NJM Packaging introduces the redesigned beltorque® high-speed capper. The machine is equipped with the new servo-driven, patent-pending cap elevator-feeder, which features adjustable cleats and indexes on demand. NJM Packaging has increased the speed of the continuous-motion capper by 50%. The inline beltorque caps up to 300 bpm with simple mechanics, fast changeovers, and low maintenance. Precise torque and gentle handling maximize product quality.
Unlike traditional in-line cappers that use discs or spindles, this two-station capper-torquer uses two pairs of belts to gently rotate and tighten caps. Using patented technology, one drive synchronizes the linear displacement speed of the container with the rotating speed of the closure, even when the cap stops turning. This design maximizes product quality by eliminating damage to the cap knurling and cap finish. It also minimizes slippage to achieve more consistent torque values, which prevents leaks and reduces rework associated with out-of-tolerance rejects. Precision tooling minimizes skewed caps.
The beltorque capper is suitable for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products as well as foods and beverages. It handles round, oval, square, and rectangular bottles made of plastic or glass from 2 in. to 12 in. high and from 0.5 in. to 7 in. in diameter, with caps made of plastic or metal that are up to 4.75 in. in diameter.
Beltorque can orient and place challenging flip-top screw caps as well as gear-shaped and rubberized arthritis screw caps and snap-caps (with an optional snap-cap applicator) in addition to traditional caps without damaging the cap surface. To accommodate a new cap design, NJM can manufacture the new tooling in as little as one week to help speed new products to market.
An optional torque reader measures applied torque and triggers a reject device to remove capped bottles that are under and over the thresholds set for any given cap. This feature displays the applied torque of each capped bottle and the history of the last 30 containers on the touchscreen control panel. An optional cap inspection station identifies skewed or missing caps, missing foil, and fallen bottles, and triggers the reject device.
To meet the needs of each application, NJM can equip beltorque with a centrifugal bowl for tall caps or its new elevator-feeder for all other caps.
The elevator-feeder offers a sequential on-demand advance that indexes the elevating conveyor. This smooths and speeds the operation while reducing compressed air use by 50%. Unlike traditional cap elevator-feeders with fixed cleats, NJM’s new elevator-feeder features cleats that adjust to the cap diameter to maximize throughput. By electronically adjusting its cleats to automatically match the cap size via preprogrammed recipes, small caps are elevated more quickly. These innovations enable beltorque to achieve its capping speeds.
Beltorque is designed for fast, easy, and accurate changeovers that can be accomplished in less than 5 minutes with no tools required. The transfer from the elevator-feeder to the chute is telescopic so no height adjustments are needed on the chute. The cap pick-up change-part sets the width of the chute like a jig to further simplify changeovers. The height of the machine, which is set during each bottle height change, is electronically displayed on the color touchscreen as a numerical value, which is easier to read than a scale. Torque is controlled with a single control. The standard 5-cu-ft cap hopper and the optional 9-cu-ft cap hopper feature a lockable clean-out door to quickly and easily remove caps during changeovers.
To reduce maintenance, beltorque’s chute and change parts are precision-machined from solid aluminum and stainless steel, which improves durability. Other than the servo-driven elevator-feeder, motors are AC, which reduces maintenance. The capper features an Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI, heavy-duty construction, a stainless-steel cabinet, and support frame. Two options exist for the Lexan™ guarding.
NJM can equip beltorque with a spacing wheel, starwheel, or feedscrew, as needed. The capper can be mounted on a standard bottle conveyor and features a compact footprint that is only 9 ft in length.
