Bottle Corkers for Different Automation Levels

Bottle corkers are used to seal containers that use corks, T-corks and other similar closures. For most corker designs, a chute will be in place to deliver corks to each container just prior to the cork being pressed in to place by the corking machine. Like other capping and sealing machines manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions, Inc., bottle corkers are available to work with different levels of automation. The main difference between the automation levels of bottle corkers revolve around cork delivery and bottle movement.

Semi-automatic bottle corkers, including tabletop models, are ideal for smaller production runs. Craft distilleries, regional wineries, or other packagers who prepare a small to medium amount of product may find the semi-automatic corker an ideal solution for sealing bottles. On semi-automatic versions of the corker, operators will typically need to load the chute with corks from time to time. In addition, the operator will assist in placing the bottle and activating the corking process as well. This will typically mean sliding the bottle into location under the corking head and removing the bottle once the closure is pressed in to place.

For those packagers with a little more production demand, an automatic bottle corker can work with other inline packaging machinery to cork bottles continuously without as much operator assistance. Automatic machinery will use a cork delivery system such as an elevator to deliver the closures to the chute, removing the need for the operator to repeatedly load the chute with corks. Operators will only need to replenish the bulk supply to the delivery system as needed. The automatic corker will also sit along the power conveyor system, sealing containers as they move through the corking area, meaning the operator need not assist in bottle movement for each and every bottle. Once the cork is in place, the bottles will continue down the conveyor system to the next phase of packaging, such as labeling or neck banding.

All bottle corkers are easily adjustable to handle different bottle sizes, with automatic machinery including an easy to use Allen Bradley PLC for quick and easy set up. Tabletop models can be combined with rinsers, fillers and other packaging equipment to create a packaging system on a single tabletop or in a very small footprint.

From tabletop models to fully automatic machines, bottle corkers are in use to seal olive oils, distilled spirits, wines, perfumes and an ever-growing number of products. To learn more about bottle corkers, or any of the capping and sealing machinery manufactured in La Porte, Indiana, or to discuss your own packaging project with a Liquid Packaging Specialist, contact LPS today.