SWAN-MATIC C900 Continuous Thread Capper Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- SWAN-MATIC
Table of Contents
C900 Continuous Thread Capper
Instruction Manual
C900 Continuous Thread Capper
Need help with your Swan-Matic Capper? Call
814-474-5561 or visit
www.swanmatic.com
C-900 Continuous Thread Capper
Thank You for purchasing the C-900 Swan-Matic Capper. The C900 is proudly
built in the USA by Swan-Matic, a division of Automation Devices in Fairview,
PA.
For any technique assistance please feel free to call
814-474-5561.
Set-up and Operation Instruction
Carefully unpack the m a c h i n e and any other associated equipment which ay
be in the container and check for damage. Set the machine on a level surface.
Please observe all a safety regulations in your facility.
Do not place fingers between driver shell and cap being installed. Always
tie back hair and loose clothing.
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Add oil to air supply oiler on the side of the machine. Use any type of light weight air tool oil. Food grade air tools oils are also permissible. The oiler is located after the highpressure air regulator (HPR). The fill cap is the small Philips screw on top of the oiler. Fill to the top of the glass bowl. Putcap back on.
Disconnect the Air Supply Before doing the next step
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Locate your drive shell, insert, C532 hex drive adaptor. Put them together as seen in picture to the right. Slide into quick connect on the bottom of the driver.
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Before connecting your air supply line, take note that the driver head will move to the up position when air supply line is connected.
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Connect to clean air supply. Recommended line in pressure is 120psi.
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Use CAUTION when loosening head lock handles, the head assembly may feel heavy to certain individuals. Loosen head lock handles on each side of the capping head and slide head to upmost position. Slightly tighten lock handles to temporarily hold head in place.
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Adjust the high pressure regulator (HPR) to 80 psi by lifting (unlocking) and rotating the knob counter clockwise to decrease and clockwise to increase regulated pressure. Note: There are arrows printed in the top of the HPR knob indicating pressure change directions.
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If your capper is equipped with the optional C929 Low Pressure Regulator (LPR), set it to 30 PSI. An LPR is a nice option to have because it allows the operator to adjust the down force of the ram cylinder independently from the driver head main regulator. This is particularly useful on more sensitive applications such as fine thread bottles, serrated driver applications and 4 lug steel caps.
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Place bottle directly under driver shell.
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V-BLOCK SET UP
Adjust the bottle locator blocks up to the back side of the bottle in a “V” formation. Each locator block can be adjusted left and right in addition to the angle of each can be changed. Tighten down locator bolts.
BOTTLE HOLDER SET UP
If your machine came with the optional bottle holder bracket (C985) and a custom made bottle holder, screw the bottle holder to the bracket. Adjust the bracket forward or back to align the bottle directly under the driver shell. Tighten knobs. -
Adjust the head assembly down to a position that will place the end of the driver shell approximately .75 inch (2cm) above the cap.
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Tighten handles firmly.
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Remove the bottle from the locator blocks.
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With the HPR still set at 80psi, cycle the capper. The capper should cycle down when the peddle is depressed, then return when the peddle is released. If the cycle is abrupt or to fast for the operator, adjust the flow control valve; located on either the oiler or the LPR (if equipped) in a clockwise direction. This will slow down cycle time.
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The driver has a clutch built into it. This clutch is adjustable. The clutch will determine the torque that is placed on your caps. The clutch is adjustable through the hole under the cover. Rotate the Driver Shell until you see the indent (see Picture lower right) in the gear thru the adjustment window. Use the adjustment tool provided to rotate the adjustment wheel.
NOTE: The capper will not engage until a bottle is actually placed in the capper and the driver shell comes in contact with the cap. When the drive shell comes in contact with cap it will triggers the driver to rotate. -
Place the cap on the bottle, place the bottle in the V block or bottle holder you previously set up. Check the alignment of the bottle one more time.
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With safety glasses on, cycle the machine.
