Four Big Benefits of Semi-Automatic Capping Equipment

Capping machines run the gamut from simple manual equipment to fully automatic inline machinery. Many times conversations regarding adding a capping machine to a packaging project revolve around the speeds achieved by the machine, even when the machine being discussed is less than fully automatic. While semi-automatic capping equipment adds speed to many projects, there are a number of other benefits to upgrading from a hand capping process as well.

1. Reliability

Regardless of the type of capping machine in use, having a mechanical assembly seal each and every bottle in the same manner results in a reliable seal. Reliable, repeatable seals avoid issues such as leaking, spills, tampering and even product spoilage for some products. Knowing that the seal on the first bottle capped in the morning will be just as reliable as the last bottle sealed at the end of the day is one of the benefits of semi-automatic capping equipment.

2. Consistency

Another benefit very closely related to reliability is the consistency offered by semi-automatic capping machines. A hand capping process may result in one cap being applied loosely, the next applied in a cross-threaded manner, the next perfectly sealed and the fourth overtightened. When using semi-automatic capping machinery, the same amount of torque, pressure or other force will be applied with each cap, leading to consistent sealing throughout the production day.

3. Avoiding Injury

A full day of twisting, pushing or otherwise sealing containers can cause fatigue for the labor used in the process. Not only does the fatigue contribute to unreliable and inconsistent sealing, but fatigue and repetitive motion can lead to worker injuries, especially if the same motion is used over long shifts. While semi-automatic capping machines still require operator interaction with the cap and bottle, the machines will remove the twisting and force necessary for hand capping processes, thus reducing the likelihood of worker injury.

4. Speed

As noted above, speed is often the driving force behind the move to semi-automatic and automatic capping equipment. The fatigue mentioned above can also lead to slower performance as the work day continues. While semi-automatic equipment still relies on the performance of the operator of the equipment - and therefore the actual output of the machine relies on the performance of the operator - the ease of the workload and the reduced force necessary will often increase the speed with which bottles or containers can be sealed.

Capping equipment from Liquid Packaging Solutions handles a wide range of different closures, including screw-on type caps, snap caps, corks, plugs and many others. The benefits discussed above generally apply to all of the different types of cappers, including custom equipment. For more information on the different types of machines, and the specific benefits of each machine, visit the Capping & Sealing section of our website.