Compact printing apparatus and method

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a receiving substrate, the printing apparatus comprising:

• a first ink applicator for imagewise applying liquid ink to a first side of the receiving substrate;
• a first drying section having a first active drying device for active drying of the receiving substrate after said first ink application;
• a first transportation device for transporting the receiving substrate along a first path past said first ink applicator and through said first drying section;
• a second ink applicator, different from said first ink applicator, for imagewise applying liquid ink to a second side of the receiving substrate opposite to said first side;
• a second drying section having a second active drying device for active drying of the receiving substrate after said second ink application;
• a second transportation device for transporting the receiving substrate along a second path past said second ink applicator and through said second drying section;
• and a take-over section for transferring said receiving substrate from said first path to said second path;
• and
• wherein at least one of said first and second path includes a first substantially straight portion at said corresponding ink applicator, and a first and a second convex curve in said corresponding drying section, said first and second convex curve separated by a second substantially straight portion.