Automatic Ropp Screw Threading Machine

Automatic Ropp Screw Capping Machine Video

Key Components

1. Conveyor System: A flat or slat conveyor belt transports bottles through the machine, ensuring continuous flow from upstream equipment to the capping station.

2. Infeed Worm and Star Wheel: The infeed worm ensures proper spacing between bottles, while the star wheel precisely positions each bottle under the capping head. These components often include safety clutches to stop the machine in case of jamming or overloading.

3. Cap Feeder and Sorter: An automatic cap feeder sorts and orients unthreaded aluminum caps, delivering them to a chute for placement on the bottle neck. The feeder ensures caps are correctly aligned before capping.

4. Capping Head with Rollers: The capping head typically features four rollers: two for skirting, spinning, and sealing the cap, and two for forming threads that match the bottle neck’s diameter. The head descends, applies pressure, and rotates to shape the cap around the bottle’s threads.

5. Control Panel: Equipped with a user-friendly interface, often including a PLC or microprocessor controls, to adjust settings like torque, speed, and cap placement. Some models feature digital counters for tracking sealed bottles.

6. Frame and Construction: Built with a sturdy stainless steel  frame, often GMP-compliant, with enclosures for hygiene and operator safety. The design is compact and versatile, suitable for integration into production lines.

Operation Process

1. Bottle Feeding: Pre-filled bottles are fed onto the conveyor belt, either manually or from an upstream filling machine. The infeed worm and star wheel align and space the bottles correctly.

2. Cap Placement: The cap feeder sorts and delivers unthreaded aluminum ROPP caps to the delivery chute. The bottle picks up a cap as it moves under the capping head, or the head places the cap onto the bottle neck.

3. Threading and Sealing: The capping head descends, and its rollers press the aluminum cap against the bottle neck. The rollers simultaneously:

   • Form threads by rolling the cap to match the bottle’s pre-threaded neck.

   • Create a tamper-evident seal by crimping a perforated portion of the cap.

   • Ensure an airtight closure to prevent leakage or contamination.

4. Bottle Release: After sealing, the capping head lifts, and the star wheel transfers the capped bottle to the exit conveyor for further processing.

Key Features

• Tamper-Evident Sealing: The ROPP process creates a perforated band that breaks upon opening, providing visible evidence of tampering, crucial for consumer safety in pharmaceuticals and beverages.

• Versatility: Can handle various bottle shapes and materials with interchangeable parts for different cap and bottle sizes.

• High-Speed Automation: Automatic models, such as single-head or multi-head, achieve production rates from 50 to 300 bottles per minute, depending on the model.

• No Bottle, No Cap Mechanism: Prevents cap wastage and ensures the machine stops if no bottle is present, reducing damage and improving efficiency.

• Adjustable Sealing Pressure: Spring-loaded rollers accommodate variations in bottle neck dimensions and cap gauges, preventing damage to caps or bottles.

• Integration Capability: Designed to synchronize with filling, labeling, and other packaging line equipment for seamless operation.

• Safety Features: Includes clutches, microswitches, and “no cap, no roll” systems to prevent jams, overloading, or cap damage.

Types of ROPP Machines

1. Semi-Automatic ROPP Cappers: Require manual placement of caps and bottles, ideal for small-scale operations. Operators position the bottle and cap, then activate the capping head. Production rates are lower, typically up to 400 bottles per hour.

2. Automatic ROPP Cappers: Fully automated with cap feeders, conveyors, and multi-head configurations for high-speed production. Suitable for large-scale operations in industries like beverages and pharmaceuticals.

3. Inline vs. Rotary Models: Inline cappers are versatile for various bottle shapes without needing component changes, while rotary models use star wheels for high-speed, precise capping.

Applications

ROPP screw threading machines are extensively used for:

• Pharmaceuticals: Sealing syrups, medications, and injectables with tamper-evident caps.

• Beverages: Capping wines, spirits, juices, and water with Stelvin-style or pilfer-proof caps.

• Food Industry: Securing olive oil, vinegar, and sauces in glass or PET bottles.

• Chemicals and Cosmetics: Packaging lubricants, agrochemicals, and personal care products with secure closures.

Advantages

• Secure and Tamper-Evident: Provides robust, airtight seals with visible tamper evidence, enhancing consumer trust.

• High Efficiency: Automated systems reduce labor and increase production speed, ideal for high-volume lines.

• Durability: Stainless steel construction ensures longevity and compliance with hygiene standards.

• Flexibility: Adjustable components accommodate various bottle and cap sizes, reducing the need for multiple machines.

Limitations

• Bottle Material Requirement: The bottle neck must be rigid to withstand the pressure of thread formation.

• Cost for Multiple Cap Sizes: Running different cap sizes may require additional change parts, increasing costs.

• Initial Investment: Automatic ROPP cappers can be expensive for small-scale producers compared to semi-automatic models.

Conclusion

The Automatic ROPP Screw Threading Machine is a highly efficient, reliable, and versatile solution for sealing bottles with tamper-evident aluminum caps. Its ability to form threads during the capping process, combined with automation features like cap feeders and conveyor systems, makes it indispensable for high-volume production lines in multiple industries. While it requires rigid bottle materials and may involve additional costs for varied cap sizes, its benefits in security, speed, and integration make it a preferred choice for manufacturers prioritizing product integrity and efficiency.

Salient Features of Automatic Ropp Screw Threading Machine