Bottle, canister, jar, small-diameter container or large-capacity packaging: each format has its own constraints. The closure itself must also be taken into account: screw cap, T-shaped stopper, ribbed cap, push-on stopper, capsule or another type of closure. For a company looking to automate its packaging process, these factors will 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 accurately. The shape and dimensions of the container 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 possibilities for format changeovers.

A small, lightweight bottle does not behave in the same way as a large canister. Similarly, a cylindrical container may present different challenges from packaging with an unusual shape. This is why we always assess the container alongside the closure before determining the most suitable technical solution.

First Step: Identify the Type of Closure Precisely

Before choosing a capping, screw-capping or capsule-sealing machine, it is essential to determine how the container needs to be closed. Several types of closure are available. Here are a few examples.

Screw Cap

A screw cap is closed by rotation. The capping solution must therefore provide the required screwing action and achieve an appropriate tightening torque for the product and container. The VS 2000 feeds screw caps onto containers before tightening them.

Push-On Cap or T-Shaped Stopper

Some closures are simply positioned and then pushed onto the container. This process differs from screw capping. Our VST is one of our automatic capping machines designed to feed and press T-shaped stoppers into place.

Capsule

Capsules also require a suitable technology. In this case, the process is known as crimping or capsule sealing, rather than capping or screw capping. Generally, an aluminium, tin or plastic capsule completes the product’s finish by covering its stopper or closure. The Cap System is ideally suited to feeding and crimping capsules.

Cap Diameter

The diameter helps determine whether the machine and its gripping or screwing components are compatible with the closure being used. However, the cap’s geometry, height, gripping mechanism and the way it must be positioned on the container must also be considered. As a result, two caps with the same diameter may require different machine configurations.

The Product Inside the Container

Although capping takes place after filling, the packaged product can influence the stability of the container and the precautions required when handling it. A liquid, a viscous product, a powder or a product that is particularly prone to splashing will not necessarily require the same approach.

Capping must be properly integrated between the different operations to avoid slowing down the process or introducing additional handling steps.

Semi-Automatic vs Automatic Capping Machines

The level of automation must be consistent with actual requirements.

Semi-Automatic Capping

This is an interesting 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 carries out the closing operation. Our solutions include the VS 100 and the screw-capping machine.

Automatic Capping

Automatic capping becomes particularly relevant when production volumes increase and the capping operation needs to be integrated into the automated packaging flow. For a company that already automates filling and labelling, capping may be the logical next step towards a smoother, more efficient process. Our solutions include the VS 2000 and the VST.

Using Several Types of Closure on the Same Container

A company may offer different closure systems depending on the product, target market or distributor. It is then necessary to determine whether a single machine can handle the different product references or whether several capping machines are required.

The aim is not to force every type of closure to run on a single machine at all costs, but to identify the solution that best fits the company’s operations.

Capping Within a Complete Packaging Line

In a packaging line, each operation affects the ones that follow. The choice of capping system must therefore take the overall operation of the line into account. For example, we can assess integrated systems combining a filling machine, a screw-capping machine and a labelling machine, rather than considering each machine separately.

Our K-Net Auto – VS400 – Ninon Mix complete line illustrates this approach, with a sequence of machines dedicated to filling, screw capping and labelling.

Choosing a suitable capping solution involves more than simply selecting a machine capable of closing a container. The container, closure, product, production rate and overall packaging process must all be taken into consideration.

Looking for a capping solution for your containers? Get in touch with us! We can work with you to identify the capping technology and machine configuration best suited to your project.

FAQ: Choosing a Capping Solution

How do you choose a capping machine?

Key factors include the type of closure, the dimensions and shape of the container, the required production rate, the number of formats to be handled and the desired level of automation.

What is the difference between a screw-capping machine, a capping machine and a capsule-sealing machine?

These terms refer to different closure technologies. A screw-capping machine tightens screw caps, whereas other capping machines and capsule-sealing machines are designed for different types of closure.

Can the same machine handle several formats?

This depends on the characteristics of the containers and closures. Their dimensions, the necessary adjustments and the format 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 the behaviour of the container and closure to be checked under real operating conditions during the closing process.

A lire également :

The Specific Requirements of Household Product Packaging How Does the Engineering Department Turn a Customer Requirement into a Solution? Which Machine Should You Choose to Package Multiple Formats on the Same Production Line? How to Integrate a Container Air Rinsing Machine into a Packaging Line? How can cleaning products and detergents be packaged efficiently? Food Supplement Packaging: What Are the Key Challenges? CFIA 2024