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It is very likely the cap did not go on perfect the first time. That’s OK. If the cap went on correctly and met your torque spec, you rock! Happy capping from here on out.
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If the bottle “wobbled” when the capper engaged the cap then you do not have the bottle centered under the capping head.
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If the cap is not tight enough and the clutch disengaged (stopped rotating) then increase the clutch tension. This is done by rotating the clutch adjustment dial counter clockwise.
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If the cap is not tight enough and the clutch did not disengage then your down force pressure is to low and/or you have selected the wrong insert for your cap.
If you have the optional LPR, increase your down pressure with this regulator. If you only have the HPR, rotate the HPR knob to the right (clockwise). If the problem persists call Swan-Matic at 814-474-5561 for further instructions.
Maintenance
Disconnect the Air Supply Before doing Maintenance
There is only one required maintenance item. Add oil to air supply oiler on
the side of the machine when low. Use any type of light weight air tool oil.
Food grade air tools oils are also permissible. Disconnect the air supply
before adding oil. The oiler is located after the high pressure regulator. The
fill cap is the small Philips screw on top of the oiler. Fill to the top of
the glass bowl. Put cap back on. The oil flow adjustment has a range of 0-10.
Swan-Matic machines are designed to run at <1 on the dial. Just below the
adjustment knob there is a sight glass. In that sight glass is a drip nipple.
There should be a drop of oil on the end of that nipple after cycling the
machine several times. After running the machine for an hour or so, you should
see or feel a light amount of oil in your airline to the cylinder. You should
never see oil dripping from any air cylinders or driving tools.
Air Driver Upgrade with a Precision Clutch C527
Required for caps greater than 50mm
This is an upgrade on the driver itself. It comes with a Torque range (soft
draw) 3.0 to 47.8 in.-lb. / 0.3 – 5.4 Nm at Speeds: 250 to 2800 RPM. C527 Air
Driver comes with a 1 year warranty.
Functionality of Anti-Tie Down Bar C965
This start bar is an OSHA compliant, ergonomic two-hand start.
Low Press Regulator Kit (LPR) C929
An LPR is a nice option to have because it allows the operator to adjust the
down force of the ram cylinder independently from the driver head main
regulator. This is particularly useful on more sensitive applications such as
fine thread bottles, serrated driver applications and 4 lug steel caps.
Adjustable Flow Control Valves C919
Adjustable Flow Control Valves are a nice option to have because it allows the
operator to adjust both the driver head approach speed and retreat speed from
the cap. This is particularly useful on more sensitive applications such as
fine thread bottles, serrated driver applications and 4 lug steel caps. This
also allows the operator to fine tune machine cycle times.
Bottle and Vial Holders Swan-Matic Bottle Capping Machines and Equipment
designs and manufactures bottle holders for any style and size bottle. Whether
it’s 1 or 100, we can make bottle holders for every application. To receive an
accurate quote, send in 12 caps and 2 empty bottles to: Swan-Matic Test Lab,
7050 West Ridge Road, Fairview, PA 16415.
Insert Sizing Cart and Cap Toque Spec Guide
Our inserts are in stock and ready to ship
Measure the diameter of the cap or closure and select an insert or driver
shell that has a range that includes that diameter.
FOR BETTER RESULTS: When the diameter of your cap/closure is close to the
Insert’s Upper Cap Range, choose the next larger size insert and shell.
FOR BEST RESULTS: Send 12 sample caps and 2 bottles and our engineers
will make a recommendation.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Although they may last longer, harder inserts are not always better. Harder
inserts do not grip as well as lower durometer (softer) inserts. The friction
caused by the harder material can damage; even burn, the edges of plastic
caps.
Driver shells
Aluminum driver shells thread onto all Cap-Master Capping Machines and accept
replaceable urethane. vinyl. and rubber inserts. A complete range of driver
shells and renewable driver inserts are kept IN-STOCK. From 6mm to 145mm size
caps. Swan-Matic will have what you need in stock. Polyurethane
Exlsolnts excellent wear properties and leaves little to no residue or
particulates ensuring en unmarked donee. Thn.l swivel order. durometers up to
So-ST are available on request.
