Capping Machine Solutions for Different Bottles and Closures

Bottle capping machines for any project will be manufactured based on the type of closures that will be used for that project. For this reason, the cap type is always a consideration when choosing the best solution for any packaging line design. Below we revisit the most popular capping machines and the closures that they tighten or seal.

Spindle Cappers and Chuck Capping Machines are both manufactured to handle one of the most abundant and popular closures across many industries, the continuous thread, screw-on type cap. These caps can take on many different forms, from simple flat caps found on bottled water and other plastic beverage bottles, to unusual closures such as trigger sprayers found on window and other cleaning items. Spindle capping machines use spinning disks to tighten down caps as they pass through sets of the disks, while chuck cappers use a chuck head to descend over the cap and bottle and apply torque to tighten the cap. The choice between the two machines will depend on a number of factors, including the shape and size of the bottles, the shape, size and type of screw-on closure, the desired speed and more.

Bottle corkers have become more popular with the explosion of craft distilleries in the past few years, though the machines are not exclusive to spirits. These machines, as the name suggests, will seal bottles using corks, T-corks and other similar closures. The cork closures may be hand placed or automatically placed before being pressed in to place by a tamp like component. Smaller bottles that use stoppers, such as tubes, will be sealed in a similar manner. Snap capping machines and lid pressers work for non-cork closures and may press down lids using a belt rather than a tamper. Again the design of the machine will depend on a number of different factors, including those mentioned above for the screw-on type closures.

Roll On Pilfer Proof (ROPP) capping machines are unique bottle cappers that use blank aluminum shells to seal caps. These machines use rollers to thread the cap as it is applied to the bottle. Not only do the ROPP cappers create a seal on the bottle, but they also create tamper evidence for product as well, typically in the form of a perforated rim around the bottom of the cap. ROPP cappers are also gaining popularity due to the influx of distillers, though the closure was already popular on wine bottles, olive oils and other products. Though most ROPP capper designs will look very similar, the rollers used on the machine can vary based on the size of the aluminum shells. The ROPP head can also be interchanged with a head to tighten screw-on caps, much like a chuck capper.

While spindle, chuck, snap, ROPP and corking machines will cover almost all capping and sealing projects, there do exist exceptions to the rule that may require engineering and designing of a completely custom solution. Standard or custom, capping machinery can be designed as handheld, tabletop, semi-automatic or automatic machinery, to fit the production needs of packagers large and small. To discuss your capping or sealing project with a Packaging Professional today, contact Liquid Packaging Solutions.