Semi Automatic Cappers were created to eliminate the strain caused by hand tightening caps. The difference between fully and semi automatic cappers are that the latter requires manual cap application. With a semi automatic capper someone would need to apply the cap onto the bottle before running it through the machine. There are two types of semi automatic cappers, Inline and Chuck. To determine which type of capper to use will depend on the type and size of the cap and container, and the speed required to run also known as CPM (containers per minute). Semi automatic cappers are built for mostly pump, spray, or special caps. Semi automatic cappers are only recommended when caps are unable to be selected by a mechanical cap sorter. All Lazar cappers can easily be switched from semi to fully automatic cappers if requested.

          Fully Automatic Cappers were designed to operate without manual cap application. The fully automatic capper is able to apply the cap onto the bottle and also torque it in one continuous motion. The types of caps used on this machine are those that can be selected through a mechanical cap sorter. There are two types of fully automatic cappers, Chuck and Inline. To determine which type of capper to use will depend on the type and size of the cap and container, and the speed required to run also known as CPM (containers per minute). Fully automatic cappers are recommended for higher production speeds with minimal human monitoring. In the long run fully automatic cappers are more efficient to operate.

          Cap Retorquers were designed to be placed after a capper to guarantee torque on a cap. A retorquer is an inline “C” framed machine that tightens a cap onto a container. The FDA requires retorquers to be placed after induction sealing. Retorquers are mostly used for pump, spray, or special caps. Some of the main advantages are that they are small in size, portable and can be easily adjusted. Many companies use retorquers for short production runs. Cap retorquers can be considered a semi automatic capper. The difference between a retorquer and semi automatic capper are that the latter can be upgraded to a fully automatic capper if requested.

          Cap Sorters were designed to eliminate manual cap application. A cap sorter can take a pile of caps and re-arrange them to exit all in the same position. A cap sorter is the main component that determines whether or not a machine is fully automatic or semi automatic. A cap sorter can either be attached to a hopper above a machine or combined with an elevator. Only a certain amount of caps are able to be selected with a cap sorter. It is recommended that you speak with a Lazar capper representative before deciding which cap and container to use for your product.

          Hoppers were designed to hold a large amount of caps near the capping machine. Hoppers vary in size between 4 to 12 cubic feet depending on the cap size and type. Hoppers are attached to cap sorters above the machine or cap elevators for easy access from ground level.

          Bottle Spacers were designed to create space between each bottle in a conveyor system. The bottle spacer is attached to a conveyor and can be used to assist with inspection or capping. Not all containers require the use of a bottle spacer.

          Inspection Units were designed to examine every bottle and cap after it has been run through a capping machine. Inspection units can determine if a cap is missing, not on properly, or missing a seal. The unit is linked with a capping machine which will turn off if several tests fail in a row. This is useful if the machine is running unattended. The inspection unit can also reject failed containers and push them to the side.

          Sorter Elevators were designed to eliminate manual cap application. The sorter elevator provides easy access to fill the bin with caps from ground level. For more information on sorter elevators read the section on “Cap Sorters”.

          Cap Elevators were designed to transfer caps from ground level to a hopper located above a capper. A cap elevator has a big bin which can hold a several hundred caps at a time. Cap elevators are a substitute for sorter elevators when a machine has a hopper and sorter above the machine.