Automatic Capping Machines - Cap Delivery Systems
Automatic Capping Machines - Cap Delivery Systems
Automatic capping machines may take on a number of different forms. Spindle cappers use spinning discs to tighten down caps. Automatic chuck capping equipment use a specific chuck and insert that descends to cover the cap and uses torque to create a reliable seal. Snap capping machines use a belt to apply pressure to the top of the cap and ROPP cappers utilize special knives to create their seal. However, the one thing that many automatic capping machines have in common is the automatic cap delivery system.
An automatic cap delivery system generally prepares caps for the capping machine by first correctly orienting the caps and then delivering them to the capping equipment via a chute. The cap delivery system simply requires an operator to occasionally add bulk caps to the hopper or bowl. There are two main options for cap delivery systems and, of course, custom machinery may be built for unusual capping projects.
CAPPING MACHINE CAP ELEVATOR
A cap elevator may be used to deliver caps to almost any of the automatic capping equipment mentioned above. These simple machines use a flighted conveyor belt that take caps from a floor level hopper to a chute that delivers the caps to the capping machine. Caps that start up the conveyor like elevator belt facing in the wrong direction will fall back into the hopper. Caps that are correctly placed for presentation to the bottle travel down the chute and eventually wait for a bottle to pass under and strip the cap. Simple adjustments to a cap elevator and capping machine allow for a range of cap sizes and types to be used on these machines.
CAPPING MACHINE VIBRATORY BOWL
As an alternative to the cap elevator, a vibratory bowl may be used to deliver caps. A vibratory bowl is pretty much just what it sounds like, a bowl that vibrates. The vibration carries caps around the outer rim of the bowl, with those incorrectly oriented being blown back into the bowl. Correctly oriented caps travel around the outside of the bowl until they reach the chute, which then delivers the caps to the capping machines in the same manner as with the cap elevator. A vibratory bowl may be used for cap types or shapes that do not work well with an elevator, or simply to add speed in some cases. The operator of the vibratory bowl simply dumps bulk caps into the bowl, or, in the alternative, into a floor level hopper where an elevator delivers the caps to the bowl.
For custom capping projects, normally those using unique bottles, caps or both, custom delivery systems may need to be designed. These systems may include pick and place cap delivery or any other system that will work with the capping machine to keep the capping process moving while also creating a consistent and reliable seal.
For more information on capping equipment, visit our capper page, or contact a representative toll free at 1-888-393-3693 today.