Whether in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical field, cosmetic industry, agriculture, or any other industry, the need for packaging line automation is high. More and more people are interested in buying products that are securely packaged. The packaging line makes sure to pack the finished goods properly.
The can capping machines apply caps to a variety of containers, including tins, bottles, jars, and many more. Acquiring tin can capping machines for packaging line businesses from a reliable cap capping machine supplier is relatively beneficial.
What Is A Capping Machine
A capping equipment is a machine that is used to seal containers by applying and tightening caps. The machine applies caps, plastic thread lids, or metal thread lids on cans, bottles, and other containers. The can capping machine ensures a hygienic packaging line, quick production, and cost-effective manufacturing. In addition, some manufacturers also offer custom can capping and packaging solutions.
Why Use Capping Machines
Here we have the major reasons that explain the benefits of using capping machines.
- Enhanced Capping Precision
The capping machines will help in enhancing the capping speed and overall capping precision. The automated capping method will make sure that the lid fits securely into the container. Using capping machines will boost productivity, and businesses can easily fulfill the market demand.
- Less Human Errors
By using capping machines, there is less room for human errors during the capping stage. When laborers handle the capping task, there is a chance of contamination due to unhygienic practices, which can be avoided by using capping machines.
- Reduce Repetitive Tasks And Consistency
By utilizing capping machines for packaging lines, it puts an end to repetitive processes and ensures capping consistency. The capping equipment is reliable and can be adjusted as per the existing supply and potential demand.
- Quick Production
Can capping machines can improve the capping production speed while making sure of product safety. With these machines, businesses can maintain a sanitary manufacturing setting with elevated production rates.
- Cost-effective Process
The can capping machines are known for budget-friendly manufacturing since there will be no extra labor costs due to the automated machines. In addition, there will be little to no waste by using the machines which will save a significant amount of money for businesses and get a high return on investment.
What Are The Components Of A Can Capping Machine
There are various parts in capping machines, but the major components of a can capping machine are listed below.
- Lid Feeder
The lid feeder is a crucial component that classifies the caps before they are pushed into the capping machine. Based on the cap geometry, the lid feeder’s design will change. It encompasses a cap chute as well.
- Cap Bowl
It is the cap loading hopper, and it makes sure that the cap is inserted into the machine in the right way.
- Cap Chute
The cap chute is the path where the cap will move from the bowl to the cap placement area. The chute’s finger grips the caps and frees them one after one on containers.
- Rotary Clincher
The screw capper machine models retain rotary clinchers that are utilized to fasten the lids to the cans, bottles, etc.
- Conveyor Belt
The conveyor belt is responsible for shifting rubber or metal that is utilized to push the caps and containers toward the capping area.
How Does a Capper Machine Work
The capping equipment will move the closures into the cap hopper through a feeder system. There can be different closures like plugs, caps, lids, etc. The cap elevator will transfer the cap closures into the sorting bowl. With the help of this sorting bowl, the cap delivery mechanism can be made more quickly. The rotary capping machine includes moving components that rotate the container and cap to close them tightly.
Types Of Can Capping Machines
Capping machines are utilized to securely tighten caps onto tins, bottles, cans, etc. The type of cap and rate are vital factors to take into account while acquiring capping machines. Different types of can capping machines are used to match the requirements of various industrial applications.
Understanding Different Types of Caps
Depending on the kind of containers and the closure type, the types of can capping machines will be different. Generally, the can capping machines are divided into manual machines, semi-automatic machines, and automatic machines. The automatic capping machines can apply and tighten caps for different types of containers. Meanwhile, the semi-automatic capping machines need operator assistance up to an extent.
There are some capping machines where the caps are put on the containers manually one by one. However, the majority of the capping machines used in various industries are either fully automatic or semi-auto capping machine models.
On the flip side, snap lids are another type of commonly used closure for packaging items. The snap lids are applied and tightened to the bottle with a claw. Depending on the industry and the type of finished product, different kinds of closures are picked.
