Bottle capping machines are found in several industries that process liquid or powdered products. Unlike their manual counterparts, automatic bottle cappers make the production process fast and efficient. They also enhance the quality of production and reduce human errors.
Depending on your production needs, you can choose a semi-automatic or a fully automatic capping machine. The latter has a high upfront cost but is economical in the long run. Below is a complete guide to use when buying automatic capping machines.
Types of Automatic Bottle Capping Machines
Bottle capping machines are available in various models and designs. When choosing a bottle capper, you need to pay attention to your unique needs. Models from different manufacturers may vary. But most will have similar key features and functionalities. Some of the popular types of bottle capping machines include:
Inline Capping Machine. Thanks to its relevance in different industries, this is one of the most in-demand types. On average, inline cappers can work on 200 bottles per minute. But the difference in bottle size and capsizing may impact the production rate.
Chuck Capping Machine. This type is commonly used in applications that require the highest level of customization. They can handle large and small bottles with varying capsizes and designs. Chuck capping machines are a bit expensive and are commonly used in the pharma industry.
Snap Capping Machine. This type works more like the inline capping machine but is slower and often has lower pressure ratings. They are fairly affordable compared to other capping machines but are not very accurate. Hybrid versions of snap cappers with improved performance are also available.
- Benchtop Capping Machine. Unlike most capping machines, this type comes with a higher torque functionality. It’s also one of the most reliable and flexible types since it requires less labor than other cappers with the same torque rating.
- Cap Placer Machine. This type is used to cap large size bottles and containers. The bottles are often placed vertically. That way, cross-threading of tightening bolts & nut threads doesn’t cause any damage.
Choosing an Automatic Capping Machine
When picking an automatic bottle capping machine, you’ll need to prioritize those features that matter the most to your production needs. Below, we’ve rounded up the four most critical factors to guide your selection.
Capsizes, Closure, and Fittings
Before shopping the market for a bottle capper, ensure you know the bottle types and the size and range of caps. Without these specifications, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of machines. The closure design also determines the fitting ability, and you should choose a machine that can handle the closure type of choice. However, bottle capping machines that work for various closure types aren’t as quick in operating different bottle types.
Technical Aspects
Every bottle capping machine comes with specifications that may or may not vary from one manufacturer to another. Before choosing a bottle capper, ensure you understand the system requirements. Technical specifications to pay keen attention to are the speed of production and output range of the machine. Other parameters include air consumption, pressure rating, and the device’s size. The latter is especially important when working with constrained spaces.
Industry Requirements
Automatic capping machines find applications in different industries. These include food, agriculture, pharma, and cosmetics. Each of these markets has its quality and production standards that every device must adhere to. The bottles and containers used also vary from one industry to another. All these determine the best bottle capping machine for specific applications and industries.
Additionally, most industries require bottle cappers to come fitted with clean-in-place (CIP) technology. This allows for the highest hygiene standards, especially for machines whose parts are frequently changed to handle different lid types. Such bottle cappers allow for quick swaps without using tools.
Flexibility and Versatility
Besides the level of automation, you also want to consider the versatility of the bottle capper. Similarly, it’s advisable to choose an automatic bottle capping machine that suits your current and future production needs. They should also allow for significant upgrades in the future. If you are dealing with different products that require different types of lids, the best capping machine will handle varying lid sizes, shapes, and designs.
Another important aspect is integrating the bottle capper with other systems such as automatic filling and packaging machines. This allows for added flexibility, plus it will save you a lot of money.
Choose a Bottle Capping Machine Today
Now that you know the different types of automatic bottle cappers and the factors to consider in your selection, you can proceed confidently to the market. Always pick a product from a reputable manufacturer that offers reasonable warranty periods. Similarly, do your research and consult widely if necessary. It’s also best to try the machine and see it in action before installing it on your production floor.
