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Automatic Capping Machine | Cap Torque Tester | Torque and Force Measurement

Automatic bottle capping machines are essential in manufacturing lines, ensuring each bottle is capped to precise torque and force specifications. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, beverages, and household products, torque and force measurements are key for quality control. Improper capping can lead to seal failures, contamination, transportation issues, and end-consumer dissatisfaction. This application note explores two scenarios for torque and force measurement in automatic capping machines, using FUTEK’s TFF500 Reaction Torque Sensor or MBA500 Torque and Thrust Biaxial Sensor.


Scenario A: Torque-Only Measurement
In some bottle capping applications, only the torque applied to the cap needs monitoring to ensure proper sealing. This scenario focuses exclusively on torque measurement without additional force data.

Sensor Solution: TFF500 Reaction Torque Sensor
The TFF500 Reaction Torque Sensor is ideal for torque-only measurement applications due to its low-profile design, with a height of only 1.25 inches (31.7 mm), which minimizes space requirements for integration. It supports both clockwise and counterclockwise torque measurement, enabling it to monitor both cap application and removal. 


With a torque measurement capacity up to 100 in-lb (11.3 Nm) and nonlinearity up to ±0.5% of rated output, the TFF500 provides quality assurance engineers with reliable data on bottle cap tightness.



Scenario B: Combined Torque and Tension/Compression Measurement
In more stringent applications, such as those requiring sterilization or safety seals, both torque and compression (or tension) measurements may become necessary. This additional force data adds an extra layer of quality assurance, confirming that the cap has been applied with sufficient compression force to ensure a sterile or child-resistant seal.

Sensor Solution: MBA500 Torque and Thrust Biaxial Sensor
The MBA500 Torque and Thrust Biaxial Sensor is engineered to measure both reaction torque and axial tension/compression forces, making it ideal for applications requiring precise control of both metrics. This sensor can measure both clockwise and counterclockwise torque up to 500 lb-in (56.5 Nm) and force up to 500 lb (2224 N), achieving a nonlinearity up to ±0.25% of rated output accuracy. The MBA500 features separate outputs for torque and force, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of both metrics.

Constructed from aluminum, the MBA500 is temperature-compensated to ensure accurate readings across varying conditions. It includes overload protections (150% for 50–150 lb and 125% for 200 lb) to ensure durability and reliability during extended use. The MBA500 is compact, weighing only 6.5 oz (184 g).

In automated capping applications, the MBA500’s bi-axial measurement capability is critical for industries where seal integrity, sterilization, and safety are paramount. For instance, child-resistant safety caps require specific torque and compression force parameters to meet regulatory requirements.

How it Works
  1. Engineers install either a torque-only or biaxial sensor in the capping machine to monitor the spindle motor (actuator) powering the capping press, based on application requirements. These sensors enable the implementation of closed-loop control for spindle torque.

  2. Mounted alongside the capping press's spindle motor, the sensor measures either just the torque (Scenario A) or both torque and tension/compression (Scenario B) exerted as each cap is sealed onto its respective container.

  3. These torque and/or thrust measurements can be amplified through FUTEK's IAA Series Amplifier to a PLC, displayed on a digital display (IPM650 or IHH500), streamed directly to a PC using FUTEK's USB Solutions, or paired with the QIA128 Digital SPI/UART Signal Conditioner for microcontroller integration.

    TFF500 integrated TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) streamlines setup with FUTEK IHH500 Handheld Display or IPM650 Panel Mount Display.

Products in Use
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Please Contact Us with questions.

Automatic bottle capping machines are essential in manufacturing lines, ensuring each bottle is capped to precise torque and force specifications. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, beverages, and household products, torque and force measurements are key for quality control. Improper capping can lead to seal failures, contamination, transportation issues, and end-consumer dissatisfaction. This application note explores two scenarios for torque and force measurement in automatic capping machines, using FUTEK’s TFF500 Reaction Torque Sensor or MBA500 Torque and Thrust Biaxial Sensor.


Scenario A: Torque-Only Measurement
In some bottle capping applications, only the torque applied to the cap needs monitoring to ensure proper sealing. This scenario focuses exclusively on torque measurement without additional force data.

Sensor Solution: TFF500 Reaction Torque Sensor
The TFF500 Reaction Torque Sensor is ideal for torque-only measurement applications due to its low-profile design, with a height of only 1.25 inches (31.7 mm), which minimizes space requirements for integration. It supports both clockwise and counterclockwise torque measurement, enabling it to monitor both cap application and removal. 


With a torque measurement capacity up to 100 in-lb (11.3 Nm) and nonlinearity up to ±0.5% of rated output, the TFF500 provides quality assurance engineers with reliable data on bottle cap tightness.



Scenario B: Combined Torque and Tension/Compression Measurement
In more stringent applications, such as those requiring sterilization or safety seals, both torque and compression (or tension) measurements may become necessary. This additional force data adds an extra layer of quality assurance, confirming that the cap has been applied with sufficient compression force to ensure a sterile or child-resistant seal.

Sensor Solution: MBA500 Torque and Thrust Biaxial Sensor
The MBA500 Torque and Thrust Biaxial Sensor is engineered to measure both reaction torque and axial tension/compression forces, making it ideal for applications requiring precise control of both metrics. This sensor can measure both clockwise and counterclockwise torque up to 500 lb-in (56.5 Nm) and force up to 500 lb (2224 N), achieving a nonlinearity up to ±0.25% of rated output accuracy. The MBA500 features separate outputs for torque and force, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of both metrics.

Constructed from aluminum, the MBA500 is temperature-compensated to ensure accurate readings across varying conditions. It includes overload protections (150% for 50–150 lb and 125% for 200 lb) to ensure durability and reliability during extended use. The MBA500 is compact, weighing only 6.5 oz (184 g).

In automated capping applications, the MBA500’s bi-axial measurement capability is critical for industries where seal integrity, sterilization, and safety are paramount. For instance, child-resistant safety caps require specific torque and compression force parameters to meet regulatory requirements.

cap torque meter bottle digital cap torque tester automatic capping machine
FUTEK Certifications
Z540-1 ANSI Certified17025 ISO Certified9001 ISO Certified13485 ISO CertifiedU.S. Manufacturer
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© 1998–2024 FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
Multi Axis Sensor, Force, Torqueapplications Automated-Capping-Press
+
Z540-1 ANSI Certified17025 ISO Certified9001 ISO Certified13485 ISO CertifiedU.S. Manufacturer
+
Please follow us on linked inPlease follow us on twitterPlease follow us on youtubePlease Email us for additional info
+
10 Thomas, Irvine,
CA 92618 USA
All other trademarks, service marks and logos used in this website are the property of their respective owners.
© 1998–2024 FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.