Device and method for printing on containers

A device for direct printing on containers, comprising:

• at least one printing unit including at least one print head;
• a conveying system, which includes a plurality of container reception means arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and which is configured such that the container reception means circulate on a closed path and a print area of an outer surface of a container accommodated in a container reception means is movable past the print head for direct printing onto the print area;
• and
• at least one first drive adapted to rotate the container reception means, accommodating the container, about its axis of rotation (A) by means of at least one of open-loop or closed-loop control unit, the first drive being adapted to be variably controlled such that the print area is moved past the print head at a predetermined, substantially constant non-zero printing distance by controlled superposition of the rotary movement of the container reception means about its axis of rotation (A) and the circulation of the container reception means on the closed path.