Bottle Capper Overview - 2020
The Capping Machinery section of the Liquid Packaging Solutions website shows a number of different options for quickly, consistently and reliably sealing bottles. Obvoiusly, not every capping machine will work with every type of closure. In fact, the capping machines are manufactured to work with specific types of closures, and the type of machine necessary for any given project will depend on the type of cap being used. Sometimes the cap type is obvious, as bottle corkers work with corks. Other times the name of the machine doesn't necessarily imply the type of cap with which the equipment will work. For those new to the packaging industry, we offer a quick overview of the different types of cappers and the closures handled.
SPINDLE CAPPING MACHINE
Spindle cappers work with closures known as continuous thread caps, or screw-on type caps. These type of caps include those that you would find on water and other beverage bottles. However, there are many different types of screw-on caps. The water bottle cap is known as a flat cap, other beverages may use a sports cap that stands taller. Both pumps, like those found on soaps, and trigger sprayers, popular on certain cleaning items, are also screw on type caps. So while spindle cappers handle one type of cap, they actually help to tighten a wide range of different versions of the screw-on closure. These bottle cappers allow for continuous capping along a conveyor by presenting caps via chute. Once a bottle picks up a cap, sets of spinning spindle disks will consistently tighten the cap.
Click to learn more about LPS Spindle Cappers.
CHUCK CAPPING MACHINE
Chuck capping machines offer a second option when packagers use continuous thread, or screw-on, type caps. While tightening the same caps as the spindle capper, the chuck capping equipment can offer some unique advantages in certain situations. First, the chuck cappers offer more, and better, alternatives for those using semi-automatic packaging equipment. Handheld and tabletop chuck cappers offer packagers the opportunity to add consistency to the capping process without an abundance of space or high speeds. Chuck capping machines can also offer a better alternative when dealing with smaller containers, or as a component of a monoblock system, by adding stability to the capping process.
Click to learn more about LPS Chuck Cappers.
BOTTLE CORKING MACHINES
As the name implies, bottle corking machines handle cork type closures, including T-corks found on many liquors or distilled spirits. These capping machines can be built to work on an automatic line or with the assistance of an operator in a semi-automatic mode. The automatic machines will place the cork in the bottle and apply pressure to create a seal, while semi-automatic machines will usually require hand placement of corks by an operator. Bottle corkers are often coupled with neck banders, capsule spinners or other equipment to create a complete, and tamper-proof, seal.
Click to learn more about LPS Bottle Corkers.
SNAP CAPPING MACHINE
Snap cappers are used to apply any type of cap that snaps in to place, such as the caps found on some OTC medicines or any other product that uses a cap that is pressed on to the bottle. These machines may use either a tamping head or a declined belt to apply the necessary pressure to complete the seal. Like most other capping machines, the snap cappers can run automatically with a cap delivery system or it can be set up to run semi-automatically with the assistance of an operator.
Click to learn more about LPS Snap Cappers.
ROPP CAPPING MACHINE
Roll On Pilfer Proof, or ROPP, caps are basically blank aluminum shells that will be placed over a bottle opening. These type of closures may be seen on distilled spirits, wine, olive oil and many other products. The ROPP capper then threads the cap on to the bottle, creating a unique seal that also provides tamper evidence. ROPP cappers can be set up to run a single bottle after a blank is placed by an operator, or they can be manufactured to use one or more capping heads to automatically seal bottles as they move down a conveyor line.
Click to learn more about LPS ROPP Cappers.
While almost all packaging projects will include one of the capper types noted above, sometimes unique closures or bottles may require a custom capping machine. In these rare instances, LPS will work closely with the packager to modify one of the machines laid out above, or to create a completely new machine to seal the containers in the desired manner. For additional information on any of the capping machines, follow the links supplied above or contact Liquid Packaging Solutions to speak with a Packaging Specialist today.