Patent ID: 8408689

Claim:
An apparatus for forming an image on a substrate in printing, comprising: a first marking station for applying a first ink having a first color to a surface of a substrate; a first partial-curing station downstream from the first marking station including at least one first radiant energy source for irradiating the first ink on the surface of the substrate with first radiation to partially-cure, and adjust gloss of, 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 surface of the substrate; a second partial-curing station downstream from the second marking station including at least one second radiant energy source for irradiating the first ink and the second ink on the surface of the substrate with second radiation to further partially-cure the first ink and to partially-cure the second ink to adjust gloss of the first ink and second ink; a leveling device comprising a first member, a second member, and a nip formed by the first member and 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 the 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 second ink.