Abstract: For in-line printing and processing of successive portions of a band material, the portions are each printed in a printing position (5; 157) and processed in a processing position (36; 43), both along that transport path (1; 101). The band material is advanced at least once over a predetermined distance along the transport path (1; 101) for transferring portions of the band material from the printing position (5) or the processing position, to the processing position (36; 43) or, respectively, the printing position (157). Since the printing is carried out incrementally in accordance with the incremental formation of the printing, changes in the printing from portion to portion can be implemented easily. Since each printed portion is advanced over a remaining portion of the predetermined distance after printing, it is assured in a simple manner that the printings are accurately aligned in transport direction for processing to be performed.