Unmatched Reliability and Consistent Quality Performance
In tube packaging operations, the capping process represents the final critical quality control point before products leave your facility. A properly capped tube ensures product integrity, prevents leakage, maintains sterility (for pharmaceutical applications), and creates the professional appearance consumers expect. Our MYD-DGF60-100 automatic tube capping machine is engineered to deliver consistently perfect cap application at production speeds up to 100 tubes per minute.
Critical Quality Factors:
The capping process must achieve multiple simultaneous objectives:
- Proper Cap Alignment: Cap threads or closure features must align precisely with tube opening to enable smooth application without cross-threading or damage
- Consistent Torque Application: Caps must be tightened to optimal torque – too loose causes leakage, too tight damages threads or makes consumer opening difficult
- Thread Integrity Protection: Automated process must not damage delicate plastic threads on tubes or caps
- Seal Verification: System must confirm proper seal formation before tubes proceed to packaging
- Cosmetic Perfection: Cap application must not scratch, mar, or otherwise damage decorated tube surfaces
Our system achieves all these objectives through advanced technology:
Precision Servo Control:
Panasonic servo motors provide exact speed and position control throughout the capping cycle. Unlike pneumatic or mechanical capping systems with inherent variability, servo control delivers consistent performance across millions of cycles. The servo system monitors torque in real-time, automatically adjusting capping force to achieve perfect closure every time regardless of minor variations in cap or tube dimensions.
Intelligent Torque Management:
Programmable torque parameters ensure optimal tightening for each cap type and tube material combination. PET tubes require different torque than PE tubes. Flip-top caps need different application force than screw caps. Our system stores unlimited product recipes, each with optimized torque profiles developed through extensive testing. This intelligent torque control prevents overtightening (which can damage threads or make consumer opening difficult) and undertightening (which causes leakage).
Vision-Guided Alignment:
Optional vision systems detect cap and tube orientation, automatically correcting alignment before application. This technology is particularly valuable for tubes with flat shoulders, oval bodies, or orientation-specific decoration where cap position relative to tube graphics matters for shelf appearance. The vision system identifies tube orientation and rotates it to correct position, then orients the cap to match, ensuring perfect visual alignment.
Quality Verification:
Integrated sensors verify proper cap presence, correct orientation, and successful application before tubes proceed to downstream operations. Defective caps, missing caps, or improperly applied caps are automatically rejected, preventing defective products from reaching packaging. Real-time quality monitoring provides continuous feedback, alerting operators immediately if trends indicate potential issues requiring attention.
Exceptional Production Speed Maximizing Operational Efficiency
Time is money in high-volume tube packaging operations. Our MYD-DGF60-100 capping machine is engineered to maximize throughput while maintaining uncompromising quality standards. With maximum production speeds reaching 100 tubes per minute, the system delivers the capacity needed for large-scale manufacturing operations.
High-Speed Performance:
The 100 tubes per minute maximum speed represents sustained production capability, not theoretical peak performance. The system maintains this throughput consistently throughout production shifts when properly configured and maintained. For comparison:
- Manual Capping: 15-25 tubes per minute with inconsistent quality
- Semi-Automatic Systems: 30-50 tubes per minute requiring operator intervention
- Our Automatic System: 60-100 tubes per minute with minimal supervision
Speed Optimization:
Actual production speed depends on several factors:
- Tube Size: Smaller diameter tubes (Ø16-30mm) typically run 80-100 tubes/minute; larger tubes (Ø45-60mm) typically 60-80 tubes/minute
- Cap Type: Simple screw caps apply fastest; flip-top and specialty caps may be slightly slower
- Quality Requirements: Pharmaceutical applications with 100% inspection may operate at 70-80% maximum speed
- Changeover Frequency: Frequent product changes reduce average throughput
Our system is designed for flexibility across this range. Quick parameter adjustment enables optimization for each specific application, balancing speed against quality requirements and process constraints.