Durometer 45-55
Vinyl Insert
Offers gross on taps where Polyurethane may Op Genera!/ suggested for caps
that feature smooth contact surfaces These may be delovened on light or
a/Nicene”
Durometer 45-55
White Rubber Often matched to apphcabons with whet closures or taps to
avoid merlon.; Suggested for smooth co-tact ^c • sc—atons
Durometer 50-60 Black Rubber
A sightly hooter dvfOrneer helps extend I.fe whole offering the time level
of grip as white The color makes it deal for dark colored caps.
Durometer 60-70 Tan Rubber
This is the hardest of thematic Inserts sea suggested fer metal care with
serrations or very abrasive agebrabons.
Durometer 70-80 Serrated Driver Shells.
Serrated driver shells are a long-term replacement for Inserts and driver
shells. They give you a positive grip on your caps which results In very
consistent torques throughout your production runs. Custom designed for each
different tap, they can be made from aluminum. steel or stainless steel.
Custom Bored Rubber and Vinyl Inserts
Custom bored Inserts can be made In one day to fit your application without
going through the expense of mold charges. These inserts are typically used on
dropper caps and pump sprayer bottles.
Pump Sprayer Production
Insert Available in 6 Sizes………… ID
P501 ……………………………….840″
P502 ………………………………840′
P503……………………………….880″
P504……………………………… .940″
P505……………………………….. .970″
P506 ………………………………….500″
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call for technical support?****
– Call during normal hours. 814-474-5561. Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm.
Where can I get my benchtop capper rebuilt?****
– Make sure the oil is drained from the capper. Capper must be shipped upright
on a skid by Freight only. Include contact information and return shipping
address.
– Send capper to: Swan-Matic (rebuild)
– 7050 West Ridge Rd
– Fairview, PA 16415
How fast can a benchtop capper cap?****
A benchtop capper can do 50 bottles a minute. The actual rate is determined by the operator.
What is the life expectancy of an insert?****
– The life of an insert is determined by several factors. Torque specs, work
conditions, cap texture, insert material and clutch settings. The number one
killer of inserts is improper clutch settings. The general rules is the insert
should never slip on the cap. The clutch should disengage before the insert
slips on the cap. To help get the maximum life out of your inserts, send 12
caps and 2 containers to Swan-Matic testing labs for a free evaluation of your
application.
– Send caps to: Swan-Matic Test Lab
– 7050 West Ridge Rd
– Fairview, PA 16415
How do I measure cap torque?****
– Swan-Matic offers a variety of torque testers. Contact Swan-Matic to find the one best for you.
Does Swan-Matic have cappers that remove caps?****
– Yes. Several cappers in the Swan-Matic line up have a reversing (de-capping) feature.
Does Swan-Matic have corrosion resistant cappers?****
– Yes. Any Swan-Matic benchtop capper can be Nickel Coated to make it resistant to chemical wash downs.
Does Swan-Matic have explosion proof cappers?****
– Yes. The C900, C500 and C400 series capper have multiple hazardous ratings.
How do I set the height of my capper correctly to the bottle?****
– The driver shell should be about 1 inch above the cap before it is screwed down.
How can I pay for my capper and supplies?****
– Swan-Matic accepts All major credit cards and wire transfers.
What is your warranty on cappers?****
– Refer to last page of this manual.
Why won’t my caps tight anymore?****
– There are several reasons why a capper will not torque correctly all the
time.
– 1. The insert material is not matched to the cap.
Swan-Matic offers 5 different types of material that inserts are made from.
Refer to the Inserts and Driver Shells page for an explanation of each type if
insert. To get the best match, send in 12 caps, 2 containers and your contact
information to:
Swan-Matic Test Lab
7050 West Ridge Rd
Fairview, PA 16415
– 2. The insert has worn down.