Working Principle Of Screw Capping Machine
The working principle of both types of screw capping machines is detailed in this section.
- Screw Spindle Capping Machines
On screw spindle capping machines, the caps elevator moves the closures to inspect that they are placed properly. The seals move down the cap chute to the two fingers and secure the cap. The gripper belts will hold the container firmly in place, and the stabilizer secures the cap. The torque needed to fasten the closures is generated by the rotating discs of this screw capping apparatus.
- Screw Chuck Capping Machines
The screw chuck capping machines also depend on vibratory bowls and cap delivery equipment to put caps. The star wheel will be utilized by the chuck screw capping apparatus to put the containers beneath the capping head and enable them to run quickly. The capping heads will be lowered over the cap on the bottle after the capping sensor determines the container is in the proper location.
Working Principle Of Snap Capper
The snap cappers will snap onto the finished product container. There are automatic snap capping machines and semi-automatic snap capping machine models that are used depending on the requirements of the applications. Generally, a snap-on belt or a kind of plunger is utilized to put pressure to snap the closure into its place.
Furthermore, the spindle wheels and the snap capping mechanism are frequently connected to construct a machine that can deal with both screw-on and snap caps. Due to its versatility, the packaging businesses that deliver various types of items stick to snap capping machines.
Other Types Of Can Cappers
Apart from the screw and snap capping machine models, there are other types of capping machines based on the specific applications and degree of automation. Here are some common can capper types used in several industries.
- Automatic Capping Machine
The automated capping machines can sort, place, and tighten caps onto containers at the speed of nearly 200 containers per minute. The automatic bottle capper machines can apply caps on top of a wide variety of containers more precisely and quickly. In addition to that, it can sort and place different types of closures without any errors.
- Can Capping Machine
The caps are secured tightly to the cans to avoid leakage and contamination of the product. In addition to that, the caps also improve the shelf life of the product and deters tampering.
The majority of the can capping machines are utilized to apply can cap to various types of beverage and soft drink cans. Due to that, the fizz of the drink is held inside by the flip-top cover that can be snapped shut. The can capping machines are compatible with a variety of can caps of various shapes and sizes.
- Tin Capping Machine
Tin capping machines are primarily used in various industries, especially the food and beverage industry. These capping machines can apply caps to coffee, tea, pet wet food, flavored water, juice tins, and more.
The tin capping machines are utilized where leakage must be avoided at any cost. These machines can seal tin containers of any size and shape, including small and massive tins. Tin capping devices can be matched with a long-distance control system for better production.
- Jar Capping Machine
The jar capping devices have the capacity to seal jar containers. The demand for glass jar packaging is relatively high as more and more packaged goods are available in jars, including spices, liquids, sauces, nuts, coffee beans, etc.
The jar capping machine will sort, apply, and seal the jar containers tightly with appropriate closures. These machines ensure that the jars are completely sealed. They are compatible with a broad range of closures like plugs, lids, caps, covers, and more to suit different jar packaging needs.
- Inline Capping Machine
Based on the mode of the capping process, the capping machines are available as inline cappers and rotary capping machine models. The inline capper machines are the best choice for applying trigger sprayers and pump camps. The speed of the gripping belts and the conveyor will be even so that no container will be left unsealed by the inline capping machine. The closure tightening wheels of the inline capper machine will rotate the cap onto the container..
- Rotary Capper Machine
The rotary capping machines are versatile and are known for their enhanced performance and stability to meet the massive packaging production demands. The average speed of these capping machines is 200 containers per minute. The rotary capper machine models are used to sort and apply snap-on caps, screw-on caps, push-in stoppers, plugs, and other types of closures.
The rotary cappers have a turret that spins constantly and holds the capping closures. The infeed screw moves the bottles to the infeed starwheel. Meanwhile, the barrel cam shifts the capping heads and turns on the capping fingers. They put closure on each container and tighten them to seal the containers completely.
