Spindle Capping Machines - Automatic and Tabletop

Spindle capping machines provide an excellent, and probably the most popular, solution for tightening screw on type closures. Automatic machines are often seen on complete inline packaging systems to offer continuous capping of a range of different screw on caps. For semi-automatic packaging systems, the chuck capper is often the first choice, but a semi-automatic or tabletop spindle capper plays an important role for specific types of screw on closures.

Automatic spindle cappers allow bottles to receive a cap and pass through the tightening section without operator interaction, outside of supplying bulk caps to the cap feeder on occasion. This is achieved by using an automatic cap delivery system, which will typically consist of either a cap elevator or a vibratory bowl. The cap exits the bowl or elevator and proceeds down a chute where it is presented to the bottle or other container. The container strips the cap from fingers at the end of the chute and proceeds down the conveyor through the capping area. The capping area normally consists of gripper belts to keep the bottle and cap steady as well as a stabilizer to keep the cap positioned for tightening. As the bottle and cap move down the conveyor, each matched sets of spindle discs will tighten the cap a little more, until a consistent and reliable seal is obtained upon exiting the machine.

Semi-automatic and tabletop spindle cappers rely more on the operator to complete the capping process. Semi-automatic machines may be built on the same frame as the automatic bottle cappers. However, no cap feed system would exist. The operator would place the cap on the bottle to be carried through the machine on the power conveyor. Some lower production facilities with expected growth may use this type of semi-automatic machine, eventually converting it to a fully automatic capper.

Tabletop spindle cappers are a niche machine. A variety of screw on caps exist for a number of different products. For many, like flat caps, flip tops and others, a chuck capper presents a more efficient solution. However, screw on caps may also be designed as trigger sprayers, pumps or other uniquely shaped closures. In this case, the chuck with chuck capping machines cannot descend to cover the pump, trigger or other extensions on the closure. And while automatic spindle capping machines can be designed for these types of caps, the automatic machine is also overkill for smaller production facilities. So the tabletop spindle capper provides a good solution for small production facilities working with unique screw on caps.

Of course, each capping machine produced will match the specific needs of the project for which it is manufactured, whether for a screw on cap or a different type of closure. To learn more about the different capping machines, simply click on the Capping Machines and Sealing Equipment to the left.