Method of printing using a curable printing medium

摘要

The application describes a method and apparatus for controlling surface finish in the printing of a substrate 3 in a plurality of passes using a curable print material and an ink jet printer having a radiation source 11, 13. A first set of passes is carried out, including depositing ink on the substrate and emitting radiation from a radiation source 11, 13 toward the deposited ink. The emitted radiation applies a dose of radiation in a first range. A second set of passes is then carried out to deposit ink on the substrate. Further radiation is emitted from a radiation source 11, 13 toward the deposited ink, the emitted radiation applying a dose of radiation in a second range different from the first range. The first set of passes may partially cure the deposited ink and the second set of passes may fully cure the ink. The first of passes may also emit radiation toward the deposited ink to produce a printed surface having a first surface finish and the second set of passes emit radiation toward the deposited ink to produce a second surface finish different from the first.