Applications And Industries That Capping Machines Can Serve
The applications of capping machines are relatively wide as they have several general and industrial packaging operations. These machines are used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, chemical, cosmetics, and more. Below are some of the most common industrial applications of capping machines.
- Spice Packaging
There are different kinds of spices and herbs that are used in everyday cooking. In general, the spices are packed in jars, cans, bottles, and pouches. The spice packaging machines will sort and apply caps to the containers and seal them fully.
- Coffee Packaging
The packaging of coffee beans will affect their shelf life and overall taste. The packaging options for coffee beans are diverse. The coffee can capping machines will securely apply and tighten the caps to the containers to preserve their shelf life.
- Pharmaceutical Packaging
Pharmaceutical businesses manufacture various kinds of medications and medical drugs in different packages. The capping machines will make sure to close the bottles with caps tightly to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Sauce Packaging
Sauces are packaged in various types of containers. The sauce capping machines will place closures on the sauce containers to seal them tightly.
- Popcorn Packaging
Popcorn has become a must-have snack related to movies and theaters. The popcorn capping machines are known for applying and tightening the cap on the popcorn containers to keep them fresh.
- Fertilizers And Pesticides Packaging
Coming to the agriculture industry, various kinds of fertilizers and pesticides are manufactured regularly for farming purposes. The capping and packaging machines ensure that these substances are secured in a container with a tamper-proof seal to avoid leakage.
- Nuts Packaging
Several nuts packaging businesses are relying on auto packaging machines to pack and seal nuts smoothly. The nuts capping and packaging machine will apply proper closures to jars, tins, and bottles containing nuts. There are capping machines for different types of nuts, including almonds, cashew, walnut, and more.
- Chips Packaging
Every day, millions of chips are transported and consumed globally. The chips must be packed and sealed properly to ensure they are fresh and edible. The potato chips capping machine uses different closures to pack and seal cans, jars, and other types of containers.
- Protein Powder Packaging
The protein powder global market is a multi-billion dollar industry with steady demand. The protein powder capping machines can seal protein powder jars, bottles, and cans with suitable closures. These machines ensure proper capping and packaging and help in enhancing the shelf life of the protein powder.
- Military Packaging
Sometimes, dangerous items are also packed and transported in the military industry. The capping machines are used to seal the dangerous items within the bottle using appropriate closure types.
- Cannabis Packaging
Due to the legalization of cannabis usage in several countries, the demand for cannabis products is on the rise. There are different cannabis products like cannabis flower, edibles, oil, and more that are offered in rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible packaging. The cannabis capping machines can apply closures to jars, tin cans, vials, tubes, aluminum cans, etc.
How To Choose A Can Capping Machine For Your Can Packaging Line
Picking suitable can capping machines is essential to ensure profits for your commercial packaging line. There are several significant factors that one must consider to choose the most appropriate can capping machines for their commercial packaging lines.
Packaging Line Design And Layout
One of the vital aspects to take into account while selecting can capping machines for packaging lines is the design and layout of the packaging line. Make sure to check if there is enough space to fit the can capping machines in the packaging line between the can filling machine area and the can labeling machine area.
For example, the capping machines must be installed after the can filling machines so that the products are sealed tightly without any chance of contamination. In addition, after the cap machines, there should be labeling machines to add or print labels on the containers. If there is enough area, it is better to choose large-scale can capping machines. However, portable can capping machines are the ideal choice in case of restricted space availability.
Depending on the speed of the other machines in the packaging line, like filling machines and seaming machines, it will be easy to choose between automated, semi-automatic, and manual cap canning machines. Becoming a distributor of a reliable manufacturer and acquiring can capping machines is relatively beneficial.
Container
In order to pick the most suitable can capping machines for the commercial packaging lines, it is necessary to determine the type of containers and closures used. There are different types of packaging containers, such as jars, tin cans, bottles, aluminum cans, and more. Similarly, there are different kinds of closures, including screw-on caps, snap caps, lids, plugs, covers, and many more.
