At Precision Tork, we specialize in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of torque control products. Since our establishment in 1995, we’ve remained fully committed to providing quality solutions with rapid delivery and at reasonable prices. That’s why our customers and partner distributors trust us for their torque control product needs.
One of the primary markets we serve is bottle capping. We create aftermarket parts for various automated bottle capping machines, such as chuck cappers, snap cappers, and spindle cappers, to facilitate equipment repair and replacement operations for our customers.
Below, our experts provide an overview of bottle capping lines. This resource outlines what they are, what components they have, and what types are available to help potential and existing customers better understand how the equipment works and why our products are important.
What Is a Bottle Capping Machine?
Bottle capping machines place caps on bottles after they have been filled with product and before they are transported for further processing or packaging. The caps seal the product inside of the bottle, ensuring they remain contained and protected during transport and storage.
These machines can be used to apply a variety of caps, ranging from screw caps to child-resistant caps. Ones with automation technology automatically adjust the torque to suit the specific capping application. Additionally, by minimizing manual labor requirements, they help reduce labor fatigue and improve production efficiency.
Key Equipment Components in Bottle Capping Lines
Bottle capping lines may contain a variety of units, each of which performs different functions that ensure filled bottles are properly capped. Some of the equipment commonly found in bottle capping lines includes:
Cap Sorters
Cap sorters are designed to process bulk caps loads, ensuring they are properly oriented and positioned for the next step in the capping line. Types available include centrifugal sorters, elevator sorters, and vibratory feeders.
Cap Feeders
Cap feeders are designed to pick and place caps into the capping unit. Types available include air tunnel feeders and elevator feeders.
Cappers
Cappers are designed to place and screw, press, or insert caps onto filled bottles. Types available include spindle cappers, snap cappers, chuck cappers, and automatic wheel pluggers.
Cap Tighteners
Cap tighteners are designed to tighten caps after they’ve been placed onto the bottle. They hold the bottle and twist the cap to the desired tightness.
Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic
Cap sorters, cap feeders, cappers, and cap tighteners are available in automatic and semi-automatic variations to suit different bottle capping operations. Each machine offers distinct advantages and disadvantages that make it suitable for particular applications. For example:
- Automatic cap placers are an economical option for capping operations involving large caps that must be placed vertically to prevent cross-threading on the bottle.
- Automatic chuck capping machines are slow and expensive. However, they offer high reliability and repeatability.
- Automatic cap tighteners are suitable for tightening and retightening operations in capping lines with an upstream manual or machine-operated cap placing unit.
Generally, automatic capping machines are suitable for larger bottle capping operations that involve the same movements and actions throughout a run. On the other hand, semi-automatic capping machines are suitable for smaller and/or more specialized bottle capping operations.
Types of Bottle Capping Machines
There are many types of bottle capping machines available, each of which is suitable for different caps and products. Four of the most common are:
Spindle Cappers
Spindle cappers are suitable for use with threaded caps. They work by lowering a stationary cap onto a spinning bottle. The spinning of the bottle tightens the cap, forming a secure seal.
Since these machines cap filled bottles by spinning them, they are not suitable for capping operations involving thin liquids. The spinning of the bottle can cause the product to spill or splash out of the bottle.
Snap Cappers
Snap cappers are suitable for use with snap-on caps. They work by positioning the filled bottle underneath the cap and then lowering and pressing the cap onto the top of the bottle.
Chuck Cappers
Similar to spindle cappers, chuck cappers are suitable for use with threaded caps. However, in contrast to spindle cappers, they rotate the cap rather than the bottle. This difference in functionality makes them better suited for capping operations involving thin liquids.
Automatic Wheel Pluggers
Automatic wheel pluggers are suitable for caps that are pressed into the container opening rather than on top of it (e.g., corks). They can be used to cap a variety of products that utilize corked packaging.
Contact Precision Tork for Your Bottle Capping Line Needs Today
Bottle capping machines are critical tools in many product manufacturing operations. As such, if and when one breaks down, it is essential to have appropriate replacement parts that are readily available. Otherwise, you risk significant downtime, which can negatively impact your bottom line.
Looking for replacement parts for your bottle capping machine? Precision Tork has got you covered! We provide replacement parts that are 100% interchangeable with OEM parts but at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, since our parts are engineered for better durability, they can save you time and money with regard to repair and replacement operations over time.
Our product selection for bottle capping machines includes:
- Bottle retention knives
- Capping chucks
- Capping headsets
- Neck handling components
- Spindles
For more information on our bottle capping line parts, check out our bottle capping parts page or contact us today.
