The features of a plastic cap vary mainly according to its use. And although the general definition of a cap given in the Treccani dictionary is ‘an artefact used to close the opening of various containers more or less hermetically’, in reality this object is not limited to such a simple function as it may seem and which, among other things, is not the core business of BMP TAPPI, which produces almost 4 million of them a day.
The cap is, in fact, a key element for several markets and industrial sectors. For example, it is often used in the world of food packaging (where it is used to close packages and bottles), in hydraulics (to protect parts of industrial machinery) and in industrial equipment (to prevent the leakage of fluids and the entry of foreign bodies).
So, depending on the function it has to perform, it varies its basic features such as:
The shape: how one of the most important features of a cap changes
Plastic caps are not all the same and – just like the protectors – must meet certain needs related to the market for which they are intended. For example, they must guarantee the perfect closing of a pipe, prevent a liquid from leaking or dust from entering. This object can also be used to protect the components of a machine or product (such as a cap for a car’s fuel tank).
It can be deduced, therefore, that one of the main features of caps is their shape, which varies according to the type of use, the target market and the requirements they have to meet.
The need to create caps with different shapes and sizes arises from the fact that each must be able to ensure maximum effectiveness and compatibility with the components. They must therefore adapt to both large and small machinery, if used in the mechanical or hydraulic sector, for example, or to pipes of different capacities.
To understand better, let’s look at some examples.
Pressure and threaded cap features: two practical examples
As stated before, the caps can have different sizes and structures. Let’s take for example two widely used typologies:
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For each cap, a specific process
For the cap to be useful to a specific market sector, maximum attention must be paid to its processing.
The final product, in fact, must respect certain features (such as shape and size, for example) but also technical specifications such as resistance to high temperatures or robustness.
The cap production process, therefore, must be carried out in a workmanlike manner, from concept to actual production and up to quality control tests, to verify the reliability of the products.
Once the end uses have been chosen – and therefore the material of the cap (such as plastic of PCR or PIR origin), shape and dimensions – production takes place quickly using cutting-edge machinery, dedicated to moulding, precision cutting or folding of the product.
The importance of color in plastic caps
The color of a plastic cap is not just a quirk. Usually, the standard models reflect the natural color of the material and the classic blue, black, red, yellow versions.
But how do you choose the best shade?
The evaluation must involve several aspects. For example, if the cap should not be visible, a similar or identical color to the machinery or product in which it is inserted should be chosen. For a cap which, however, must be clearly visible – because it is inserted momentarily, for example – a yellow or red color can also be considered.
When the color must satisfy particular aesthetic requirements, or reflect that of a brand, for reasons of marketing and product recognizability, customization can be taken into consideration.
In this regard, read our article about 360° customization of plastic caps!
Not all plastic is the same: how to evaluate the material of a cap
Plastic is a light, versatile, resistant and easy to customize material. Precisely for this reason it is used in many sectors.
The most common mistake you can make is thinking that there is only one type of plastic. In fact, the caps can be produced with plastic:
- of PCR origin, made from final consumer waste
- of PIR origin, obtained from waste generated by industry
- biodegradable and recyclable to meet sustainability needs.
Are you looking for particular features in a cap? That is why you should choose BMP TAPPI
In BMP TAPPI you can find the right cap for your needs. Our production is always active, 24 hours a day, in our factories.
We create products for various sectors including piping, mechanical, automotive and pneumatics, oleodynamics, hydraulics, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
In our warehouse you can find over 500 million pieces ready for delivery and if you need specific features, you can always send us a request for the creation of a customized cap.
The customization of caps is one of our strong points. Together we can design the best product for your needs by evaluating materials, shape and design. Thanks to our thermoforming plant, in fact, we work with the highest quality materials and create products with a complex design, resistant and easy to apply.
Delivery times, both for catalog and customized caps, are fast and we guarantee fast shipping all over the world.
Do you want to discover the features of a specific cap?
Discover the entire range of BMP TAPPI products.
Contact us to find the perfect solution for your needs!