Bottle Capping machines can be either semi or fully automatic. A semi automatic bottle capper requires the cap to be placed on the bottle prior to entering the machine. This will eliminate the use of a Hopper and Cap Chute. A fully automatic capper will store, select, and place the cap on the bottle automatically.
There are three distinct types of Bottle Cappers: Inline, Chuck, & Rotary. For a fully automatic bottle capper to function it requires the following components: Hopper, Sorter, Cap Chute, Quill or Chuck, & a Gripping mechanism. We will use an Inline Capper to explain each component.
Inline Bottle Capper Machine
Inline Bottle Capping Machines are great for small to medium businesses or for any product that isn't running super high speeds like beer and soda. An Inline Bottle Capper can do anywhere from 0 to 350 Caps Per Minute (CPM) and in some cases even up to 600 CPM. Inline Cappers run straight through without stopping and can handle a wide range of components with one machine and minimal change overs.
When purchasing an Inline Capper there are a few requirements you should consider. The change over from one cap/bottle to another should require little to no tools. The adjustment of the machine should require no tools. The Capper should be able to handle all of your products and also be able to handle future products. The material used should be heavy duty to avoid parts breaking under stress. The moving and wear parts should be visible to the eye so you know when to expect them to be replaced. This can be the difference between no downtime and having to wait a week for a part. You should also pay attention to the gear ratio from the back quills to the front quills and the ratio between the 1st stations and other stations. If you have the budget you might want to consider servo motors instead of the traditional belt box. With servo motors you are able to measure torque accurately and also the speed at which the quill contacts the cap on both sides. Having different speeds in relation to your conveyor will cause the bottle to cock forward, cock backwards, or mark your cap and wear down the rubbers.
The Hoppers main function is to hold a massive amount of caps. The placement of the Hopper depends on the type of Cap Sorter being used for the application. The size of the hopper depends on which caps are being used. If the hopper is placed above the machine then the purchase of a Cap Elevator can eliminate the use of a ladder to fill the hopper.
The function of a Cap Sorter is to take a pile of random caps and have them exit only one way. This is considered the "brains" of the machine and determines the max speed (CPM) a Capper can run. There are many different styles and techniques used to accomplish this task. One way is a mechanical rotating disk with strategically placed pins. Another way is a cap elevator that relies on gravity. There are also some companies that use air to achieve this.
The type of Cap Sorter that is used depends on what caps are being run. Lazar Technologies defaults to using a mechanical disk with pins because the change over between different caps is as easy as changing the disk. If and only if all caps can be used on a Cap Elevator without requiring any adjustments then Lazar will use that style. Lazar will never use an air Cap Sorter because it is not reliable and adjustments have too many variables.
The main function of the Cap Chute is too guide the cap from the Cap Sorter to a certain place. An Inline Capper will have a special mechanism at the end of the chute called a Chute End. A Chuck & Rotary Capper will have a mechanism that allows a mechanical arm to pick up the cap.
The Chute End is responsible for allowing only one cap to be released at a time and also letting a container grab the cap smoothly. Lazar Technologies makes a designated Chute End for each cap to eliminate adjustments and allow quick change over. Other companies try making adjustable chute ends which takes more time and testing during change overs.
The Quill or Chuck is where force is applied to the cap to make it turn. A Chuck or Rotary Capper will grab a cap and turn it down onto the bottle similar to how a human hand would. An Inline Capper turns the cap down by hitting one side in one direction, and the other side in another direction. There are different durometer rubbers you can purchase for your quill or chuck that will provide better results.
The Gripper on all three machine styles have the same function. Its main purpose is to stop the bottle from rotating while the cap is being applied. There are many forms of grippers to accomplish different tasks. The material and type of gripper used depends on the application.
The most important part of a capping machine is the cap. The speed (Cap Per Minute) at which you are able to run is determined by the cap. The torque you are able to reach is also determined by the cap & bottle. A poorly designed cap can give you trouble no matter what machine you purchase. If a cap is difficult to apply by hand it is most likely the same for a machine. Feel free to call us if you are in the stage of picking out a cap for your product.
The container is also a very important part of a capping machine, but not as much as the cap. The container and cap determines the amount of torque you can reach. the style of the container also determines the type of capper needed. A round container that can be squeezed from the side easily has to be gripped a special way. A "F" Shaped container also needs to have a special chute. These are some examples of why a container is an important decision. If you have any questions on different containers feel free to contact us.
The conveyor is used to move containers from one location to another. A number of different conveyors can be used on a bottle capper. We recommend purchasing the same style conveyors for all your machines to lower costs on replacement parts.