achievements
The Capper is a highly flexible robotic dispensing and capping machine designed to automate the feeding, orientation, and screwing/clipping of a wide variety of flat caps, pump dispensers, and trigger sprays.
Integrated into the heart of a continuous packaging line, it ensures a sustained output of 40 to 50 products per minute.
By combining an intelligent vision system, an ultra-fast Delta robot, and a 6-axis robotic arm, this solution has been specifically developed to meet the agility requirements of the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and home care industries.
Full automation of unpacking, feeding, and application for simple closures (screw caps) or complex closures (spray nozzles, pumps).
Drastic reduction in downtime thanks to an ultra-fast, tool-free format change system.
Continuous, uninterrupted operation over long periods is ensured by a large-capacity storage hopper (300 liters).
Distribution of asymmetrical parts: The camera-based vision system identifies and locates the nozzles and pumps in real time, enabling the robot to position them perfectly, even at high speeds.
Preserving aesthetics and integrity: The vacuum gripping system handles the caps without scratching them, thereby protecting your high-end cosmetic packaging.
Risk of contamination: A vacuum cleaning feature built into the gripper sucks up dust and debris from the cap just before it is placed.
Insertion of dip tubes: Eliminates the risk of bent or jammed tubes thanks to a special feature that straightens the tube before insertion into the bottle.
Feeding: Bulk materials are stored in a large hopper and conveyed by an elevator conveyor to the sorting area.
Recognition and Sorting: A vision system (using backlighting and overhead lighting) dynamically analyzes the position of each cap on the conveyor.
Robotic gripping: A high-speed Delta robot gently picks up the compliant caps using a suction nozzle.
Transfer: The robot places the parts onto a transfer conveyor equipped with 3D-printed platforms, guiding the caps to the capping module without any queues or collisions.
Placement and Screwing: A 6-axis articulated robot takes over, straightens the plunger if necessary, and a servo-motorized head ensures precise control of the screwing or clipping cycle on the centered bottle.
Rejection: A camera checks the final quality of the assembly, and an automatic rejection system removes non-conforming bottles from the line.
Output: 40 to 50 units per minute.
Footprint: 3,550 mm x 2,500 mm x 2,510 mm (height).
Types of products handled: Flat caps, screw caps, flip-top caps, dispenser pumps, trigger sprays, and spray guns for round or square bottles.
Accepted materials: Plastic and glass, supporting both symmetrical and asymmetrical geometries.
Format change time: On-the-fly change and magnetic clamping.
Compliance / Standards: Machine available with an ATEX-certified option for processing aggressive or flammable chemicals.
Home & Self-Care Category
No, the Capper’s strength lies in its 3D-printed transport platforms. A single platform can be designed to carry up to four different cap shapes at the same time. If a new format is required, we can 3D-print the new part in just a few days, which drastically reduces your tooling costs.
Indeed, the 6-axis robotic arm designed for capping is equipped with a kinematic system that includes a “cork stem straightening” feature. It gently centers the cork stem before inserting it into the bottle neck, thereby preventing jams during production.
The capping machine uses an intelligent vision system. If a product is not recognized or is damaged on the sorting conveyor, the delta robot ignores it. The item continues along the conveyor, and a return loop automatically sends it back to the storage hopper, preventing any mechanical jams. At the end of the line, a camera inspection verifies the capping and ejects any non-conforming bottles.
Contact UNISTA for a customized assessment.
