Capping Machine

Capping Machine

A capping machine mechanically applies closures to bottles immediately after the filling process. The machine works in conjunction with a cap elevator and hopper system that automatically picks caps from boxes, feeds them through a vibrator, and positions them correctly in descent channels for application onto bottle necks.

The capping process follows a precise sequence: bottles travel from the conveyor belt to an auger that spaces and inserts them into a rotating star wheel. Each bottle positions on a plate directly beneath the capping head, where the closure is applied while rotating at high speed. An outgoing star wheel then returns bottles to the conveyor for downstream processing.

Types of Capping Machines

Linear Capping Machines

Linear cappers suit lower production speeds in the range of hundreds of bottles per hour. Key advantages include:

• Compact footprint — requires less floor space than rotary systems
• Lower capital investment for small to medium operations
• Simplified format changeover procedures
• Ideal for craft producers and specialty bottling

Rotary Capping Machines

Rotary capping machines deliver higher production capacities for industrial bottling operations. These machines handle continuous high-speed processing with multiple capping heads operating simultaneously on a rotating carousel.

Cap Types and Applications

Automatic capping machines process a wide range of closure types, each suited to specific products and containers:

Screw Caps

• Aluminum screw caps — used on glass containers for water, oil, spirits, and beverages
• Plastic screw caps — applied to plastic containers and drink cartons
• ROPP caps (Roll-On Pilfer-Proof) — tamper-evident closures for spirits and wine
• Sports caps — specialized closures for energy drinks and sports beverages

Cork Closures

• Straight cork — traditional closure for still wine, inserted flush with bottle neck
• Mushroom cork — used for sparkling wine, champagne, and spumante; protrudes from neck with wire cage (muselet) to contain internal pressure
• Synthetic cork — alternative closure offering consistent performance

Other Closure Types

• Crown caps — metal closures for beer and carbonated beverages
• Twist-off caps — convenient reclosable closures
• Pressure caps — designed for pressurized contents
• T-caps — decorative closures for spirits and liqueurs

Product-Specific Capping Solutions

Closure selection depends on the bottled product and container type:

Capping Machine Configuration

Proper capping requires matching machine equipment to closure and bottle specifications:

• Capping heads — configured for specific closure diameter and type
• Cork dimensions — must match bottle neck specifications
• Star wheel format — sized for bottle diameter
• Descent channels — adjusted for cap dimensions

For sparkling wine applications, capping machines include wire cage (muselet) application systems to secure mushroom corks against internal bottle pressure, preventing accidental cork ejection.

Leading Capping Machine Manufacturers

The market features established brands known for reliability and performance:

• Arol — comprehensive range of capping solutions
• Bertolaso — specialized in wine and spirits closures
• Zalkin — high-speed rotary capping systems

Used capping machines from these manufacturers offer proven technology with available spare parts and service support. ROPP capping machines and mushroom cork cappers remain among the most sought-after equipment in the secondary market.