Spindle capping machines
Compare the main automatic, compact and semi-automatic capping routes.
Supplier change
What should be checked after changing cap supplier?
Treat a closure supplier change as a packaging qualification event.
Direct answer
What should be checked after changing cap supplier?
After changing cap supplier, check the cap thread, liner or seal surface, grip area, material behaviour, feed orientation, cap height and removal-torque evidence against the approved pack. A cap that looks similar may still behave differently in the chute, on the thread or after storage.
Supplier-change qualification table
| Check | Why it matters | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Thread fit | Controls how the cap starts and reaches final height. | Approved sample comparison and fault photographs. |
| Liner or seal surface | Can affect compression, leakage and later relaxation. | Integrity test method and timing. |
| Cap surface | Affects spindle-wheel grip and visible marking. | Cap material, ribbing and damage check. |
| Feed behaviour | Different moulding or weight can alter bowl, chute or elevator behaviour. | Feed recovery and double-feed observations. |
Related guidance
Continue the specification
FAT checklist
Plan evidence for sample testing, acceptance and handover.
Ask Lancing to review the pack
Send bottle, cap, samples, target output and any known fault evidence.
Keep the old and new closure approvals separate
Assign a new sample reference to the replacement cap and retain the previous approved cap for comparison. Ask the new supplier to identify the drawing revision, material and liner specification, and note any differences from the existing approved component. Similar appearance should not erase those differences from the record.
Plan the review across the whole cap route: storage, feeding, presentation, tightening and finished-pack checks. Ask which elements need a fresh trial and which existing evidence remains applicable. Record the decision before the new closure is added to routine production settings.
- Mixed deliveries
- Agree how old and new closure batches will be identified and whether different approved setups are required.
- Trial traceability
- Link the test results to the actual cap batch, bottle reference and machine configuration used.
Is matching the nominal cap size enough to keep the old recipe?
No assumption should be made from size alone. Request a review of the complete closure specification and sample behaviour, then document any confirmed shared settings and any new checks or adjustments needed for approval.