Capping machines and more
AROL Hall B4 – Booth 302
AROL, a long-established provider of capping technology with over 27,000 systems installed globally, will present not only its mechanical systems but also its growing suite of digital tools and automation solutions, designed to meet changing industry demands around sustainability, flexibility, and efficiency.
Among the highlights at the booth will be the EQUATORQUE IQ capping machine with 39 heads. This model is designed to deliver up to 20% more output while occupying 30% less space compared to previous versions. It includes an FDA-compliant hygienic design with external top-load adjustment, and a direct-drive torque control system without belts aimed at reducing energy consumption. The system is engineered to handle a variety of bottle types without the need for mechanical format changes.
AROL will also exhibit a complete cap feeding line featuring the lower-high OVER System, designed to meet the growing demand for solutions that eliminate the need for elevated structures, supporting improved workplace safety and easier maintenance. The line includes a compact, advanced inspection system where multiple image acquisition stations are simultaneously managed through a modern, user-friendly interface. The control console can be freely positioned on the production floor for operator convenience. Vision stations can be configured according to specific inspection requirements, offering effective image capture and seamless integration with production via advanced statistical analysis. Standard algorithms are complemented by powerful AI-based tools, delivering robust, comprehensive, and high-speed product control.
Gravity-fed caps are oriented and spaced by a vacuum belt conveyor and a timing star before entering the camera inspection system, ensuring quality and consistency. At the end of the feeding line, the Flat Buffer acts as a storage unit for oriented caps, enabling continuous feeding for the capper. A de-duster system with the new Ion-Xcl ioniser, positioned just before the capping machine, removes over 99.99% of microplastics and fine particles, ensuring high levels of cleanliness and product safety before capping.
Building on its existing cam-based equipment, AROL will also present the EQUATORQUE IQ EVO, a servo-driven capping machine that surpasses 100,000 bph. Powered by AROL-designed motors, the machine features a Virtual Cam system that is claimed to optimise the cam profile for each cap format, ensuring synergy between machine, cap, and container – with minimal mechanical constraints. This solution enables seamless compatibility with a wide range of caps and bottles, reducing waste, limiting the need for dedicated machines, and minimising non-reusable change parts.
The EURO PRO spindle will be introduced as a solution for capping systems to optimise mechanical transmission systems. With an anti-rotation design that eliminates the traditional guide slide, the spindle reduces assembly and setup times. It features permanent H1 PFAS-free lubrication and is designed to operate for up to 18,000 h between maintenance services. Its retrofittable nature supports upgrades to existing machines. The result is improved productivity, lower lubricant consumption, and up to 90% fewer maintenance-related losses, says Arol.
Also on display will be LAB V, a laboratory machine designed for R&D. It provides detailed data on capping forces, torques, and other parameters. It empowers packaging and cap manufacturers to monitor, optimise, and enhance closure performance for quality control.
Robotic solutions
AROL continues to integrate robotic technology into its systems. These solutions are designed to support and optimise the capping process by introducing flexibility, precision, and automation where manual operations may be limited, inefficient, or not feasible.
The company’s robotic systems aim to enable seamless adaptation to different formats and production needs, reducing the need for manual adjustments and helping to shorten changeover times.
Especially valuable in complex or sensitive environments – such as those with limited space or strict hygiene requirements – these systems minimise human intervention in critical areas. The result is enhanced sterility, reduced downtime, and more stable operations over time.
From cap production to application
In addition to machinery, AROL will showcase its group’s broader capabilities in cap production systems. MACA Engineering and LAMFI design and build automatic machines and lines for manufacturing and assembling aluminium and plastic closures. Together, the group covers the full lifecycle of closure production and application.