Abstract: A mounting for a long horizontally disposed reciprocal ram of a can forming machine. The ram which carries a punch or mandrel at one end and is connected to a reciprocating drive at its other end is supported intermediate its ends from the machine framework by a plate which slides in a guideway. The plate, which extends parallel to the ram longitudinally thereof has a fixed connection at one end with the ram which is suspended beneath the plate. The plate which runs on guideways becomes very hot and is free to expand longitudinally independently of the ram since it has creep-accommodating connections through high thermal resistors with the ram at longitudinally spaced points which freely permit such expansion and resist transmission of heat into the ram.