Different Levels of Automation for Spindle Capping Machines

Spindle Cappers are used on a wide range of packaging lines across many different industries. The reason for this is simple, spindle capping machines tighten screw-on, or continuous thread, closures. Continuous thread closures can be seen on products found in almost any industry. From a typical bottle of water or cola to household cleaners, motor oil and chemicals, the twist off cap is one of the more popular closures used by packagers today.

Spindle capping machinery offers packagers an efficient and reliable solution for tightening these caps whether working with thousands of bottles a day or just capping bottles a couple days a month. For those with high production demand, an automatic spindle capper will allow for continuous capping of bottles as they move through the machine on a power conveyor. The automatic version of the bottle capper uses a cap delivery system that, once running, only requires the operator replenish bulk caps to the delivery system.

Using either a cap elevator or a bowl, caps will be properly oriented and delivered to a chute. The end of the chute will include metal "fingers" that hold a single cap in place for delivery to the bottle. As the bottle moves into the capping area, the cap is stripped from the chute and ready to be tightened. As the bottle and cap move through the tightening area, sets of spinning spindle disks will thread the closure tightly on the bottle, creating a consistent, repeatable seal. While moving through the tightening process, stabilizer bars will help keep the cap from cross-threading or falling off the bottle, while gripper belts keep bottles from tipping or shaking. Automatic spindle cappers are capable of tightening thousands of bottles for every hour of production!

For packagers with less demand or output of product with continuous thread caps, the same spindle capper can be used without the cap delivery system. Semi-automatic full-frame spindle cappers will require an operator to either place caps in the chute or on each bottle prior to the cap and bottle combination entering the capping area. This cost-efficient solution also allows the packager to upgrade to a fully automated spindle capper in the future should demand or output grow!

Finally, tabletop spindle cappers can be an ideal solution for packagers with lower output and unique caps. While full-frame spindle cappers will typically consist of three or four pairs of matched spindle disks, the tabletop version simply uses one set of disks. Caps such as trigger sprayers and pump type closures can be quickly and reliably tightened using a tabletop spindle capper, without the fear of inconsistent tightening or repetitive motion injuries that can occur from hand tightening. The operator of the tabletop machine will simply place a cap on the bottle and slide the bottle and closure into the machine, allowing the disks to complete the seal.

For packagers both large and small, the spindle capping machine can offer added speed, reliability and consistency to the capping process. To learn more about spindle cappers and all of the other sealing equipment manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions in the LaPorte, Indiana plant, visit the Capping and Sealing section of the LPS website today.