What is a cap feeder ramp?
CDA designs and manufactures packaging machines: fillers, cappers, labellers, and monoblocs. Some of our capping machines are equipped with ramps, a simple and efficient system for automatically feeding caps onto containers.
This ramp serves as an alternative to the vibrating bowl, which sorts caps by vibration. In contrast, the ramp works with an inclined elevating conveyor belt. Mechanically simpler, it is easier to maintain and adjust.
However, to be effective, the ramp must be precisely defined. Each cap reacts differently depending on its shape, weight, or material. In this article, we explain how we can design a ramp tailored to your formats, ensuring reliable sorting and smooth feeding for your capping machines.
A significant time saver for your operator
One of the main advantages of the cap feeder ramp is its ability to automate the cap feeding process. The operator pours the caps in bulk into a hopper or bin, without worrying about their orientation. The ramp automatically retrieves, sorts, and delivers them directly to the necks of the containers.
This process saves the operator from having to stand in front of the machine to place each cap manually, resulting in significant time savings and reducing workload. It is a simple, autonomous solution, perfectly suited for industrial production speeds.
This ramp has a dual function, as it not only automatically feeds caps onto containers, but also sorts them by only transporting those that are correctly oriented.
Its design requires precision and adaptability, as each cap behaves differently depending on its shape, weight, material, and centre of gravity.
Testing with your samples
The conclusion is simple: despite our experience, we cannot define a functional ramp without conducting tests using your caps!
To do so, we need to collect samples of each type of cap that will be handled by the system. The tests simulate the actual behaviour of the caps on the elevating conveyor belt to fine-tune the ramp (such as the spacing between the cleats, the incline of the belt).
The spacing of the cleats is crucial: it must be wide enough to prevent the caps from getting stuck during their ascent. If multiple formats are used, we base the spacing on the largest cap to avoid any risk of jamming.
Incline for efficient sorting
The incline of the conveyor belt plays an important role here: it uses gravity to sort the caps, ensuring that only correctly oriented ones pass through while the others are returned for reprocessing. Precision is key for the system to function effectively.
The adjustable trap: a simple and efficient tool
To enhance the sorting effect, our system includes an adjustable trap. This is a small raised section on the conveyor belt. Thanks to gravity, only correctly oriented caps pass through it. Misoriented caps fall off and are returned to the circuit. This is not a blockage but a natural, fluid sorting process, without complex mechanics.
Bespoke configuration
The design of a cap feeder ramp is not limited to a standard plan. It adapts to each cap and each production line. This is why our teams conduct preliminary tests with your samples to ensure optimal performance.
A well-designed ramp for smooth sorting
Successful cap sorting begins with tests conducted using samples. These tests allow us to observe the caps’ behaviour on the belt and adjust settings accordingly. The spacing between cleats is then defined based on the largest cap, to prevent any risk of blocking during the elevation process. The incline of the belt is carefully studied to take advantage of gravity and ensure natural, effective sorting. This sorting is further enhanced by the addition of an adjustable trap (a slight elevation on the belt) that redirects misoriented caps without blocking them. Each ramp is designed to measure, depending on the formats used and the specific requirements of our clients.
At CDA, we also produce various auxiliary equipment that supports and optimises the use of our machines, such as cap feeder ramps. Efficient, easy to use, and tailored to your products, these ramps are a valuable asset in automating your packaging line.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
