Finding the Right Automatic Capping Machine

Finding the right automatic capping machine begins with choosing the type of closure that will be used on a packaging system.  However, other factors, such as container type, container size and production speeds will also influence the selection.  From screw on type caps to snap caps, ROPP closures to T-corks and many others, LPS designs, builds or offers capping equipment for a wide range of containers and closures.  Below are a few of the more popular capping machines for today's packagers.  Simply click on the machine that interests you for more information.  

Spindle cappers use sets of spinning disks to tighten screw on type caps.  Screw on caps can take many shapes and forms, from simple flat caps like those found on bottled water to sports caps found on other beverages, flip tops used on shampoos and similar products, trigger sprayers for household cleaning products and many others.  This capping machine will use a chute to deliver screw on lids to the capping machine, allowing each bottle to strip one cap just before entering the tightening area of the equipment. 

Automatic chuck cappers can also be used to tighten screw on type caps.  These machines use a chuck head that descends to cover the cap and container, applying torque for a consistent and reliable seal.  Automatic chuck cappers are arguably more popular with lower volume containers such as vials, tubes and small bottles.  These machines may be incorporated into a monoblock type packaging system or may use starwheel indexing for multiple head machines.  Semi-automatic chuck cappers are popular for packagers with lower production demands as well. 

Snap cappers can be used to press down snap on type caps or lids.  Depending on the application, a press on belt or a type of stomper will be used to apply pressure to the closure to snap it into place on the bottle or other container.  Depending on the type of snap cap being used, these machines may, like the spindle capper, use an elevator or a bowl with a chute to deliver caps to the containers, providing continuous capping on an inline packaging system.

Of course, other containers will use different types of closures.  Distilleries, wines and olive oils, for example, may use ROPP caps, T-corks or other plug type closures.  LPS also offers bartop corkers and ROPP cappers for these type of projects.  And unique packages and closures may require one-time, custom designed and built capping machines.  In the end, each project will be assessed based on the factors mentioned above, as well as any other unique project characteristics, to ensure the best capping solution.