Moving from manually capping bottles or containers to automating the procedure can be a significant step for a product packager. Sometimes this is done to guarantee that caps are inserted and tightened consistently and reliably, and other times it is done simply due to an increase in production demand. Analyzing the bottles, caps or other closures, production demands, and other unique elements of the project will help you choose the right machine for the job. Because of these unique properties, many packagers may be hesitant to make the switch to automation, even though such technology can seal practically any bottle and cap combination. The following are some of the most common capping machine concerns among packagers.
1. One-of-a-kind caps or closures
Closures, seals, plugs, and lids are all examples of closures. Caps exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, whatever you choose to name them. Screw-on style caps are commonly used on a variety of products (think bottled water), but they can also be used on flip-tops, sports caps, trigger sprayers, and other items. Stabilizing the cap as it passes through the automatic capping machine is usually the solution for unusual caps, whether in shape or size. During the tightening or sealing procedure, gripper belts, cap stabilizer bars, railing, and orienteers will be used to keep both the cap and the bottle steady.
2. One-of-a-kind bottles or containers
The key to getting unique bottles or containers through the capping process, similar to the discussion of closures above, is stability, and changes for form and size, as stated above, may be required. The difference is that the bottles will be transported to the bottle capper through a power conveyor, whereas most closures will simply be placed on the bottle or container as it enters the capping equipment. When containers, such as vials or tubes, do not have a flat bottom, a particular difficulty develops. Fortunately, there is a rather easy remedy in the form of the insertion of a puck.
3. Containers in the F-Style
F-style containers would definitely fall into the category of one-of-a-kind bottles or containers if it weren't for the fact that they're utilized on a variety of items. F-style containers pose a special challenge for the capping machine. Plastic containers with a handle are known as F-style containers.
4. Accessories
Pouches are becoming more common in the packaging sector as a substitute for the traditional plastic bottle. While some pouches have re-sealable zippers (for example, cheese and other food products), others will attach a fitting to the pouch to take advantage of screw-on, snap-on, or other commonly accepted closure techniques, especially when liquids are involved.