Semi Automatic Capping Machine

The Nexus Australia semi-automatic capping machine is a benchtop capper that tightens twist-on caps and trigger sprayers to a set torque, one container at a time. The operator places a capped bottle under the head, the machine tightens it, and the operator removes it. It suits short runs, startups, contract packers and lines with frequent product changes, and it is the usual first step before an automatic capping machine. Supplied and supported Australia-wide.

Also known as

• Benchtop capping machine or tabletop capper
• Semi automatic bottle capping machine or bottle capper
• Cap tightening machine or cap tightener
• Trigger sprayer capper, when set up for spray heads

How it works

The operator loosely places the cap on the filled container by hand, then positions the container under the tightening head. On a four-wheel tightener, two pairs of rubber wheels grip the cap and spin it down while the container is held; on a cap chute tightener, caps are fed from a chute and placed as the container passes, then tightened. In both cases the head turns the cap to a preset torque and releases, so every closure is tight enough to seal and loose enough to open.

Product capability

The benchtop capping machine handles twist-on screw caps and trigger sprayers with adjustable torque settings for consistent, secure closures. Cap sizes from small dropper closures to wide-mouth jar lids are covered with a change of wheels or chute, and containers from 20 mL vials to 5 L jerry cans fit under the head with a height adjustment.

System options

• Four-wheel torque control tightener: the standard head for round screw caps on bottles and jars.
• Cap chute torque control tightener: caps fed from a chute for faster handling when one cap size runs for a long batch.
• Trigger sprayer and pump cap setup: holds the spray head or pump while the collar is tightened, with the dip tube guided into the neck.

Semi-automatic versus automatic capping

A semi-automatic capper runs at operator pace, a few hundred containers an hour. The entry-level fully automatic capping machine sorts caps in a vibratory bowl, places and tightens them automatically at up to 20 containers a minute, and the high-speed in-line capper runs up to 40. If you cap fewer than a few thousand containers a week, or change cap and bottle sizes several times a day, the semi-automatic machine is the better buy. Our guide to choosing a capping machine covers the crossover. For the complete benchtop line, see our guide to benchtop and manual packaging machines for small producers.

Throughput

Output depends on the operator and the container, and is typically 300 to 800 caps an hour on a four-wheel tightener. Pair it with a semi-automatic liquid filling machine and a semi-automatic labelling machine for a complete benchtop bottling line.

Industries served

• Pharmaceuticals: secure and tamper-evident seals on medication containers.
• Cosmetics and personal care: consistent closures for lotions, creams, shampoos and perfumes.
• Food and beverage: sealing caps on sauces, dressings, condiments and drinks to keep freshness and prevent leaks.
• Chemicals and cleaning products: secure sealing to prevent spills and contamination, including trigger sprayers.
• Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements: secure packaging to preserve effectiveness.
• Automotive and industrial products: reliable sealing for fluids and chemicals in storage and transport.
• Health and wellness: consistent seals for essential oils, herbal extracts and vitamins.
• Household goods and pet care: detergents, sprays, pet shampoos and supplements.

Send us your cap and your container and we will confirm the tightening head. Contact Nexus Australia for a quote on a semi-automatic capping machine.