Abstract: An angularly orientated print head is displaced by a reciprocating power actuator from contact with a wet inking surface along a fixed travel path having acceleration and deceleration portion. A shock absorbing guide roller stabilizes the orientation of the print head as it approaches its marking position along the deceleration portion of the travel path. A drive mechanism between the actuator and the print head renders movement thereof to and from the marking position continuous for imprinting continuously moving target material.