Simple Spindle Capper Adjustments for Different Bottle Sizes

Spindle capping machines allow for the continuous tightening of screw-on type closures as bottles pass through the capping area on a conveyor belt. These machines use sets of disks to spin the cap down onto the threads. A stabilizer bar helps keep the cap in place while gripper belts steady the bottle to achieve reliable and consistent seals.

In order to run different bottles, each of the components of the spindle capper mentioned above must be adjustable to meet the needs of the bottle and cap being run. At Liquid Packaging Solutions, spindle capping machines are manufactured to make the changeover process as simple as possible to keep the capping process efficient. In most cases, the simple adjustments found on the face of the spindle capper will be the only adjustments necessary for changing over from one bottle to another.

Gripper belts will contact a bottle on each side as it moves down the conveyor and through the capper area. Obviously, these belts will need to be adjusted in or out as well as up or down to create the most support for the bottle being run. The spindle capper will include to hand cranks on the capping machine faceplate. One crank allows for the up and down adjustment of the gripper belts, while the other moves the belts in and out. When changing over a bottle, an operator need only place a bottle on the conveyor and adjust the belts to accommodate that bottle.

In order to effectively tighten the caps, the sets of spindle disks must also contact the cap in the appropriate location. Each individual spindle is adjustable in and out by using a simple hand knob on the capper faceplate. As bottles move down the conveyor, each set of spindles will thread the cap a little more, until the last set, usually including a clutch, finish the seal. Again, an operator need only place a bottles in the capping area to use the hand knob to adjust the wheels in and out. A simple switch found on the capper control panel allows for the adjustment up and down when bottles vary in height.

While these two adjustments are the most common when changing over bottles, some packagers may also need to adjust other components as well. For example, oddly shaped or very tall bottles may require a second set of gripper belts to maintain stability during the capping process. For some types of continuous thread caps, such as trigger sprayers, an alternative stabilizer bar may need to be inserted. The variation in caps may also require adjustments to the cap chute which delivers caps to the bottles. In all of these cases, LPS will manufacture tool-free adjustments whenever possible, and simplify the tools needed where not possible, always having the goal of an efficient changeover in mind.

To discuss your own capping project with a Packaging Specialist, and whether the spindle capping is the best machine for your own needs, contact an LPS representative today.