Throughput Calculation Example:
Consider a cosmetic tube manufacturer running three 8-hour shifts:
- Average Speed: 75 tubes per minute (accounting for changeovers, breaks, maintenance)
- Operating Time: 22 hours per day (allowing 2 hours for breaks and changeovers)
- Daily Production: 75 tubes/min × 60 min × 22 hours = 99,000 tubes per day
- Annual Production: 99,000 × 300 operating days = 29.7 million tubes per year
This substantial capacity enables serving major brand customers, supporting business growth, and justifying automation investment through volume efficiency.
Efficiency Advantages:
Beyond raw speed, automated capping delivers multiple efficiency benefits:
- Consistent Cycle Time: Every tube receives identical treatment, eliminating variability that plagues manual operations
- Reduced Labor: One operator monitors automated system vs. 3-4 workers for manual capping
- Continuous Operation: Automated systems maintain performance throughout shifts without fatigue
- Quick Changeover: Product recipe recall enables fast switches between different tube/cap combinations
- Minimal Downtime: Reliable components and preventive maintenance maximize uptime
Comprehensive Multi-Cap Compatibility and Versatility
Modern tube packaging employs diverse cap styles optimized for different product types, consumer preferences, and brand positioning. Our MYD-DGF60-100 capping machine handles this full spectrum of closure types through intelligent design and flexible configuration.
Cap Types Handled:
Round Screw Caps:
The most common tube closure, traditional round screw caps provide reliable sealing and easy consumer opening. Our system handles standard screw caps from 13mm to 45mm diameter with various thread profiles including:
- Fine thread caps (cosmetic standard)
- Coarse thread caps (pharmaceutical applications)
- Child-resistant caps (safety closure requirements)
- Tamper-evident caps (with security features)
The servo-controlled capping spindle precisely matches cap thread pitch, smoothly threading caps without damaging delicate plastic threads. Adjustable torque ensures optimal tightening for each cap design.
Flip-Top Caps:
Flip-top caps feature hinged dispensing openings providing convenient one-handed operation popular in personal care products. These caps require careful handling during application to avoid damaging the hinged portion. Our system includes:
- Gentle cap handling preventing hinge damage
- Orientation control ensuring hinge alignment with tube graphics
- Pressure-sensitive application preventing cap crushing
- Flip operation verification (optional) confirming proper hinge function
Disc-Top Caps:
Disc-top dispensers feature rotating disc mechanisms controlling product flow, popular for lotions, shampoos, and liquid products. Application requirements include:
- Precise torque preventing disc mechanism binding
- Orientation alignment (if disc position matters aesthetically)
- Seal verification ensuring proper closure
- Function testing (optional) confirming smooth disc operation
Flat Caps:
Flat or oval-shaped caps create distinctive appearance differentiating premium products. These caps present handling challenges due to non-round geometry:
- Vision-guided orientation ensures correct positioning
- Custom gripper jaws accommodate non-circular shape
- Gentle handling prevents cap deformation
- Alignment with tube shoulder features (if applicable)
Specialty Closures:
Beyond standard caps, our system accommodates various specialty closures:
- Pump dispensers (lotion pumps, treatment pumps)
- Sprayer caps (nasal sprays, topical sprays)
- Applicator caps (lip gloss applicators, eye treatment applicators)
- Brush applicators (mascara-style applicators)
- Needle-nose applicators (precision application products)
Quick-Change Tooling:
Handling multiple cap types requires efficient changeover systems. Our machine features:
Modular Cap Feeding:
Cap feeder bowls or rails can be quickly swapped to accommodate different cap sizes and styles. Magnetic mounts or quick-release clamps enable tool-free changeover in minutes.
Adjustable Gripper Jaws:
Capping head grippers adjust to different cap diameters and shapes. Some configurations include multiple gripper sets for instant changeover between common cap types without mechanical adjustment.
Recipe Management:
PLC stores unlimited product recipes containing all parameters:
- Cap feed speed and timing
- Tube positioning parameters
- Capping torque profiles
- Speed and acceleration curves
- Quality inspection thresholds
Operators simply select the product from the touchscreen menu, and the system automatically configures all parameters, dramatically reducing changeover time and eliminating setup errors.
Wide Tube Size Range and Material Compatibility
The MYD-DGF60-100 capping machine accommodates a comprehensive range of tube dimensions and materials, providing remarkable production flexibility within a single machine platform.
