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

• Operators have installed a biaxial sensor into their production line to monitor the actuator/motor powering the capping press.
• Installed directly underneath the capping press' actuator, this biaxial sensor measures the torque and thrust exerted as each cap is sealed onto its respective container.
• These torque and thrust measurements can be amplified through FUTEK's IAA Series Amplifier to a PLC, shown on a digital display (IPM650 Panel Mount Display or SENSLOG Handheld Display) or streamed directly to a PC using FUTEK's USB Solutions.
• If the instrument is paired with FUTEK's SENSIT™ Test and Measurement Software operators can log, graph and capture all the data on the PC.