Screw capping functionality cuts process validation costs

Designed to offer automated, precise and electronically recorded capping operations, the system eliminates manual screw-cap tasks and guesswork, along with the costs associated with conventional, time-consuming validation.

The Flexicon FCE50L logs all applied torques electronically for batch reporting and traceability requirements. What’s more, each cap is tightened automatically to a pre-set torque within an accuracy of ±10Ncm.

Ease-of-use is an integral design feature of FCE50L. For instance, an illuminating start button shows that the required torque has been achieved, while the control unit features a touch screen for straightforward operator interaction.

Format changes between different bottles or caps can be achieved in less than five minutes, thus keeping downtime to an absolute minimum – critical in an era dominated by short batch runs.

The standard model (FCE50L) offers a torque range of 50-450Ncm although an optional FCE25L unit is also available that provides 25-180Ncm.

Delivering optimum flexibility, bottles measuring between 35 and 240mm in height and from 15 to 100mm in diameter can be accommodated. With reference to caps, all those measuring 12-42mm in diameter and 5-40mm in height are capable of being fitted at a maximum rate of approximately 1000 per hour, depending on the operator.

Recorded data can be quickly and easily exported as CSV files for conversion into Microsoft Excel format with recipe name, bottle number, measured torque in Ncm, time and date.