Capping Machines for Different Closures

Sealing containers is an integral part of the packaging process, keeping product safe, tamper proof and ready for the consumer. But capping or sealing each and every container by hand would be a tedious and inefficient process. For this reason, capping machines are manufactured to quickly, consistently and reliably seal bottles and other containers. With many different ways to cap bottles, many different capping machines exist to get the job done, and the type of closure or cap used for any project will help to identify the correct capping machine for the project.

SCREW-ON OR CONTINUOUS THREAD CAPS

Continuous thread caps can be found on a wide variety of items from popular drinks to cleaning products, soaps and really just about any category of product you can imagine. These caps can be simple screw-on type caps or they can take the form of trigger sprayers, sports caps, pumps and more. Two different types of capping machines are manufactured for these type of closures. Spindle capping machines will most often be seen on automatic packaging lines, using sets of spinning disks to tighten caps as the bottle and cap combination move through the sets on a power conveyor. Chuck capping machines can also be used for continuous thread closures, but are more often seen in smaller production facilities in the form of handheld or tabletop machines, though automatic chuck cappers also exist as well.

CORKS AND CORK LIKE CLOSURES

Bottle corking machines can be built to handle corks, T-corks and similar closures for different products, though these machines are most often seen in the distilled spirits and wine industries. Bottle corkers can also be built to work automatically for higher speed projects or as tabletop or semi-automatic machines for low to medium production facilities. Whether the cork is placed by an operator or set automatically into the bottle, the capping head will apply the necessary pressure to push the cork closure into place and prepare the bottles for the shelf.

SNAP CAPS

Snap caps, as the name suggests, simply snap into place on the bottle or other container. These caps require pressure to push the closure into place, and this pressure will be achieved using either a declining belt or a tamp head to ensure reliable sealing of the bottles. Just like all of the other capping machines mentioned here, snap cappers can run automatically or can be built for smaller projects to be run semi-automatically with the help of an operator.

ROLL ON PILFER PROOF CAPS

Aluminum caps are gaining more and more popularity and reaching more industries as of late. Historically popular in the wine industry, these aluminum blanks are set on a bottle, and the ROPP capping machine uses a special set of knives to thread the cap to the bottle, providing tamper evidence and a secure seal for the product being protected. ROPP cappers can use one or multiple heads and can also be manufactured for fully automatic packaging lines or semi-automatically for low to medium output projects.

CUSTOM CAPPING MACHINERY

Every once in a while a bottle or product emerges that requires a unique capping machine. Some packages may use fitments, overcaps, or just a unique closure. Custom capping machines can also be manufactured to handle these one-of-a-kind closures in either an automatic manner or with the help of an operator. For those projects with closures that just do not fit into the categories mentioned above, Liquid Packaging Solutions will work with a packager to engineer a solution that will allow or efficient and reliable sealing for the packager and the consumer.

While the type of cap will determine the type of capping machine to be used, other factors such as product demand, container size and type and more will help to find the right automation level as well. For assistance finding the best capping method for your own closures, contact LPS today.