Chuck Cappers - Solutions for Screw Capping Projects

While different types of caps do exist, the screw cap is probably the most common cap found on a variety of different products.  This is true partially because the screw cap consists of an array of cap types.  A simple flat screw cap may be found on the top of a beverage.  Pump sprayer or trigger sprayer type screw caps may be found on liquid soap and window cleaner, respectively.  Sports caps are screw caps that pop up to allow access to the product are popular on bottled water and sports drinks.  The chuck capping machine can handle these and many other screw-type caps regardless of the production rates desired by the packager.

 

Chuck capping machines come in several different levels of automation, each offering different benefits and advantages.  Of course, your production rates will play a big part in deciding which bottle capper is right for your packaging line.  Handheld chuck cappers come in pneumatic and electric models.  These simple machines, whether using air or electric, require the operator of the capper to place the cap on the bottle, then place the handheld capper over the cap.  The operator simply pushes down with the capping head to engage the chuck and chuck insert, tightening the cap.  Handheld chuck cappers may or may not speed up the capping process in your packaging system.  What they do offer, however, is consistent torque, or tightness of the caps.  Tightening caps by hand can lead to loose or unsecure caps.  Not only can this result in spills and product loss, but it can also shorten the shelf life of certain products as well.  The handheld chuck capper is ideal for low to medium production facilities with a fairly steady stream of product to be capped that are looking for a reliable seal on each and every individual product. 

 

Semi-automatic chuck capping machines can be manufactured on a portable frame or to simply sit on a tabletop, depending on the space available and the capping needs of the specific facility.  Portable semi-automatic spindle cappers are simply built on a frame that can be rolled around the facility.  This packaging machine is ideal for pacakgers that work with more than one product or packaging line, allowing the chuck capper to be used when and where necessary, rather than having to move each product to the capping area when ready to be sealed.  The operator of a portable semi-automatic chuck capper will still place the cap on the bottle, but will then slide the cap and bottle into a positioning nest.  Once in place, the chuck head descends and tightens the screw cap into place.  

 

The tabletop chuck capper works the same as the portable semi-automatic capping machine, but will be mounted on a table rather than onto the portable frame.  These capping machines work well where space is limited on a production floor.  Both semi-automatic capping machines offer the same consistent, reliable capping as the handheld chuck capper, but in most cases will also add efficiency to the capping process.  These machines can be used in conjunction with power or non-power conveyors as a part of a complete semi-automatic packaging line that may include a liquid filler, labeling and coding machine and other packaging machinery.

 

The automatic chuck capping machine retains the ability to consistently tighten screw caps, but adds quite a bit of speed to the capping process.  Automatic chuck cappers allow for continuous bottle capping on an automated packaging system.  Caps are delivered to the capping machine via an elevator or vibratory bowl, thus removing the need for the operator to place a cap on every bottle.  Instead, the operator need only replenish bulk caps from time to time to ensure the chuck capper always has a supply on hand.  Automatic chuck capping equipment can use a single capping head or can be manufactured to use multiple heads at once, capping two, three or more bottles at the same time.  The automatic machine also makes changeover easy by using simple fingertip knobs for machine adjustments adjustments and a control panel that allows for quick change of machine height, conveyor speed and other settings depending on the individual project.

 

The ability of a chuck capping machine to handle a great number of caps at almost any production level makes it worth a look when planning a packaging system.  While the chuck capper is not the only piece of packaging equipment used for screw type caps, it will provide one solution for almost any packaging project.