A printer comprises, from upstream to downstream, a loader for articles to be printed, a printing device and transfer elements to direct sequentially the articles from the outlet of the loader to the printing device and from the printing device toward collection elements for the printed articles. The outlet drive element for the articles from the loader, has a cylinder in contact with the articles to be printed by an opening provided in a wall of the loader, and is moved by a motor common to the transfer elements. The contact between the cylinder and the articles is sequentially interrupted by an isolating device moved by a mechanical connection with the motor of the printing device.