A machine arrangement, that sequentially processes sheet-type substrates, includes a plurality of different processing stations, one of which includes a non-impact printing device that prints the substrates. Further processing stations are a primer application device that primes the substrates and a dryer for drying the primer applied to the substrates. The primer application device and the dryer precede the non-impact printing device, in the direction of travel of the substrates. The processing station including the non-impact printing device, also includes a printing cylinder, on the circumference of which, the non-impact printing device that prints the substrates is arranged.

A method for producing a flat feature on a substrate, comprises the steps of printing a deposit of print medium onto the substrate, the printed deposit comprising an upper surface, modifying the upper surface of the printed deposit, for example by partially drying the printed deposit, and levelling the modified deposit to produce a flat feature.

Methods for drying a substrate. The methods include the following steps: (a) emitting infrared radiation towards a substrate moving through a process space using an emitter unit comprising at least one infrared emitter, (b) generating at least two process gas streams of a process gas directed towards the substrate, (c) drying the substrate by the action of infrared radiation and process gas on the substrate, and (d) extracting moisture-laden process gas from the process space via an extraction duct, forming an exhaust air stream leading away from the substrate. To specify a drying method which is reproducible and effective and leads to an improved result, in particular in terms of homogeneity and speed of drying of the substrate, the at least two process gas streams are guided to the infrared emitter before they act on the substrate, and an exhaust air stream is spatially assigned to each process gas stream.

The present invention provides an industrial printing apparatus for packaging roll material/substrates. The apparatus may include a water-based coating device, a UV treatment device, and a UV embellishment device. The apparatus may comprise an unwinding mechanism capable of receiving and unwinding a roll material/substrate; a rewind mechanism capable of providing roll to roll transmission of the material/substrate; a roll lift mechanism; a material webguide for retaining the roll material/substrate perfectly straight and inline; a servo tension control infeed; a corona treater; a servo tension control pull drive nip roller; at least one print station; at least one dryer; at least one drop-in unit capable of providing printing features including UV spot print/varnish, cold foil, cast and cure, textile effects and combinations thereof; and a servo outfeed nip roller. The apparatus increases efficiencies for printing packaging for edible food and beverage products on a large scale while saving significant operating time.