Thermal ink jet printer having dual function dryer

A printing machine for printing on a recording medium moving along a path through a print zone, comprising:

• printing means for depositing ink on the recording medium in the print zone;
• and
• dryer means, disposed adjacently to the path, for heating the recording medium, comprising:
• heating means, and
• reflector means including:
• a first portion defining a first heat region for preheating the recording medium at a position in the path prior to the print zone, and
• a second portion defining a second heat region for heating the recording medium in or subsequent to the print zone,
• wherein the heat source generates heat energy resulting in a first portion having a first temperature and the second portion having a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

A radiant dryer comprising:

• a heat source, and
• a reflector, including:
• a first portion defining a first heat region, and
• a second portion defining a second heat region,
• wherein the heat source generates heat energy resulting in a first portion having a first temperature and the second portion having a second temperature greater than the first temperature.