Capping machines are used to secure caps onto bottles and drums. There are three basic types of equipment: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Manual capping machines aid in the setting or holding of products. Operators are responsible for most controls and activities. Semi-automatic capping machines allow a single operator to perform routine activities quickly and accurately. These cappers help with both placement and packaging. Automatic capping machines perform activities without operator intervention. In fully-automatic applications, operator involvement is limited to the replenishment of packaging components.
Types
Rate and cap type are important specifications to consider when selecting capping machines. The rate is the number of pieces per minute that the capper produces. Cap types include:
child-resistant closures
cork caps
crimp flutes
press-on closures
screw caps
tamper-proof seals
tear-off caps
Cap size range: 8mm to 120mm, Container size range: low jars up to 2-1/2' gallons and capable of handling all types of caps including child resistant and plastic, metal, or glass, containers.
Child-resistant closures (or caps) have a mechanism that makes it difficult for a child to open. Pharmaceutical container caps are an example.
Cork caps use the lightweight elastic outer bar of the cork oak, especially for bottle closures.
Capping machines press crimp flutes into the flaring skirt of a shallow metal disk. In turn, this disk holds an inner disk made of a resilient lining material to form the actual seal.
Press-on closures are held in place through the use of beads or undercuts instead of threads. They are sometimes called snap-fit closures.
Screw caps are secured to the container with a threaded connection.
Tamper-proof closures change in appearance after they are removed. An example is a tear-off band from a cap that either falls off or tears so that the break is easily seen.
Tear-off caps or seals are designed to be torn off. Capping machines designed for specialized or proprietary closing methods are also available.
Applications
Capping machines differ in terms of applications and features. Some cappers are designed for industrial or general packaging operations. Others are designed for agricultural, chemical, cosmetic, or food and beverage processing applications. Capping machines for household products, medical and military-related products, paints and coatings, and pharmaceutical products are also available.
Features
In terms of features, cappers that are aseptic or sanitary are easy to clean and are designed to inhibit the growth or presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Capping equipment may be portable, made of stainless steel, designed for use in hazardous locations, or equipped with a feeder.
Related Information
Image credit:
Cfcoo / CC BY-SA 3.0
Kaps-All Packaging Systems, Inc. has been making quality capping and packaging machinery since 1941. Several of the models that have been made over the years have been replaced by newer, more efficient and better performing machines. For this reason some of the older models have been discontinued (The discontinued models in most cases are no longer being supported). Because of this, we strongly suggest that anyone who wishes to purchase a used machine (That was at one time manufactured from Kaps-All) that you review it with us prior to purchasing. We provide this service at no charge and will help you verify that the machine is in fact a bonafide Kaps-All Machine. In addition, we will help you determine the age, the original usage and the value of the machine to see if you are getting the best deal possible. Most importantly, we will confirm and verify that the machine is a safe machine and in safe current operating condition. Again, this is a service we provide at no charge and we would strongly suggest that you take advantage of this offer.