Spindle Capping Machine - Standard Features

While different capping machines have different looks, each type of bottle capper will be manufactured with certain Standard Features that allow for consistent and reliable capping as well as quick and easy set-up and changeover. Below we take a look at the Standard Features that will normally be found on an Automatic Spindle Capper.

Spindle cappers are used to tighten screw-on caps, also known as continuous thread closures, on to a variety of different products. Screw-on caps can be as simple as the flat cap found typically found on a bottle of water or other beverage. However, these closures may also take the form of flip-top caps, pumps, trigger sprayers and more. The type of screw-on caps available are almost as numerous as the products that they seal! While some aspects of a spindle capper may be modified or changed to handle a specific cap, all of the following will be available on spindle capping machines:

Portable Stainless Steel Construction

The stainless steel construction of the spindle capping machine helps ensure a sturdy machine that will remain steady during the capping process. Dialing in the spindle capping machine provides consistent and repeatable sealing of containers as they continuously move through the capping area. An unsteady or shaky frame can cause issues with performance. The portable frame allows the capper to roll up to an existing line or to easily be re-positioned should changes be made to a line.

Cap Sorting Device

In order to run continuously, the spindle capper must have a constant supply of caps to tighten on to bottles and other containers. The cap sorting device may be an elevator, a vibratory bowl or a combination of both. This part of the capping process ensures caps are correctly oriented and ready for the bottles as they move into the capping area. However, the cap sorting device will deliver the closures to the cap chute.

Cap Chute

The cap chute, then, delivers the oriented caps to the bottles themselves. Each cap will travel down the chute to eventually be presented between two "fingers" to the bottle. Each bottle strips one cap from the chute as it enters the capping area. Now with the bottle and cap together, the spindle capper can complete the job and tighten the lid on the containers.

Adjustable Tightening Spindles (and Clutches)

The actual tightening of the caps on to the bottles is completed as the bottle and cap move down the power conveyor. The capping area will include sets of tightening spindle disks. The disks on the spindles spin the cap on to the bottle as it moves between multiple sets, each set tightening the cap a little more. The last set of spindles will normally include clutches to fine tune the amount of torque when capping the bottles. The spindles and disks are easy adjustable with simple knobs to accommodate different sizes and types of screw-on caps.

Adjustable Gripper Belts

In order to reliably tighten the caps, the bottle needs to remain stable as it passes through the capping area. Gripper belts help guide and steady the bottle as it moves through the capping process. Some bottles may require a double gripper belt assembly if, for example, the bottles are tall, tapered or otherwise unusually shaped. Both single and double gripper belts are adjustable with knobs as well.

Power Height Adjustment

Finally, a simple power height adjustment will be found on every spindle capper. The power height adjustment allows an operator to easily raise and lower the entire capping assembly by moving a switch left or right. The power height adjustment also helps to simplify set up and changeover to allow for maximum production time when using the capping machine.

Again, while not every capper will look exactly alike, the above standard features will be found on almost every spindle capper. Modifications may be made for special bottles or caps, and each spindle capper will be built specifically for the packager and project at hand.