Abstract: A process for producing containers includes the steps of providing a container having a shaping region, the shaping region comprising a thermoplastic material; applying an ink to the shaping region; discretely heating the shaping region to a shaping temperature; and discretely shaping the shaping region to take a desired three dimensional shape. A system for producing containers having three dimensional decorations, and containers having three dimensional decorations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a container includes the step of providing a preform having a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an end portion and an end feature protruding from the end portion. The preform is placed into a mold. The mold has a mold cavity for receiving the preform body and a feature cavity for receiving the end feature. A stretch rod is inserted into the interior cavity of the preform to a position adjacent the end feature, whereby the stretch rod will retain the end feature in the feature cavity. The preform is blow molded into a finished product. The stretch rod retains the end feature in the feature cavity during the blow molding step.

Abstract: A process for producing containers includes the steps of providing a container having a shaping region, the shaping region comprising a thermoplastic material; applying an ink to the shaping region; discretely heating the shaping region to a shaping temperature; and discretely shaping the shaping region to take a desired three dimensional shape. A system for producing containers having three dimensional decorations, and containers having three dimensional decorations, are also disclosed.