Cap Orienting

Zalkin cap sorting equipment is designed to ensure caps are precisely positioned for efficient application to rotary monobloc turrets, rotary freestanding or single-head capping machines. By aligning closures correctly with the container neck, these systems streamline the capping process and enhance productivity.

We offer space-efficient, stainless steel waterfall and rotary cap sorters to accommodate a wide variety of cap types, sizes and geometries, as well as speed requirements, optimizing the efficiency of your production line.

A waterfall cap sorter uses 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. Each waterfall cap orienter can be customized to fit site constraints or production line layouts.

A rotary cap sorter uses 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. Many configurations of rotary orienters are available to accommodate various closures.

Each series is changeover capable and available in turret-mounted or floor-stand-mounted configurations.

When you choose a Zalkin cap sorter — waterfall or rotary — you're investing in equipment sustainability and unmatched performance. Every system component is best-in-class, engineered to seamlessly work together and meet or exceed your expectations.

Close up of the rotary cap orienting capping machinery from Zalkin

Front of the rotary cap orienting capping machinery from Zalkin

Our capping 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

Our OPPTI.SELECT product line features four types of waterfall and rotary cap sorting machines to handle virtually any closure style or size, including:

CA 12 Model

Rotary cap orienter
Designed for speeds up to 416 cpm (25,000 cph)
Ideal for orienting caps with diameters greater than their heights
Uses a simple mechanical design and principles of operation to correctly orient caps as they exit the rotating hopper bin, no electronic sensors and no compressed air required
Once aligned, caps move through the discharge opening into a single-file chute, feeding into the capping system
Misaligned caps continue rotating in the hopper until correctly oriented

High-Speed GC Series

Rotary cap orienter
The cap orienter of choice for high-speed production, the GC Series includes two primary models: the GC3 and the GC12
Designed for speeds ranging from around 580 cpm to 1,500 cpm (35,000 cph to 90,000 cph)
Ideal for sorting caps with diameters greater than their heights
The GC3 model requires a pre-feeding system and plant-supplied compressed air, although its energy efficiency means reduced air consumption
Soundproofing options to reduce noise to below 85 db

Waterfall Elevator/Orienter

Waterfall equipment featuring cap elevating and orienting functions
Designed for speeds up to 800 cpm (48,000 cph)
Ideal for round caps with diameters greater than their heights
Uses cleated belts and gravity to ensure caps are correctly positioned for smooth application at the capping heads and to reduce marks or scratches on the caps
Integrated ionization system to remove dust particles and optional suction system
Outfeed recycling device in case of cap overloading

Universal Range

Rotary cap orienter
The Universal Range features 6 sizes: U500, U750, U1000, U1200, U1500 and U2000
Designed for speeds up to 1,000 cpm (60,000 cph)
Ideal for orienting round caps with diameters greater than their heights
Cap selection step utilizes sequential pneumatic ejection controlled by an electronic sensor
A rotating disk with pockets captures each closure, while compressed air and vacuum assist in the operation of Universal Range orienters
The rotating disk pockets capture correctly oriented caps and discharge them into a single file chute
Misaligned caps are ejected by compressed air and continue rotating in the hopper until properly positioned in a pocket
Optional quick-release disc segment available for tool-less quick cap changeovers

Our PRO.SELECT eco-friendly packaging machines for cap orienting offer cost and energy savings, with impressive flexibility to seamlessly integrate with existing equipment.

New Double Disc EcoTwin Orienter

Rotary cap orienter
Automated sorting and orienting system using centrifugal effect, meaning no air consumption is required (according to cap design)
Ideal for round caps with diameters greater than their heights
Mechanical selection made by two rotary discs: one inner, inclined, and one outer, flat
Offers smooth, noiseless cap handling and reduced dust particles
This line of eco-friendly equipment features a compact footprint and optimized changeover parts

New U750 Universal Orienter

Rotary cap orienter
Zalkin’s new U750 cap orienter features an environmentally conscious design that takes energy savings into account
This machine offers notable operator safety, a lower running cost, and significant noise-reduction capabilities
Ergonomics and easy access to format changeover

Waterfall Z-Cascade

Waterfall cap orienter
Ideal for round caps with diameters greater than their heights
Designed for continuous production at speeds up to 2,000 cpm (120,000 cph)
Gravity-powered cap selection with electrically adjustable bump
Features an accessible embedded control panel and can be floor-mounted or on a platform
Allows for gentle cap recirculation without the risk of jamming
No compressed air is needed, offering cost savings
Sustainable equipment offering energy efficiency and modular design