Types of Capping Machines
The four main types of capping machines are inline cappers, rotary cappers, pick & place cappers and lidders. 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?
Different Capping Machines
Icon Equipment offers a broad range of capping machines to ensure that each unique packaging need is catered to. This guide explores the different types of capping machines with a keen focus on varieties offered by Icon Equipment.
Inline Capping Machines
As the name suggests, inline capping machines cap bottles in a straight line. Given their streamlined design and operation, these types of capping machines are versatile and can be easily integrated into existing production lines with minimal disruption.
They offer flexibility and ease of adjustment, allowing for quick adaptation to different cap sizes and types, ensuring a smooth transition between various production requirements. Additionally, they are suitable for diverse industries, perfectly accommodating the specific needs of sectors such as food, beverage, and chemicals with precision.
Inline capping machines are generally preferred for slower to moderately fast operations, with the capability to reach speeds of 60 to 110 bottles per minute with multiple heads.
Rotary Capping Machines
Rotary cappers are largely used in high-speed, high-volume operations due to their continuous motion during capping. These machines can have multiple capping heads that work simultaneously, thereby accelerating the capping process.
Rotary capping machines excel at handling a variety of cap types including flat caps, sports caps, and trigger caps, making them versatile companions in the packaging industry. They handle containers gently, ensuring the quality and integrity of the package remain consistently high.
Pick & Place Capping Machines
Pick and Place capping machines are specialty machines employed when precision is paramount. These machines pick caps from a cap feeder, then place and tighten them onto the containers precisely.
This type of capping machine is particularly suitable for operations where caps must be aligned or oriented in a certain way. Given their control and precision, pick and place machines are excellent for handling containers and caps that are unusual or irregular in shape.
Lidders
Lid press cappers are specialized machines used in packaging lines to securely apply and seal lids onto containers. Unlike rotary cappers that use a rotating mechanism, lid press cappers operate by pressing lids onto the tops of containers with a straightforward, linear action.
A single Head Snap-On Capper can reach speeds of up to 110 caps per minute, making it highly efficient for high-volume production while being a simple inline machine.
These snap capping machines are versatile and can apply various closures, including plastic pull-up spout caps, over-caps, sifters, dropper inserts, dropper tip plugs, orifice reducers, as well as balls and fitments onto roll-on containers.
Icon Equipment
Understanding the different types of capping machines plays a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency and meeting stringent packaging standards. Icon Equipment’s broad product portfolio coupled with our customer-centric approach, innovative essence, and reliable support make us the ideal partner for your capping machine needs. With Icon’s capping machines, you can ensure that your products are not only well-packaged but also effectively sealed to protect the product and meet regulatory needs.
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.
ROPP Capping Machines
ROPP (roll-on pilfer-proof) cappers form a plain aluminium shell onto the bottle’s thread with rollers, creating a tamper-evident seal. They are common on spirits, wine and pharmaceutical bottles.
Semi-Automatic Benchtop Cappers
With a benchtop capper, the operator places the cap and the machine tightens it to a set torque. It is an affordable way for start-ups and small batches to get consistent capping before moving to an automatic line. See our entry-level cappers.
Gallery of Equipment
Browse through some of the equipment in the Icon Equipment Range.
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.