Semi Auto (Semi-Automatic) Machines

Semi-automatic cappers are designed to tighten the cap on a container or bottle but require an operator to place the cap on the bottle. Semi-automatic cappers are designed needing different levels of operator involvement. The most simple semi-automatic cappers, often called hand held cappers or manual assist cappers, require the operator to place the cap on the container, hold the container, bring the hand held capper in touch with the cap, and activate the hand held capper. (Hand held cappers are approximately the size of a powered screw driver.) At the other extreme of semi-automatic cappers are spindle cappers, often called retorquers. Semi-automatic spindle cappers require the operator to only place the cap on the container while the spindle capper automatically handles the remainder of the capping operation. Single head chuck cappers can also be used as semi-automatic cappers.

Spindle cappers use one of multiple pairs of counter rotating spindles. The gripper wheels at the end of the spindles make contact with the cap and tighten the cap on the container. The gap between the spindles gets progressively smaller with each subsequent pair of spindles to increase the force applied on the cap. Spindle cappers have gripper belts which grip both sides of the container to move the past the spindles and to prevent the container from spinning or turning as the caps are being tightened. Spindle cappers are designed to cap containers that are on a conveyor. (For more information on spindle cappers see Cappers / Spindle Cappers.)

Semi-automatic chuck cappers are designed with a single chuck. Semi-automatic chuck cappers require an operator to place the cap on the container and to place the container below the chuck. The chuck on the semi-automatic capper is then lowered by the operator to make contact with the cap and tighten the cap on the container. Once the proper amount of torque is applied to the cap, the chuck on the semi-automatic capper releases the cap. Chucks are designed to “sense” the amount of torque that is applied to the cap. The sensing of torque is often done pneumatically or mechanically, and the chucks can be adjusted to apply different amounts of torque. Chucks are specifically designed for the size cap that they are applying. For different size caps, different size chucks need to be installed on the semi-automatic capper.