Vials, jugs, bottles, jars, small-diameter containers, or large-capacity packaging: each format comes with its own constraints. The closure itself must also be considered, whether it is a screw cap, T-shaped stopper, ribbed cap, push-on stopper, capsule, or another type of closure. For companies looking to automate their packaging process, these factors directly influence the choice of capping machine.
Why Is the Container a Key Factor When Choosing a Capping Machine?
Whether semi-automatic or automatic, a capping machine must handle the container stably and apply the closure precisely. The container’s shape and dimensions affect:
- Its stability on the conveyor
- Its positioning beneath the capping station
- How the cap is presented
- The type of holding system required
- The machine configuration
- The options available for changeovers between container formats
A small, lightweight bottle behaves differently from a large, bulky jug. Similarly, a cylindrical container may present different challenges from an unusually shaped package. That’s why we always assess the container alongside its closure before determining the most suitable technical solution.
First Step: Identify the Exact Type of Closure
Before choosing a capping machine, screw capper, or capsule applicator, it’s essential to determine how the container needs to be sealed. There are several types of closures, including the following.
Screw Caps
Screw caps are applied by rotating them onto the container. The capping solution must therefore provide the necessary rotation and achieve the appropriate tightening torque for the product and container. The VS 2000 feeds screw caps onto containers and then screws them into place.
Push-On Caps and T-Shaped Stoppers
Some closures are simply positioned on the container and then pressed into place. This process differs from screw capping. Our VST is one of our automatic capping machines designed to feed and press T-shaped stoppers onto containers.
Capsules
Capsules also require dedicated technology. In this case, the process is called capsule crimping rather than capping or screw capping. Capsules made of aluminum, tin, or plastic generally provide the finishing touch to a product’s packaging by covering its closure. The Cap System is ideally suited to feeding and crimping capsules.
Cap Diameter
The cap diameter helps determine whether the machine and its gripping or capping components are compatible with the closure being used. However, other factors must also be considered, including the cap’s geometry, height, gripping surface, and the way it needs to be positioned on the container. Two caps with the same diameter may therefore require different machine configurations.
The Product Inside the Container
Although capping takes place after filling, the packaged product can affect the container’s stability and the precautions needed during handling. A liquid, viscous product, powder, or product particularly prone to splashing may require a different approach.
The capping operation must also fit seamlessly between the other packaging stages to avoid bottlenecks or additional handling.
Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic Capping Machines
The level of automation should match your actual production needs.
Semi-Automatic Capping
Semi-automatic capping is an effective intermediate solution when manual capping becomes too time-consuming but full automation is not yet necessary. The operator remains involved in the process by manually positioning the container and its closure, while the machine performs the closing operation. Our VS 100 and screw capsule applicator are examples of solutions for this type of application.
Automatic Capping
Automatic capping becomes particularly relevant as production volumes increase and capping needs to be integrated into an automated packaging line. For a company that has already automated filling and labeling, capping may be the next logical step toward a smoother, more efficient process. Our VS 2000 and VST are examples of automatic solutions.
Using Multiple Closures on the Same Container
A company may offer different closure systems depending on the product, market, or distributor. In this case, it’s important to determine whether a single machine can handle the different product references or whether several capping machines are needed.
The goal isn’t to force every closure to work on a single machine at all costs. Instead, the aim is to identify the solution that best fits the company’s production organization.
Capping as Part of a Complete Packaging Line
In a packaging line, each operation affects the next. Choosing a capping system therefore requires considering how the entire line operates. For example, we can assess integrated setups combining a filling machine, a capper, and a labeling machine rather than evaluating each machine separately.
Our K-Net Auto – VS400 – Ninon Mix line illustrates this approach, with a sequence of machines dedicated to filling, screw capping, and labeling.
Choosing the right capping solution involves more than simply selecting a machine that can close a container. You need to consider the container, closure, product, production speed, and overall packaging process.
Looking for a capping solution for your containers? Contact us! We’ll work with you to identify the capping technology and machine configuration best suited to your project.
FAQ: Choosing the Right Capping Solution
How do you choose a capping machine?
Key factors include the type of closure, the container’s dimensions and shape, the required production speed, the number of formats to handle, and the desired level of automation.
What is the difference between a screw capper, a capping machine, and a capsule applicator?
These terms refer to different closure technologies. A screw capper tightens screw caps, while other capping machines and capsule applicators handle different types of closures and closing processes.
Can the same machine handle multiple container formats?
That depends on the characteristics of the containers and closures. Dimensions, machine adjustments, and the changeover requirements must all be assessed.
Should containers be tested before choosing a machine?
Testing is recommended when a project involves specific constraints. It allows you to check how the container and closure behave during the closing process and confirm that the proposed solution is suitable.
