Spindle Capping Machine Bottle Changeover

One of the advantages of the spindle capping machine lies in the versatility of the machine.  A single automatic spindle capper can handle a wide range of screw cap types and sizes.  In addition, the capping machine can handle a variety of bottle shapes and sizes as well.  Of course, some adjustments will need to be made when moving from one bottle and/or cap to another.

 

The automatic spindle capper uses sets of spinning wheels to tighten down screw caps in a consistent and reliable manner.  The capping machine will also use a chute to deliver caps to the bottle as well as gripper belts and a bar to keep the bottle and cap stabile as tehy move through the automatic capper.  This packaging machine is manufactured to make changover from one bottle and cap combination to another as quick and as simple as possible.  The first step is to simply adjust the height of the capping machine housing for the bottle to be used.  After ensuring that the power conveyor is off, the operator of the packaging line should place a bottle on the conveyor with the cap in place.  The operator can then use the simple power height adjustment (or hand crank on some machines) to move the housing up and down until the spindle wheels properly line up on the cap.  At this point power to the capping machine can be shut off as additional adjustments will be made in the capping area.  

 

Once the cap is lined up to the spindle wheels, some adjustment may be necessary to the cap stabilizer bar.  The stabilizer bar should meet the bottle and cap before the tightening via the spindle wheels begins.  If adjustment is necessary, the operator will simply loosen a bracket bolt and slide the stabilizer bar to the necessary position.

 

After the proper height has been obtained, it may be necessary to adjust the spindle wheels in or out to properly contact the cap as it passes through the machine.  The spindle wheels can be adjusted in and out using simple knobs found on the front of the capping machine housing.  Each spindle wheel is individually adjustable with a simple turn of a knob and can be locked once in the desired position.  The last set of spindles will include a clutch that allows the operator to add or subtract torque as desired.  The torque is adjusted by turning a nut on each of the last two spindles.

 

The next step is to adjust the height and width of the gripper belts.  These belts are used to ensure that the bottle moves smoothly along the conveyor through the capping machine.  Two hand cranks on the capper housing allow for such adjustments.  One of the hand cranks will move the gripper belts in and out while the other will adjust the height.  If the belts are too loose or not at the proper height, the bottles may not be stabile as they move through the capping area, resulting in inconsistent or even loose capping.  If the belts are too tight, they may damage the bottles while also resulting in inconsistent tightening.  For unusually shaped or sized bottles, some trial and error may be necessary to find the proper positioning.

 

The last component of the capping machine to be adjusted will be the capper chute.  The chute delivers caps to the bottles as they pass through the capping machine, usually from a cap elevator or sorting bowl.  The cap chute includes a stabilizer bar and guiderails for the caps.  The height of the bar and the width of the rails can be adjusted by simply turning the necessary knobs.

 

Power to the capping machine can be restored once the final adjustments have been made.  The power conveyor should be turned to a low speed and a bottle and cap combination can be run through the packaging machine to test the settings.  Any fine tuning can then be made and the machine should be ready to run automatic production!  For more information on spindle cappers or any other packaging equipment manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions, browse our website or contact us toll free at 1-888-393-3693.