A printer includes a controller that operates an actuator of a transfer assist blade (TAB) mechanism with reference to an actuator profile. The actuator profile identifies an actuator waveform and a plurality of pulse trains for the actuator waveform. The actuator profile and the data associated with it are developed with reference to the drive train for the TAB mechanism. The actuator profiles enable the TAB mechanism drive train to achieve optimal operation over a wide range of media types, substrate speeds, pitch modes, and other print job parameters.