Abstract: A spreader module for use in an imaging device includes a housing configured for insertion and removal from a docking position of an imaging device frame, a spreader drum operably supported by the housing, and a pressure roller operably supported by the housing adjacent the spreader drum to define a spreading nip through which a web of media is fed. The spreader module includes a release agent application system supported by the housing for applying a first release agent to the spreader drum. A docking slot is positioned adjacent the pressure roll that is configured to releasably secure a release agent sub-module to the housing, the release agent sub-module for applying a second release agent to the surface of the pressure roller.

Abstract: A temperature leveling system for thermally conditioning ink deposited onto a print media includes a non-contact cooling device for reducing temperatures of ink deposited onto a print media to a first average temperature. A leveler includes a thermal control for maintaining the leveler at a second temperature that is different than the first average temperature. The leveler is configured to bring the temperatures of the ink to within a predetermined range about the second temperature after the reduction in temperature at the non-contact cooling device. A heater is positioned to heat the ink and media to a third temperature after the leveler, the third temperature being greater than the second temperature.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a source of a substantially continuous web of media, and a web transport system configured to transport the continuous web from the source along a web path having a print zone. At least one printhead arranged along the web path in the print zone and configured to deposit ink onto the web to form images. A preheating system is positioned along the web path between the source and the print zone. The preheating system includes a first heating stage and a second heating stage. The first heating stage has at least one heater configured to heat the web to an initial preheat temperature prior to reaching the second stage. The second stage includes at least one heater configured to reduce a temperature of the web from the initial preheat temperature to a target temperature for the preheating system.

Abstract: A folding system includes a media pathway configured to transport a print substrate having phase change ink thereon. The folding system includes a folding apparatus disposed along the media pathway configured to fold the print substrate. A folding heater is configured to heat the phase change ink on the print media to a folding temperature. The folding temperature is above ambient temperature and below a melting temperature for phase change ink.

Abstract: A folding system includes a media pathway configured to transport a print substrate having phase change ink thereon. The folding system includes a folding apparatus disposed along the media pathway configured to fold the print substrate. A folding heater is configured to heat the phase change ink on the print media to a folding temperature. The folding temperature is above ambient temperature and below a melting temperature for phase change ink.