source for irradiating the first ink and the second ink on the substrate with second radiation to further partially-cure the first ink and to partially-cure the second ink; a leveling device formed by a first member and a second member, the first member and second member being configured to apply pressure to the partially-cured first ink and second ink when the substrate is received at a nip to level the first ink and second ink on the surface of the substrate; and a post-leveling curing device for irradiating the as-leveled first ink and second ink on the surface of the substrate to substantially-fully cure the first ink and the second ink.