A Packaging Machine A Day - Bottle Corking Machines

While the cap we probably see more often than any other at Liquid Packaging Solutions is of the screw-on variety, the kind you might see on bottled water or soft drinks, many other cap types do exist. Certain industries gravitate toward closures other than the continuous thread cap, such as distilled spirits. In the distilled spirits world, as well as wine and even some food products, cork type closures are arguably more popular than screw-on type caps. Bottle corking machines are made specifically for corks, T-corks and similar closures to work in both automatic and semi-automatic modes, allowing the machines to be used in processes with both low and high outputs.

Automatic bottle corkers will line up bottles under the corking head while they travel on a power conveyor line. They are typically integrated into full line systems that may include, for example, a rinsing machine, filling machine, the bottle corker and a labeler, though they can also work as stand alone machines. The machines use different indexing types, such as pins or screws, to position the bottles under the head, while a cap delivery system ensures that a cork type closure is always available when the bottle arrives. Operators of the automatic corking machine, once properly set up for production, will only need to supply bulk closures to either the cork elevator or vibratory bowl. From there the cork type closures are delivered via a chute, where they will be inserted into the bottles to complete the seal.

Semi-automatic corking machines will typically require the operator of the machine to first place the cork type closure in the container and then slide it into place under the corking head, allowing for consistently, reliable and repeatable bottle sealing. These machines, which can increase speeds but ultimately work only as fast as the operator, are good solutions for smaller facilities with low to medium production demand, to protect against fatigue and inconsistent corking. These machines may be incorporated into a semi-automatic filling system to allow for quick fill and cap solutions, or may even simply sit on a tabletop to allow for simple and easy corking of hand filled bottles.

While the stand alone automatic machine and the simple tabletop type semi-automatic corker are the most common designs, bottle corkers, like just about all of the equipment manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions, can be custom manufactured to meet the needs of almost all packaging projects. Whether a space saving design or integration with other machinery or an existing conveyor system, LPS will work with the packager to find the best possible solution for each individual project.

To learn more about these unique machines, visit the Bottle Corking Machine section of the LPS website.