An exclusive symptom of the Pick-Off system
This defect only occurs on Pick-Off (P.O.) cappers — systems where the cap passes through an external launcher with pre-torque before the head. On Cap In Head (C.I.H.) equipment, the cap enters the head directly and this defect is physically impossible. To better understand the mechanical difference between the two systems, see the C.I.H. vs Pick-Off comparison.
When the cap is ejected by the launcher, it flies through the line. In some cases it gets stuck at points of the equipment; in others it falls on the floor. Either way, you lose the cap and likely get a bottle without cap right after.
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Cause — Cap
| Item | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 11.1.1 | Caps with broken or missing bands. | See broken band diagnosis. A cap without a band slips out of the pre-torque serrated arm. |
Causes — Capper
| Item | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 11.3.1 | Too much air pressure at the launcher. | Adjust air pressure so it does not eject the cap. Typical operating range is 4 to 6 kg/cm² — start at the lower limit. |
| 11.3.2 | Cap launcher out of adjustment. | Inspect whether it is too high or misaligned. Arm opening should be approximately 25.4 mm. Check centering relative to the package. |
| 11.3.3 | Broken or damaged spring in the launcher arms. | Replace the tension spring. |
1) Lower air pressure to the lower limit of the range. 2) Check arm opening (~25.4 mm). 3) Inspect the tension spring and replace if worn. These 3 steps solve ~95% of cases.
Guide to Cap Application Problems
The 13 most common capper failures — diagnosis, root cause and correction. Free technical material.
Download the full guide →