System and method for preparing three-dimensional (3D) objects for surface printing

A printing system comprising:

• a plurality of printheads, each printhead in the plurality of printheads being configured to eject marking material;
• a support member positioned to be parallel to a plane formed by the plurality of printheads;
• a member movably mounted to the support member;
• a first actuator operatively connected to the movably mounted member to enable the actuator to move the moveably mounted member along the support member;
• an object holder configured to mount to the movably mounted member to enable the object holder to pass the plurality of printheads as the moveably mounted member moves along the support member;
• a surface treatment module configured to treat a surface of an object held by the object holder prior to the object holder passing the plurality of printheads, the surface treatment module comprising:
• an applicator configured for reciprocating movement;
• a second actuator operatively connected to the applicator, the actuator being configured to move the applicator in reciprocating movement;
• a cleaning membrane positioned opposite the applicator;
• and
• a controller operatively connected to the plurality of printheads, the first actuator, and the second actuator, the controller being configured to operate the actuator to move the object holder through the surface treatment module, to operate the second actuator to press the cleaning membrane against a surface of the object held by the object holder and to retract the applicator from the surface of the object, to operate the actuator to pass the surface treated object past the plurality of printheads after the surface of the object has been treated with the cleaning membrane, and to operate the plurality of printheads to eject marking material onto the object held by the object holder as the object holder passes the plurality of printheads.