Specifying a capping machine is a little less complicated than a filling machine but like filling machines there are many ways to solve the same packaging problem depending on cap sizes, geometries, closure design, required production speed and plant environment. Part of this specification process also includes what type of sorter can be used based on the constraints above.
1. What is the size range of the caps?
Caps can range from very small e.g. 5mm diameter to a very large 120mm diameter. A size range this great is oftentimes impractical to work in one type of capping machine. A capping machine for very large caps may require a vertical placing device and then only a cap tightener to finish the process. Capping on extremely small caps may limit the type of capping machine choice because the bottles are too small to be handled any other system except a “monoblock” system that physically controls the bottle in a starwheel. The diameter size of these closures will also determine what kind of sorting device will be suitable. Very small caps may require small vibratory sorting systems while very large diameter caps may require large bulk elevator sorters.
2. What are the geometries of the caps?
The ratio of width to height of the closure constrains not only the cap sorting choices but also may determine what type of capping machine must be used for the application. Typical “flat caps” (where the width of the cap is always greater than the height of the cap) are fairly simple to sort, apply and tighten and will work on just about all types of capping machines. However, when the caps become square or taller than they are wide (i.e. tall caps), the options to sort the caps becomes limited to centrifugal and vibratory systems. Depending on the geometries of these caps, they may be capable of being stripped out of a cap chute or they may have to be picked and vertically placed onto the containers. This cap handling question will definitely determine whether or not an “in line” type capping machine will work or whether or not a chuck style vertical capper must be used. Some closures are not even caps at all; dropper tips, pumps and spray heads are typically economically prohibitive for automatic sorting and placing; they are usually hand placed and then tightened by an automatic tightener instead of a capping machine.
3. What is the closure design and the fit of the closure into or onto the chosen container?
Some threaded closures simply cannot be applied onto a container any other way than being “picked” into a a chuck type capping head and then vertically placed into or onto the container. A good example of this is a detergent pour spout cap. They are tall with a skirt that must fit into the mouth of the container before the threads can engage for tightening. Closures such as plugs, corks, stoppers and other fitments must also be sorted and vertically placed into the container. These machines are intermittent motion and run much slower than “inline” type of capping machines that are continuous motion. These vertical placement, intermittent machines are also more expensive than continuous motion cappers. In the case of very small plugs such as those used in pharmaceutical applications, an intermittent motion “monoblock” system must be used; the capital cost of these capping (plugging) systems can be prohibitive to smaller producers.
4. Will the capping machine be automatic or semi automatic or even manual?
The biggest constraint to productivity in a complete liquid filling operation is the capping process. To apply and tighten closures manually basis is extremely labor intensive with health risks to personnel such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Manually, capping speeds will never exceed 10 containers per minute (CPM) on a sustained basis. Semiautomatic systems can sustain higher rates at 15 to 20 CPM but with a commitment to a higher labor component. Any production rates higher than this will require at least an automatic tightener which can handle caps, pumps, and sprays as fast as they can be manually placed. From our practical experience in this matter, this rate is limited to approximately 30 to 40 containers per minute with several personnel involved. Fully automatic systems that both sort, place and tighten caps can reach speeds well in excess of 200 CPM depending on whether or not the cap styles are useable in a continuous motion machine. Caps and other closures that require intermittent motion machines will typically reach a maximum of 30 to 60 CPM on single and dual head chuck and plugger systems. (Rotary – multi head – chuck systems provide higher capping speeds on these type of caps.)
5. What are the plant environment and operations considerations?
Like filling machines installed in plants filling explosive or corrosive chemicals or food plants that are constantly washed down, automatic capping machines must be built to meet those requirements. One frame style or electrical control system may be insufficient and the supplier must be capable of building a capping machine that is fit for the purpose in the environment it is operating in. The construction challenges and cost difference for a capping machine installed in a cleaning chemical plant versus a machine installed in a FDA regulated washdown environment are substantial.
For the producer who needs a capping system capable of reaching up to 200 CPM on a flat cap or a producer who has a difficult automatic plug or fitment application, ShineBen has one of the widest ranges of equipment options to offer in the industry. All of our capping machines are entirely manufactured by us in our facility. More than fifteen years of dedicated design work and applications expertise in this specialty field will ensure your packaging line will meet all expectations for production and profit.
