POST-APPLICATION INK PROCESSING AND SHEET HANDLING

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact ink processing apparatus.SOLUTION: An apparatus comprises a control cylinder 20 rotatably supported for thermal conduction to a sheet. The sheet conveys ink deposited on a first side. The sheet is held in contact with a peripheral arch of the control cylinder 20 as the control cylinder 20 rotates with the first side of the sheet directly engaging the control cylinder and wrapping around the control cylinder 20 along the peripheral arch. The apparatus also includes a thermal control element 21 for heating and/or cooling the control cylinder. The apparatus also includes a pressure roll 60 for spreading the ink. The pressure roll 60 with the control cylinder 20 forms a spreader nip, and the spreader nip is selectively changeable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the pressure roll 60 is biased toward the control cylinder 20 for applying pressure to the ink on the sheet. The pressure roll 60 is spaced further away from the control cylinder 20 in the open position opposite to the closed position.