Capping Machine Choices for Liquid Packagers
Secure and reliable capping and sealing not only helps protect liquid products but helps to increase customer confidence in those products. Automated capping machinery helps to achieve these goals without the need for repetitive twisting, tightening or pressing required when hand packaging. At Liquid Packaging Solutions, we provide solutions for bottle capping, including the machines described below for the most popular closure types.
SPINDLE CAPPERS
Spindle capping machines, or retorquers, tighten continuous thread closures of many different types, including flat caps, sports caps, pumps, trigger sprayers, and more. On automatic models, the cap is delivered to the container using a sorting device to ensure proper orientation for tightening. The bottle and cap travel down a power conveyor and through matched sets of spinning disks attached to spindles. As the disks contact the cap, the cap is tightened onto the threads. Typically, the last set of spindles will include a clutch to give the operator control of the amount of torque to be applied. This capper is ideal for high production packaging lines with a variety of different container shapes and sizes and though used mainly in fully automated packaging systems, it is also available in a semi-automatic model.
CHUCK CAPPERS
Chuck cappers offer a second option for continuous thread closures. The chuck on these cappers descends over the bottle and cap to apply torque and seal the bottle. Like the spindle capper, the automatic version of this machine will deliver caps to the bottles without assistance from an operator every cycle. However, chuck cappers offer multiple semi-automatic options, including a handheld capping machine, which allows smaller businesses with lower production demands to also efficiently and reliably seal containers. Semi-automatic models require an operator to place a cap on the bottle and activate the machine to apply torque.
BARTOP CORKERS
For products that use corks, T-corks or similar closures, bartop corkers provide a unique solution to ensure bottles are properly sealed. Both automatic and semi-automatic corking machines will securely press corks into place. Automatic bottle corkers deliver the corks to a shoot and press them into the bottle, while semi-automatic machines typically require an operator to load a chute with corks and then slide each bottle under the corking head for sealing. Ideal for distilled spirits, wine and similar products, these machines offer consistency and reliability while reducing the need for operators to press in cork closures.
ROPP CAPPERS
The ROPP Capper is specially designed to seal bottles with blank aluminum ROPP closures. Also available in automatic and semi-automatic, the ROPP machine works similar to the bottle corker, with automatic machines delivering the aluminum blanks to the bottles for sealing. Operators of semi-automatic ROPP capping machines will either place the sleeve on the bottle or load a chute before placing the bottle under the capping head. These machines create threads on the bottle with capping heads that include specially designed knives, creating tamper-evident seals for a variety of products.
SPECIALTY CAPPERS
Some projects simply require unique capping or sealing techniques. LPS also manufactures pail lid pressers, snap capping machines and custom engineered equipment for special projects. For help identifying the best bottle capper for your own project, explore the different machines on LPS website or give us a call today to speak with a capping specialist.