Tube Diameter Range: Ø16-60mm
This 3.75:1 diameter range covers virtually all cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care tube sizes:
Small Tubes (Ø16-25mm):
- Travel-size products (15-30ml capacity)
- Eye creams, lip treatments, spot treatments
- Sample and trial-size packaging
- Pharmaceutical ointments and topicals
- Specialty adhesives and industrial products
Medium Tubes (Ø25-40mm):
- Standard cosmetic tubes (30-100ml capacity)
- Facial cleansers, hand creams, body lotions
- Toothpaste and oral care products
- Pharmaceutical creams and ointments
- Food products (condiments, concentrated ingredients)
Large Tubes (Ø40-60mm):
- Family-size products (100-250ml capacity)
- Body care, hair care, shower products
- Large-format pharmaceutical preparations
- Industrial sealants and adhesives
- Bulk food packaging
Tube Length Range: 100-220mm
The system handles tubes from compact 100mm formats to extended 220mm lengths. Adjustable tube guides and pneumatic grippers accommodate this range:
- Quick mechanical adjustment for diameter changes
- Electronic parameter adjustment for length variations
- Stored recipes for common size combinations
- Servo positioning ensures accurate capping regardless of size
Material Compatibility:
Plastic Tubes:
- PE (Polyethylene): Soft, squeezable tubes most common in cosmetics
- PP (Polypropylene): Stiffer tubes with better barrier properties
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Clear or translucent tubes for visual appeal
- Multi-layer Co-extrusion: Barrier tubes for sensitive formulations
ABL Tubes (Aluminum Barrier Laminate):
- Aluminum layer sandwiched between plastic layers
- Superior barrier properties for premium products
- Requires gentle handling to avoid delamination
- Our system includes pressure-controlled gripping
Aluminum Tubes:
- All-metal construction for pharmaceutical and specialty applications
- Excellent barrier properties and premium appearance
- Requires specialized handling for thread protection
- System accommodates delicate metal threads
Tube Condition Variations:
Filled vs. Unfilled:
The system can handle both filled and unfilled tubes, though filled tubes (heavier, more rigid) are more common. Unfilled tubes may require additional support during capping to prevent collapse.
Hot-Filled vs. Cold-Filled:
Products filled at elevated temperatures may still be warm during capping. Our system accommodates temperature variations without performance degradation.
With/Without Liners:
Many tubes include foil or plastic liners under caps for tamper evidence and freshness preservation. The capping system applies appropriate force to seat liners without damage.
Premium Components Ensure Long-Term Reliability
High-speed automated equipment reliability directly impacts production efficiency, product quality, and total cost of ownership. Our MYD-DGF60-100 capping machine is built using premium components from world-leading suppliers, ensuring dependable performance across millions of operational cycles.
Panasonic Servo Motors:
All critical motion control axes utilize Panasonic servo motors and drives, renowned for:
- Precision Control: Resolution to 0.01mm positioning accuracy
- Smooth Motion: Sophisticated motion algorithms eliminate vibration and shock
- Rapid Response: High-speed acceleration/deceleration for optimal cycle time
- Intelligent Feedback: Real-time monitoring of position, speed, torque, and current
- Long Service Life: Industrial-grade construction designed for 50,000+ operating hours
- Easy Integration: Standard communication protocols simplify programming and troubleshooting
The servo system provides the foundation for consistent capping performance. Real-time torque monitoring during cap application ensures every tube receives optimal closure force. Position feedback verifies cap seating depth and thread engagement. Speed control optimizes cycle time while protecting delicate threads.
