At SureKap, we often receive questions about the types of caps that can be applied with an inline spindle capper. In this post we aim to show the wide variety of caps that we can reliably apply as well as some of the potential challenges that we may see with each type.
Flat Caps:
Flat caps are basic screw-on closures with a flat top surface. They are often used for beverages like water and juice, as well as for some condiments. Their simplicity makes them easy to manufacture and use, as well as apply with a SureKap automatic capper. Most caps whose width exceeds its height can be automatically applied with an SK6000-BF6. It should be noted that large diameter caps (exceeding 70mm) can be prone to cross-threading and misapplication in a typical spindle capper. To avoid this, SureKap has developed the SK6000X-BF6 automatic capper. With its unique cap alignment system, the SK6000X-BF6 corrects any cross-threaded caps, thereby providing reliable capping performance at a reasonable price.
Child-Resistant Caps:
Child-resistant caps are designed with an additional safety feature to prevent accidental access by children. Typically, they require a specific combination of actions, like pushing down and twisting, to open. This design is crucial for products such as prescription medications and household chemicals. SureKap cappers can apply these caps with the help of a device that pushes the top of the cap down while the spindles tighten the cap.
Sports Caps or Push-Pull Caps:
Sports caps, also known as push-pull caps, are characterized by their spout, which can be opened and closed with ease. They are widely used on sports drink bottles and water bottles, providing a convenient way to drink on the move. Because of their shape and size, automatic application of these caps requires a vibratory bowl for sortation and alignment making the SureKap SK6000-SP automatic capper the ideal solution for sports caps.
Tamper-Evident Caps:
Tamper-evident caps have a built-in security mechanism, such as a breakable seal or ring, which shows visible signs of tampering if the cap has been removed and resealed. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of food and beverage products, especially those in glass containers. Application of tamper evident caps tends to be very similar to flat caps but it can be complicated by unique tamper evident band configurations. For example, In the case of the orange cap pictured above, it is important for the operator to ensure that the spindle discs only contact the actual cap itself—contact with the TE band is likely to tear it away from the cap. Our built-for-purpose SK6000-BF6 and SK6000X-BF6 automatic cappers are capable of automatically applying the vast majority of tamper evident caps with ease.
Flip-Top Caps:
Flip-top caps have a hinged lid that can be flipped open and closed with one hand. They are commonly found on products like ketchup bottles, shampoo containers, and cosmetic products. The hinged design makes them convenient for dispensing and resealing. Automatic application of these caps often requires a vibratory bowl for sortation and alignment. However, in some cases where the cap diameter equals or exceeds its height, the SK6000-BF6 automatic capper is the ideal solution.
Pump Dispensers:
Pump dispensers are versatile closures designed for bottles and containers holding various liquids, such as lotions, liquid soaps, and hand sanitizers. They consist of a screw-on cap and an integrated pump mechanism. Pump dispensers are commonly used in the personal care, hygiene, and household cleaning product industries. Because of the dip tube that protrudes from the base of the pump into the bottle, SureKap is unable to apply pump dispensers automatically. However, the SK600 cap tightener is an ideal solution for tightening pumps to bottles once the caps have been manually inserted into a bottle.
Trigger Sprayers:
Trigger sprayers are specialized closures commonly found on bottles and containers containing liquids intended for spraying, such as cleaning solutions and some personal care products. They consist of a screw-on cap with an integrated trigger mechanism. Similar to pump dispensers, SureKap is unable to apply trigger sprayers automatically. However, the SK600 cap tightener is an ideal solution for tightening trigger sprayers to bottles once the caps have been manually inserted into a bottle. With our unique thread-start guide, users must simply drop the sprayers into the bottle—no thread engagement necessary.
Yorker Caps:
Yorker caps have a narrow, tapered spout that is ideal for controlled pouring or dispensing of liquids, such as condiments, paints, or adhesives. They offer precision and prevent excessive spills. Because of their shape and size, automatic application of these caps requires a vibratory bowl for sortation and alignment making the SureKap SK6000-SP automatic capper the ideal solution for yorker caps.
Lug Caps:
Lug caps, also called twist-off caps, are commonly used on glass jars containing products like pickles, jams, and sauces. Rather than having a continuous thread, these caps have lugs–angled metal tabs positioned on the inside of the cap’s skirt that grip the threads of the container as the cap is twisted into place. Due to the potential for excessive application torque damaging the lugs, SureKap recommends including our KC-15 digital torque monitor on any new machine destined for lug-capping. With active torque monitoring, these caps can be applied reliably using a SK6000-BF6 automatic capper.
Disc Caps:
Disc caps have a small, flip-open lid with a dispensing orifice underneath. They are often used in personal care products like shampoo, lotion, and liquid soap. The flip-top design allows for controlled and precise dispensing of the product, reducing waste. Depending on how well a particular cap balances on its top, SureKap may recommend either a SK6000-BF6 or SK6000-SP with a vibratory bowl.
In conclusion, the world of screw-on caps is diverse and specialized, with each type tailored to meet specific needs, from child safety to convenience, precision dispensing, and product preservation. At SureKap, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide solutions custom-tailored to the specific needs of each unique customer. Our versatile equipment is rugged, reliable, and easily adjustable. No matter the cap, SureKap has a solution for you.
