Abstract: A machine for printing on thin-walled frusto-conical containers having little resistance to transverse deformation is provided with rotatable mandrels for holding and centering the containers during printing. Each mandrel has a rotatable body provided with two axially spaced centering rings adapted to engage the walls of the container and centralize the container relative to the axis of the mandrel upon axial movement of the container on to the mandrel. The centering rings make sealing engagement with the walls of the container and subdivide the space enclosed between the container and the mandrel body into an end chamber between the base of the container and the outer end of the mandrel, and an annular chamber between the side wall of the container and the mandrel body.

Abstract: A machine for printing on containers in ultra-violet-light-setting ink has a turret fitted with rotatable mandrels for supporting the containers, the axes of the mandrels being radial relative to the axis of the turret, indexing mechanism for intermittently turning the turret to register each mandrel in succession with printing cylinders spaced around the turret, and gear unit for rotating the mandrels and printing cylinders in synchronism. The turret has a cylindrical rim with flat annular upper and lower surfaces, and each mandrel is mounted in a recess in the rim with the recess opening through the lower surface to permit engagement with the printing cylinders and opening through the periphery of the rim to enable containers to be mounted on the mandrels.