Automatic Capping Machines - Spindle and Chuck

Two of the more popular capping machines manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions are the spindle capper and chuck capper.  These machines are popular in part because they tighten screw on type caps, which are probably found on more products than any other closure type.  While there are several differences between the two capping machines, we will focus on two major reasons why a packager may choose one machine over another.

The chuck capping machine will use one or multiple chuck heads that will descend over the cap and bottle to apply torque and tighten the cap.  In many cases, the machine will use star wheel indexing, allowing the bottle to pick up a cap at one point on a star wheel and then turn the bottles to the heads that will descend and tighten the lid.  One advantage of the chuck capping machine is the ability of the operator to control the torque applied during the tightening process.  A simple adjustment to each head will allow the operator to easily increase or decrease torque to reach the desired tightness on a consistent and reliable basis.  This torque control helps to avoid over or under-tightening of the lids during the packaging process.  It also allows easy adjustment for different caps run on the same machine.

The automatic spindle capping machine also allows for consistent and reliable capping, but may require a few more adjustments to reach the desired level of tightening.  Spindle cappers use gripper belts to stabilize bottles, chutes to deliver caps and spindle wheels to tighten down the lids (as well as other stabilizing components to guard against cross-threading and over or under-tightening of caps).  However, the spindle capper does not require bottles and caps to stop for the descent of a head or other capping device.  Instead, the spindle capping machine allows for bottles to continuously move through the processing zone on a power conveyor, allowing for a little more speed than can be achieved with the chuck capping machine.  

 

Again, this is a very simple comparison of two machines that can be used to tighten screw on type closures.  There are many other factors that may have an effect on the final choice of machine.  For example, chuck cappers will often work better with smaller containers such as vials and tubes.  Spindle capping is a better choice for trigger sprayers and other cap types that would be difficult for a chuck head to cover.  While accurate torque and speed are two considerations and benefits, respectively, a complete analysis of a packaging project will always be necessary to find the ideal solution.

 

Liquid Packaging Solutions manufactures a wide variety of capping machines as well as other packaging equipment, such as container cleaning machines, liquid fillers, power conveyors and more.  To learn more about the products and services offered by LPS, simply browse the product and service categories found on the menu at left.  If you have specific questions regarding your own packaging project, contact a Packaging Specialist toll free at 1-888-393-3693.