Cap Orienting

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Zalkin cap orienting systems, which are also referred to as cap sorting systems or cap sorters, are offered for rotary monobloc, rotary freestanding and single-head cappers.

Cap orienters assure that caps are delivered to the capping machine in the correct position for efficient cap application. This typically means that the cap is delivered to the capper so the bottom of the closure is aligned with the neck finish of the container.

Zalkin offers waterfall and rotary systems that accommodate a wide range of closure types, sizes and geometries.

Waterfall cap orienters use inclined cleated belts and the “center of gravity” principle to properly align caps and then supply them via a single file cap chute to the capping machine.

Rotary orienters use various combinations of centrifugal force, compressed air and creative geometry to align caps and then supply them via a single file cap chute to the cap applicator/dispenser. There are many available configurations of rotary orienters to accommodate the wide range of closure types, closure geometries and sizes.

Zalkin cap handling systems offer unmatched performance because each component is best-in-class, and all system components are designed to work together to meet or exceed a customer’s expectations.

Our cap orientation systems are used around the world for screw-on, roll-on, push-in and snap-on closures in multiple industries including:
  • PET Bottled water
  • Carbonated soft drinks (PET & aluminum bottles)
  • Non-carbonated soft drinks
  • Food
  • Dairy
  • Distilled spirits
  • Beer (aluminum bottles)
  • Wine
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Personal care
  • Household products
  • Chemical

Waterfall Cap Orienting

Zalkin waterfall cap orienting systems are offered for rotary monobloc, rotary freestanding and single-head cappers.

Zalkin waterfall cap orienters use cleated belts and gravity to assure that caps are delivered to the capping heads in the correct position to facilitate smooth application. This typically means that the cap is positioned so the bottom of the closure is aligned with the neck finish of the container.

Zalkin waterfall cap orienter highlights include:

  • Speeds up to 2,000 cpm (120,000 cph)
  • Multiple models and options accommodate a wide range of speed requirements and cap sizes
  • Cap handling is low impact which minimizes cap scuffing
  • Removable cleats accommodate cap size changeovers
  • Multiple cap hopper sizes are available up to 80 cu. ft. / 2,265 L
  • Elevations are custom specified to accommodate line layout requirements or space constraints
  • HEPA air filtration systems and ultra-clean models are available
  • Every waterfall cap orienter can be designed and configured to work within site constraints or production line layout requirements

Our waterfall cap orientation systems are used around the world for screw-on, push-in and snap-on closures in multiple industries including:

  • PET Bottled water
  • Carbonated soft drinks
  • Non-carbonated soft drinks
  • Food
  • Dairy
  • Distilled spirits
  • Beer
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Personal care
  • Household products

Rotary Cap Orienting

Zalkin rotary cap orienting systems are offered for rotary monobloc, rotary freestanding and single-head cappers.

Together, Zalkin’s range of rotary cap orienters are capable of handling... virtually any style or size of closure!

This includes...

  • Flat screw-on caps
  • Asymmetrical plastic press-on caps
  • Sport caps
  • Flip top caps
  • T-corks
  • Long skirt and short skirt ROPP aluminum closures
  • Plastic press-on pressure caps
  • Ring pull caps

Zalkin offers three series of rotary cap orienters:

  • CA Series: ideal for orienting caps with diameters greater than their heights at speeds up to 600 cpm (36,000 cph)
    • CA rotary sorters use a simple mechanical design and principles of operation to correctly orient caps as they exit the rotating hopper bin. No electronic sensors or compressed air are required
    • The opening at the discharge of the sorter is designed to allow caps to exit into the cap chute when they are in the required alignment. Caps not in the required orientation simply move past the discharge opening and continue to rotate in the hopper until they are correctly oriented. Caps that are in the correct orientation proceed through the discharge opening into a single file cap chute that feeds the cap into the capping system
  • GC Series: ideal for orienting caps with diameters greater than their heights at speeds up to 2,000 cpm (120,000 cph)
    • They are the cap orienter of choice for high speed production
    • The GC series includes two primary models, the GC and the Electronic GC
    • Highlights of GC Series orienters include:
      • Electronic GC designed to set disc height via HMI selection
      • Requires plant supplied compressed air
      • Pre-feeding system is required
      • Automated, recipe driven cap changeovers through addition of laser sensors and air jet rejectors
  • Universal Series: ideal for orienting cap diameters of various shapes, long or short skirt, and different diameters at speeds up to 1,000 cpm (60,000 cph)
    • Universal cap orienters use a rotating disk with pockets designed to capture each closure to be handled. Compressed air and vacuum are used in the operation of Universal orienters
    • The rotating disk pockets are designed to capture correctly oriented caps and then discharge them into a single file cap chute. Caps not in the required orientation are ejected from pockets via compressed air. Ejected caps simply move past the discharge opening and caps continue to rotate in the hopper until they are correctly deposited into a rotating disk pocket
    • Highlights of Universal Series orienters include:
      • Optional quick release disc segment available for tool-less quick cap changeovers
      • Requires plant supplied compressed air
      • Pre-feeding system is required

Highlights for all Zalkin rotary cap orienters:

  • Multiple models are offered within each series
  • Each series is changeover capable to accommodate multiple cap types and sizes
  • Each series is available in turret mounted or floor stand mounted configurations
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Space efficient, compact design
  • Speeds up to 2,000 cpm (120,000 cph)