Fatek (Yonghong) PLC:
The Fatek programmable logic controller serves as the system’s intelligent brain, coordinating all machine functions:
- Reliable Processing: Industrial-grade processor designed for 24/7 operation in demanding environments
- Extensive I/O: Sufficient inputs/outputs for comprehensive sensor monitoring and device control
- Advanced Programming: Supports complex logic, recipe management, data logging, and communication
- Communication Capability: Ethernet, RS-485, and other protocols enable integration with factory systems
- Diagnostic Tools: Built-in troubleshooting aids simplify maintenance and reduce downtime
- Proven Track Record: Widely used in Asian packaging machinery with excellent reliability record
Weinview (Weintek) HMI:
The Weinview touchscreen human-machine interface provides intuitive operator control:
- Large Color Display: 7″ or 10″ touchscreen with clear graphics and easy navigation
- Intuitive Interface: Icon-based menus, logical organization, minimal training required
- Recipe Management: Store and recall unlimited product configurations
- Real-Time Monitoring: Production counter, speed display, alarm history, performance metrics
- Multi-Language Support: Available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and other languages
- Data Logging: Records production data, quality metrics, and maintenance information
- Remote Access: Optional connectivity for remote monitoring and troubleshooting
AirTAC Pneumatic Components:
All pneumatic cylinders, valves, and fittings are sourced from AirTAC, a leading Asian pneumatics manufacturer:
- Consistent Performance: Precision manufacturing ensures repeatable stroke lengths and forces
- Long Cycle Life: Industrial-grade seals and materials designed for millions of cycles
- Broad Product Range: Comprehensive component selection simplifies design and maintenance
- Cost-Effective: Excellent quality-to-price ratio compared to premium European brands
- Wide Availability: Easy parts sourcing in Asian markets with global distribution
Panasonic Sensors:
Detection sensors throughout the machine are Panasonic brand, providing:
- Photoelectric Sensors: Detect tube presence, cap presence, position verification
- Proximity Sensors: Monitor mechanical positions, cylinder stroke, and component location
- Fiber Optic Sensors: Handle challenging detection applications in confined spaces
- Pressure Sensors: Monitor pneumatic system pressure for process control
- High Reliability: Solid-state design with no moving parts for extended service life
- Easy Setup: LED indicators and simple adjustment simplify installation and maintenance
Quality Construction Throughout:
Beyond major components, the machine features quality construction in every detail:
- Heavy-Duty Frame: Welded steel construction provides rigid, vibration-resistant foundation
- Precision Guides: Linear bearings and guide rails ensure smooth, accurate motion
- Quality Belts and Chains: Industrial-grade power transmission components
- Electrical Components: Schneider Electric or equivalent contactors, breakers, and controls
- Stainless Steel Contact Parts: Food-grade stainless where tubes/caps contact machine surfaces
- Professional Cable Management: Organized wiring with quality connectors and labeling
This commitment to premium components translates to:
- Higher Uptime: Less frequent breakdowns and failures
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Quality parts last longer, need less frequent replacement
- Better Performance: Precision components enable tighter tolerances and faster speeds
- Longer Service Life: 15-20 year operational life with proper maintenance
- Higher Resale Value: Quality equipment retains value if ever sold or upgraded
Intelligent Automation Minimizes Labor and Maximizes Consistency
Modern tube packaging operations demand both high productivity and minimal labor requirements. Our MYD-DGF60-100 capping machine achieves both objectives through comprehensive automation addressing every aspect of the capping process.
Automatic Cap Feeding and Orientation:
Manual cap placement represents a bottleneck in semi-automatic systems, limiting throughput and requiring constant operator attention. Our fully automatic cap feeding system eliminates this constraint:
Vibratory Bowl Feeder:
High-capacity vibratory bowl feeder sorts and orients caps automatically:
- Large Capacity: Bowl holds 30-60 minutes of caps at maximum production speed
- Gentle Handling: Vibration amplitude optimized to prevent cap damage
- Automatic Orientation: Built-in tooling orients caps to correct position
- Level Monitoring: Sensors alert when bowl needs refilling
- Quick Changeover: Tooling plates swap quickly for different cap types
Caps feed from the bowl through an escapement mechanism releasing one cap per cycle in perfect timing with tube arrival. This synchronization ensures caps are available exactly when needed without accumulation or shortage.