The size and shape of the containers must be considered as well. In addition to that, the size of the various closures is also another factor to take into account. Depending on the type of containers and closures that are used in the packaging line, business owners can choose the most appropriate can capping machines.
Budget And Capping Machine Price
It is important to consider the budget factor before acquiring can capping machines for your packaging line business. The business owners must make sure to set a budget estimate and determine how much they can pay for the machines. After that, it is better to search for cap capping machines in that price range. However, it is vital to remember that one should never sacrifice quality parameters.
So, it is relatively best to avoid buying can capping machines that have a very low price tag because they are likely to be of low quality and may stop working within a short period. Make sure to purchase good-quality machines from trustworthy can capping machine manufacturers that have a moderate price tag. While buying, check the machines for quality and durability aspects.
Degree Of Automation
In the bottle capping process, the degree of automation plays a critical role and affects manufacturing operations. According to the degree of automation factor, the can capping machines are divided into semi-automatic capping machines, automatic capping machines, manual or handheld capping machines, and benchtop capping machines.
The majority of large-scale packaging line businesses stick to automated can capping machines because they can apply and tighten caps to over 200 containers in a minute. Medium-scale and small-scale packaging line businesses choose semi-automated capping machines, which require minimal assistance from the operator during the capping process.
Though manual capping machine models are relatively cheaper than other types, it affects the production rate. When using manual can capping machines, the speed of manufacturing will decrease. In addition to that, there is a possibility of contamination of the product in the containers due to unhygienic working conditions.
Certificates
When choosing can capping machines for packaging lines, business owners should acquire them from credible manufacturers that provide certifications. By purchasing can capping machines from a reliable supplier who retains globally-recognized credentials, one can be sure of the quality and credibility of the machines.
It is best to choose manufacturers who have one or more of the legitimate certifications like ISO 9001 Certificate, CSA Certificate, CE Certificate, and more. In addition to that, the reliable manufacturers offer patented and certified can capping and packaging machines which can boost the efficiency and productivity of the packaging line.
Warranty And Technical Support
Before purchasing, check the warranty term and see if all the components are covered in the warranty or only a few parts. This way, business owners can prevent spending money on regular repairs. The reliable capping machine manufacturers offer a standard 1-year warranty, and they repair and attach new parts freely during the warranty term.
The credible manufacturers will also offer 24/7 quick online diagnosis in case of emergencies. In addition to that, they also offer onsite technical assistance by sending technicians to the packaging line business unit. So, while selecting the can capping machines, it is best to verify the type of technical support that the specific manufacturer offers.
Levapack – Fully Custom Can Packaging Line
Looking for the best can capping machine manufacturer for the packaging line business? Levapack is a leading manufacturer of can capping, can filling, and can packaging machines. Levapack is based in the Guangzhou region of China with 14 years of experience. We have a 2000 m2 advanced manufacturing unit.
The can capping and packaging machines produced by Levapack meet ISO 9001 specifications and retain CE and CSA certifications. Levapack retains a highly skilled R&D team and accepts OEM and ODM orders from businesses. We can produce customized can capping and packaging solutions.
Levapack only sources raw materials from reliable wholesale suppliers. All our manufactured capping and can packaging products undergo quality tests and inspections. The can capping and packaging machines retain a 1-year warranty. We have a broad distribution network and deliver our products to more than 36 counties across the world.
We have a 24/7 support team who will provide instant online solutions for technical errors. Moreover, our team will visit the onsite packaging line in case of severe technical issues. We also help packaging line businesses with marketing and promotion using SNS, SEO, and SEM strategies.
Conclusion
In any manufacturing industry, be it pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, cosmetics, or agriculture, using capping machines is essential. These machines will benefit the business and enhance production speed. Businesses can get the best out of their investment by acquiring the right type of capping machines based on their applications.
Choosing the suitable can capping machines for your packaging line business from top-notch capper machine manufacturers like Levapack is a great idea. Levapack offers different types of can capping machines for an affordable price. In addition, one can get in touch with our team to get instant quotes for their orders.