As the insert wears, the pressure on the cap is reduced because the distance
from the insert to the cap increases. To correct it, just move the head of the
capper down slightly or install a new insert.
– 3. Capper head is set to low.
If the capper is pressing too hard on the container being capped, it can cause
the threads of the container to bind with the cap threads.
– 4. The insert is slipping inside the driver shell.
Clean the driver shell out and replace the insert.
Machine Specifications
C900 Continuous Thread Capper
By Swan-Matic Cycles per Minute| Variable Speed 50 cpm max
---|---
Down Force| 90 @ 100PSI.
Stroke| 2” inches
Weight| 29 lbs
Shipping weight| 55 lbs
Finish| Hard Anodize Black
Air Supply| Clean 120psi max
Taller Columns and Driver Spacer Blocks can be Ordered for Larger Bottles
C900 Parts Call OutC920| Air Driver Capper
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C901| Main Column
C902L| Base Plate, Left
C902R| Base Plate, Right
C903| Base Plate, Front Rail
C904| Column Support Bracket 6 Hole
C905| Slide Block
C906| Unibearing Assembly
C907| T Handle Locks
C908| V Block Mount Bracket
C909| V Block Back Stop
C910| Bolt Assembly: M8 x 16.00mm Black
C911| Anchor Fastener, Column
C912| Fasteners Push-in Plastic
C913| End Cap Plastic
C914| Tread Strip 10″
C917| Pneumatic Tubing, Polyurethane, Black, 1/4″ OD,per foot
C919| Fitting Elbow 1/4″ tube to 1/4″ NPT Flow Control
C920| Air Driver Push to Start
C924| Fitting Straight 1/4″ tube to 1/4″ NPT
C925| Fitting Elbow 1/4″ tube to 1/4″ NPT
C927| Air Cylinder 1 1/16″ 3″ Stock Dbl Action
C928| Regulator 20-130psi
C930| Pneumatic Lubricator
C932| T-Bracket Modular
C933| Pneumatic Foot Pedal 4 Way 5 Port
C934| Driver Clamp 2 Halves
C963| Mounting Plate Air Cylinder to Unibearing
C963| Mounting Plate Air Cylinder to Slide
C941| 6m-100 60mm SHCS
C942| M8-1.50 x 25mm SHCS
C943| M10-1.50 x 20mm FHHS
C945| 5/16 Black-Oxide 18-8 Stainless Steel Washer
C946| Street Elbow 1/4″ NPT
C947| Quick Disconnect 1/4 M NPT
HC002| Hand Capper Stud
SWAN-MATIC WARRANTY
Automation Devices, Inc. warrants the materials and goods supplied under the
subject customer’s purchase order to be as specified and of good quality. No
specific time life shall be stated, since the results of good workmanship are
of timeless age, and good quality, properly used, shall be self-evident.
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, transportation,
normal wear of parts, negligent use or misuse of the product, incorrect
electrical voltage or current, usage contrary to operating instructions,
alterations or repairs by other than Automation Devices, Inc., factory
personnel. In the case of transportation damage, please pursue recovery for
damage through your freight carrier.
If the product should become defective, we will repair or replace it, at our
option, free of charge. This service is available by returning the product to
our factory, freight prepaid, and we will return your product to you, freight
collect.
This warranty does not include cost of inconvenience, damage due to product
failure, transportation damage, or the like. This warranty applies only to the
physical repair or replacement of the defective goods and specifically
excludes any incidental or consequential damages or additional liability
thereof. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages. This warranty also gives specific legal rights,
although you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Need help with your Swan-Matic Capper?
Call 814-474-5561 or visit
www.swanmatic.com
References
- Bottle Capping Machines, Accessories, and Equipment | Swan Matic – Swan-Matic
- Bottle Capping Machines, Accessories, and Equipment | Swan Matic – Swan-Matic