Substrate support system for a conveyor printer

A method for using a substrate support system for a conveyor printer, comprising:

• providing a support unit comprising:
• a plurality of vacuum apertures arranged for fluidic communication with a source of negative pressure;
• and
• at least one air bearing arranged for fluidic communication with a source of positive pressure, wherein the air bearing comprises porous media;
• and
• a conveyor belt arranged over the support unit for supporting a substrate to be printed on, the conveyor belt comprising a plurality of belt apertures;
• wherein the vacuum apertures are arranged to convey a negative pressure through the belt apertures for retaining the substrate on the conveyor belt;
• and
• wherein the at least one air bearing is arranged to convey a positive pressure to support the conveyor belt;
• placing a substrate on the conveyor belt;
• applying, by the source of negative pressure, a negative pressure to the plurality of vacuum apertures to retain the substrate on the conveyor belt;
• and
• applying, by the source of positive pressure, a positive pressure to the at least one air bearing to support the conveyor belt.