An apparatus for applying a decoration to an exterior surface of a metallic container , comprising: a first transfer blanket segment ; a digital print unit in a predetermined alignment with respect to the first transfer blanket segment, the digital print unit operable to convey a decorating material to the first transfer blanket segment to form a decoration on the first transfer blanket segment, wherein the digital print unit comprises one of an electrophotographic system and an inkjet print head ; and a feed unit to move the metallic container into contact with the first transfer blanket segment to transfer the decoration from the first transfer blanket segment to the exterior surface of the metallic container, wherein the first transfer blanket segment is spaced a first distance from a second transfer blanket segment when the first transfer blanket segment is positioned adjacent to the digital print unit, and wherein the first transfer blanket segment is spaced a second distance from the second transfer blanket segment when the first transfer blanket segment is positioned adjacent to the feed unit, the first distance being different than the second distance; and one or more of a thermal system and a UV system configured to adjust a viscosity of the decorating material, wherein the decorating material is one of an ink and a toner material, wherein the one or more of the thermal system and the UV system comprises a temperature control device operable to adjust a temperature of the first transfer blanket segment to a predetermined temperature, and wherein adjusting the temperature to the predetermined temperature alters the viscosity of the decorating material after it is conveyed to the first transfer blanket segment. a first transfer blanket segment ; a digital print unit in a predetermined alignment with respect to the first transfer blanket segment, the digital print unit operable to convey a decorating material to the first transfer blanket segment to form a decoration on the first transfer blanket segment, wherein the digital print unit comprises one of an electrophotographic system and an inkjet print head ; and a feed unit to move the metallic container into contact with the first transfer blanket segment to transfer the decoration from the first transfer blanket segment to the exterior surface of the metallic container, wherein the first transfer blanket segment is spaced a first distance from a second transfer blanket segment when the first transfer blanket segment is positioned adjacent to the digital print unit, and wherein the first transfer blanket segment is spaced a second distance from the second transfer blanket segment when the first transfer blanket segment is positioned adjacent to the feed unit, the first distance being different than the second distance; and one or more of a thermal system and a UV system configured to adjust a viscosity of the decorating material, wherein the decorating material is one of an ink and a toner material, wherein the one or more of the thermal system and the UV system comprises a temperature control device operable to adjust a temperature of the first transfer blanket segment to a predetermined temperature, and wherein adjusting the temperature to the predetermined temperature alters the viscosity of the decorating material after it is conveyed to the first transfer blanket segment. <EOS>