Icon Equipment – Articles
How to Choose a Capping Machine
To choose a capping machine, match it to five things: your product and container, your cap, the output you need, how it fits your existing line, and your hygiene and safety requirements. Get these right and the capper will run reliably for years; get one wrong and you face leaks, stripped threads or a machine that holds up the whole line.
This guide walks through each factor. If you are new to capping, start with What Is a Capping Machine?, or compare the types of capping machines first.
Icon Equipment’s Advanced Capping Solutions
Icon Equipment specializes in various capping solutions tailored to diverse industry needs. We offer Inline Cappers, Rotary Cappers, Pick & Place Cappers, and Lidders, each designed to efficiently handle different types of containers and caps. These solutions are not only about securing a cap but also about ensuring consistent quality and high-speed operation, crucial for modern production lines.
Quick Guide: Which Capper Suits Your Situation?
| If your situation is… | Start by looking at |
|---|---|
| Small batches, start-up or product trial | Semi-automatic benchtop capper |
| Automatic line with frequent product or size changes | Inline capper |
| High-volume dairy, juice or beverage line | Rotary capper |
| Trigger sprayers, pumps or flip-tops that must face one way | Pick & place capper |
| Plain aluminium caps on spirits, wine or pharmaceuticals | ROPP capper |
| Snap-on lids on tubs and cups | Lidder |
Want to see how each type works first? Read Types of Capping Machines.
1. Your Product and Container
The first step in selecting a capping machine is understanding the product’s specific requirements. Factors like the product’s viscosity, container material, and cap type (screw cap, snap cap, etc.) play a crucial role in determining the appropriate capping solution.
2. Your Cap
The cap’s material, size, and shape must be compatible with the capping machine. This ensures a secure and proper seal, crucial for product preservation. For example, delicate caps might require gentler handling, which certain machines are better equipped to provide.
3. Output and Future Growth
Production Capacity Needs:
Different capping machines offer varying production speeds. High-speed rotary cappers are ideal for large-scale, high-volume production lines, while inline cappers might be more suitable for smaller or more varied production runs.
Future-Proofing:
It’s important to consider not just current production needs but also potential future scale-ups. A machine that can handle increasing production demands without significant overhauls can be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
4. Fit With Your Existing Line
Integration with Current Systems:
The selected capping machine should seamlessly integrate with existing packaging lines. This includes compatibility with conveyor speeds, filling machines, and labeling systems.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Machines that offer flexibility in terms of container and cap types can be more advantageous, especially for businesses that anticipate changes in product lines or packaging designs.
5. Hygiene and Safety
Adherence to Regulations:
In certain industries, like pharmaceuticals and food and beverages, capping machines must comply with specific safety and hygiene standards.
Operator Safety:
The safety features of the machine, such as emergency stops, guards, and user-friendly interfaces, are important for the safety of the operators and should be a key consideration.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Can the machine handle every cap and bottle size we use now, and what change parts will we need?
- What output can it reach with our caps, and what happens to our line if it stops?
- How is capping torque set and checked?
- How long does a changeover take?
- Who supplies spare parts and service locally, and how quickly?
- Can we trial it first? Icon Equipment offers capper hire and rent-to-buy.
Not sure which bottle cap you need first? See our guide to the types of bottle caps.
Talk to Icon Equipment About Your Capper
With Australia’s business landscape booming, there’s a growing call for top-notch liquid filling machines. That’s where companies like Icon Equipment step in. They’re not just offering machines; they’re providing solutions tailored to the distinct challenges and aspirations of Aussie businesses.
Contact Icon Equipment today and talk to our professionals for your next filling project! – click here to take action
Staying Updated with Icon Equipment
For businesses looking to stay updated on the latest in liquid filling technology, the Icon Equipment YouTube channel offers insights, demonstrations, and a closer look at the innovations shaping the industry’s future.
For a closer look at each type, with speeds and videos, see Types of Capping Machines. Ready to buy? Read How to Choose a Capping Machine.
There are six main types of capping machines: inline, rotary, pick & place, ROPP, lidders and semi-automatic benchtop cappers. They differ in how the cap is placed and tightened, the caps they handle and the speed they run at. This guide explains each type, with videos of Icon Equipment machines in action.
New to capping? Start with What Is a Capping Machine?
Which Type Is Right for You?
The right type depends on your cap, your container and your output. Our guide on how to choose a capping machine walks through the five factors to check before you buy.
To choose a capping machine, match it to five things: your cap type, your container, the output you need, how it fits your existing line, and your hygiene and safety requirements. Get these right and the capper will run reliably for years; get one wrong and you face leaks, stripped threads or a machine that holds up the whole line.
This guide walks through each factor. If you are new to capping, start with What Is a Capping Machine?, or compare the types of capping machines first.
Quick Guide: Which Capper Suits Your Situation?
| If your situation is… | Start by looking at |
|---|---|
| Small batches, start-up or product trial | Semi-automatic benchtop capper |
| Automatic line with frequent product or size changes | Inline capper |
| High-volume dairy, juice or beverage line | Rotary capper |
| Trigger sprayers, pumps or flip-tops that must face one way | Pick & place capper |
| Plain aluminium caps on spirits, wine or pharmaceuticals | ROPP capper |
| Snap-on lids on tubs and cups | Lidder |
Want to see how each type works first? Read Types of Capping Machines.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Can the machine handle every cap and bottle size we use now, and what change parts will we need?
- What output can it reach with our caps, and what happens to our line if it stops?
- How is capping torque set and checked?
- How long does a changeover take?
- Who supplies spare parts and service locally, and how quickly?
- Can we trial it first? Icon Equipment offers capper hire and rent-to-buy.
Not sure which bottle cap you need first? See our guide to the types of bottle caps.