Chuck Capping Machines Offer More Than Speed

When purchasing packaging machinery, speed is often one of the main concerns, even if the equipment is not completely automated.  However, with capping machines, and chuck cappers in particular, there are other benefits besides the speed of the machine.  In truth, for some application using chuck capping machines, the speed may not be increased at all,  but the consistency and reliable of the capping will be improved tremendously.

 

The two main pieces of equipment used for screw on capping are the spindle capper and chuck capper.  While the spindle type of tightener will be used more on automatic, inline packaging systems, automatic chuck cappers do exist.  At the semi-automatic level, however, the chuck type tighteners become more popular than spindles.  Chuck capping machines are available as handheld, simple to use cappers, tabletop or portable semi-automatic models and, as mentioned, completely automated machines.  Whether handheld, tabletop or portable, the semi-automatic models will normally require an operator to place the cap on the bottle, and then place the combination of the two under the capping head.  The chuck then lowers to tighten the cap with a consistent and reliable amount of torque.

 

It is this consistent and reliable application of torque that many packagers will find to be as big of a benefit as increased speed.  This is not to say that the semi-automatic machines will not increase speed over hand capping or save on labor and other overhead costs, it simply may not be the biggest motivating factor for the purchase of a semi-automatic chuck capper.  Hand tightening screw on lids requires labor, and the number of laborers will depend on production demands.  Manual capping will also require repetitive movements on the part of the laborers, which can lead to fatigue and inconsistency.  Inconsistency means loose caps, over-tightened caps, cross threaded lids and other unreliable seals, which can have an effect on the overall consumer view of a product.  It is for this reason, and not necessarily speed, that many packagers with low to medium production demands may invest in an economical semi-automatic chuck capper.  These sealing machines can also handle a wide range of screw on type lids, from flat caps to flip-tops, sports caps and more.  

 

Handheld models allow mobility and can also be attached to the frame of a filling machine for quick and easy filling and capping processes.  Tabletop versions of this machine allow a packager to set up a capping area in a small space and can be combined with an accumulating turntable or other device to collect and quickly cap bottles.  Portable chuck cappers also allow mobility and can be set up almost anywhere along one or more packaging lines.  Again, these machines can offer added speed, but can also increase efficiency by adding consistency and reliability to the process of sealing bottles.

 

For more information on chuck cappers or any of the packaging equipment manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions, browse our website or contact our offices to speak with a Packaging Specialist.