Capping Controls Make Set-Up and Changeover Easy

Having reviewed the different control screens for fillers in the previous weeks, let's now turn our attention to controls for capping machinery. Control panels for automatic bottle cappers are slightly different from those for filling machines in that no touchscreen operator interface is necessary. On both automatic and semi-automatic capping machines, much of the set-up will entail physical adjustments to capper components, and the control panel assists with these type of changes.

AUTOMATIC CAPPING MACHINES

Automatic capping machines will include a control panel for the various components of the different machines, but the control panel will not include, or require, a touchscreen panel. Instead, capper control panels will include several switches and dials to assist in the set-up and reliable functioning of the capping machine. Most automatic capping machines will include a cap delivery system, with a switch to control both power and speed. Also found on almost every capping machine will be a switch for power height, allowing the machine to be lowered or raised with the flip of a switch to accommodate different container sizes. Conveyor controls for the capping machine will typically be included on the control panel as well, also with power and speed controls. From here, various settings will also be included depending on the type of capping machine in use. For example, automatic spindle cappers will include power and speed settings for both the spindle wheels and the gripper belts. Adjustment controls for both of these items, including belt height and width and wheel width (wheel height is controlled with the power height switch) will be found on the front of the capping machine, keeping all controls accessible and in a more or less centralized area.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC CAPPING MACHINES

Semi-automatic capping machines require more operator interaction, including placing caps on the bottles and bottles in the capping area. For this reason, no controls will be found for cap delivery systems. In fact, most semi-automatic capping machines will not include a control panel at all. Instead, semi-automatic bottle cappers will use simple hand cranks for height adjustment and either a sensor or a switch to activate the capping cycle. While simple to use, the semi-automatic machines will also allow for a range of container sizes by incorporating these simple hand adjustments.  Hand crank adjustments, sensors and switches also help to keep the capping process consistent and reliable when using semi-automatic capping machinery.

As noted, the actual controls on any capping machine will depend on the type of equipment being used as well as the bottle and cap combination and the packaging project as a whole.  Packaging Specialists at LPS are always available to discuss projects and assist in identifying the best capping solution.  To learn even more about the different types of capping machines available from Liquid Packaging Solutions, click here.