When choosing a capping machine, packagers will have limited options. This is because their options will depend on what closure they are using for a certain project. But, several automation levels exist to add consistency, reliability, and speed to the packaging process. Different capping equipment will also provide distinct choices at various automation levels.
In today’s discussion, we are going to tackle the 3 common types of capping machines and their benefits. Also, in discussing the benefits, we will consider the automation level of each machine. So if you want to know more, keep on reading!
#1 Snap Capping Machines
Snap cappers use belts or tamp heads to “snap” a closure onto a container. They can be either fully automatic or semi-automatic. But, they don’t come in handheld machine designs.
Fully-Automatic Snap Capping Machines
Containers sealed using fully-automatic snap capping machines travel on a power conveyor. They receive closures sent using a cap delivery system. After receiving a closure, the closure-container combination then moves to the capping station. Finally, the machine applies pressure to the combination to complete the seal.
Benefits of Fully-Automatic Snap Cappers
The continuous capping process of fully-automatic snap cappers provides packagers the following benefits:
- Fast capping speed
- Consistent capping process
- Repeatability
Semi-Automatic Snap Capping Machines
In full-frame semi-automatic snap cappers, the operator needs to place the lids on the containers.
Meanwhile, tabletop snap cappers use tamp heads to apply pressure to the closures. Moreover, these machines are usually used for smaller productions. Also, operators need to slide the capped containers into the machine and let it tighten the seal.
Benefits Of Semi-Automatic Snap Cappers
- They can be upgraded into fully-automatic frames by adding a cap delivery system.
- Tabletop machines can be added with container fillers and labelers to increase production efficiency.
- Consistency in the capping process still remains even if the operator’s pace determines the speed of the operation.
#2 Chuck Capping Machines
When you are handling screw-on closures, chuck cappers would be your best solution if you have lower production demands. As the name implies, chuck cappers use a chuck-type head to tighten the screw-on closures onto containers.
Fully Automatic Chuck Capping Machines
These machines usually use star wheels to position the containers under the chuck head for tightening. They use cap elevators or bowls where the closures are fed in bulk and then delivered to the containers via cap chutes.
Benefits of Fully Automatic Chuck Cappers
- Best solutions for handling smaller containers. This is because the starwheel helps stabilize the containers during the capping process.
Semi-Automatic Chuck Capping Machines
Like snap cappers, semi-automatic chuck cappers can also come in full-frame or tabletop designs. The same operation concept applies to these machines as the semi-automatic snap cappers.
Benefits of Semi-Automatic Chuck Cappers
- Smaller machine versions allow the operator to perform the capping process in smaller areas.
- They can be combined with filling machines.
- They can be set up on automatic frames for easier upgrades.
#3 Spindle Capping Machines
Spindle cappers are another option for threaded or screw-on closures. They are possibly the most commonly used types of fully-automatic bottle cappers. This is because threaded caps are very popular closures. Also, these machines use sets of rotating wheels to torque the closures into the containers.
Fully-Automatic Spindle Capping Machines
Similar to chuck cappers, spindle cappers allow for a continuous capping process on automatic lines. They use cap delivery systems to deliver the threaded closures to the containers.
Benefits of Fully-Automatic Spindle Cappers
- The cap delivery system significantly increases the speed of the capping process. This is helpful if you have high production demands.
- They allow an uninterrupted capping process without the containers stopping, unlike chuck capper machines that use star wheels.
Semi-Automatic Spindle Capping Machines
Again, these machines can be assembled on automatic frames. They have no cap delivery systems so the operator is required to manually position the caps onto the bottles before placing them on the machine.
Benefits of Semi-Automatic Spindle Cappers
- You can upgrade them for automatic operation when the need comes. Thus, the equipment grows with the packager.
- They are ideal for enterprises that are planning to grow their business further because they can be easily upgraded.
Conclusion
The solutions we have mentioned in this article are only some of the common types of capping machinery you can choose from. But when purchasing a capper machine, you should always consider the situation you are in. This includes the bottle and closure types you will be using. Here is a short guide to selecting a capping machine for your application you can read.
Also, choose a tin filling machine manufacturer who keeps your goals in mind. They can help you improve the speed, reliability, and consistency of your packaging process further. Through this, you are sure that you will acquire machines that you will be fully satisfied with.