Linear Cap Track (Alternative):
For certain cap types, linear track feeding offers advantages:
- Simpler Mechanism: Straight track with pusher or belt feed
- Better for Delicate Caps: Less aggressive than vibratory bowls
- Easier Changeover: Often requires no tools for cap type changes
- Lower Cost: Simpler construction reduces initial investment
Cap Orientation Correction:
Even with oriented feeding, minor cap position errors can occur. Vision-guided or mechanical orientation systems correct these:
- Vision Detection: Camera identifies cap orientation features
- Correction Rotation: Servo motor rotates cap to precise position
- Verification: Second check confirms correct orientation before application
- Rejection: Incorrectly oriented or damaged caps automatically rejected
Automatic Tube Handling:
Tubes arriving from upstream filling equipment require precise positioning for capping:
Tube Infeed Conveyor:
Incoming tube conveyor synchronizes with capping machine:
- Speed Matching: Conveyor speed matches capping machine throughput
- Spacing Control: Tubes maintain optimal spacing for pickup
- Accumulation Buffer: Short accumulation zone compensates for speed variations
- Transfer Timing: Sensors coordinate tube transfer to capping station
Tube Positioning System:
Precision positioning prepares tubes for capping:
- Servo-Controlled Pickup: Gripper or nest lifts tube from infeed conveyor
- Height Adjustment: Automatic positioning accommodates different tube lengths
- Rotation Control: Orients tubes to specific angle (if required for graphics alignment)
- Centering: Ensures tube perfectly centered under capping spindle
Capping Process Automation:
The capping operation itself is fully automated with intelligent control:
Cap Placement:
- Gentle Pickup: Vacuum or mechanical gripper lifts cap from feed track
- Precise Positioning: Servo motors position cap directly over tube opening
- Initial Alignment: Cap slightly lowered to engage thread start
- Verification: Sensors confirm proper cap/tube alignment
Thread Engagement:
- Slow Start: Initial rotation at reduced speed to avoid cross-threading
- Thread Following: Servo adjusts speed matching thread pitch
- Torque Monitoring: Real-time torque measurement throughout process
- Smooth Motion: Acceleration/deceleration profiles prevent shock
Final Tightening:
- Preset Torque: Applies precise torque based on product recipe
- Angle Control: Alternative mode rotates to specific angle if torque control not suitable
- Multi-Stage: Some products use two-stage tightening (snug, then final torque)
- Verification: Torque achievement confirmed before releasing tube
Quality Verification:
- Presence Detection: Confirms cap actually installed
- Seating Depth: Checks cap seated to correct height
- Torque Recording: Documents actual torque applied (pharmaceutical applications)
- Visual Inspection: Optional vision system checks cap alignment and condition
Defect Rejection:
Automated quality control identifies and removes defective products:
Rejection Criteria:
- Missing caps
- Cross-threaded caps
- Insufficient torque (loose caps)
- Excessive torque (damaged threads)
- Misaligned caps
- Damaged or defective caps
Rejection Mechanism:
- Air Blast: Compressed air jet diverts defective tubes to reject chute
- Pusher: Mechanical pusher removes defects from main conveyor
- Counter: Tracks reject quantities by defect type
- Alarm: Excessive rejects trigger operator alert
Tube Discharge:
Successfully capped tubes proceed to downstream operations:
- Outfeed Conveyor: Smooth transfer to packaging equipment
- Orientation Maintained: Tubes remain in correct position for subsequent processes
- Speed Matching: Discharge speed matches downstream equipment capacity
- Accumulation: Brief accumulation capacity compensates for downstream variations
Operator Interface:
Despite extensive automation, operator interaction remains important for monitoring and control:
Production Monitoring:
- Real-Time Counter: Displays current production count, target quantity
- Speed Display: Shows actual running speed vs. target speed
- Efficiency Metrics: Calculates uptime percentage, tubes per hour
- Quality Statistics: Tracks defect rates by type
Recipe Management:
- Product Library: Store unlimited tube/cap combinations
- One-Touch Recall: Select product from menu, all parameters load automatically
- Easy Editing: Modify parameters with touchscreen input
- Password Protection: Restrict recipe changes to authorized personnel
Alarm Management:
- Fault Display: Clear indication of problems requiring attention
- Alarm History: Log of recent alarms for troubleshooting
- Help Text: Guidance on resolving common issues
- Remote Notification: Optional alerts via email or SMS
This comprehensive automation reduces operator requirements from 3-4 workers (manual capping) to 1 supervisor (automated system), while simultaneously improving quality consistency, reducing defects, and increasing throughput.