Bottle Cap Sorter
Published 11mo. Edited 10mo.Published 11 months ago. Last edit 11 months ago.
Bottle Cap Sorter is an open-source machine developed by Maritimo Recycling to simplify the process of sorting plastic bottle caps by color. Designed with the global Precious Plastic community in mind and Precious Plastic Open Source Fund, the device is compact, efficient, and free to build. By making the plans freely available, we aim to empower individuals and communities to recycle more effectively and contribute to a cleaner planet—one cap at a time.
These instructions are the result of our research as part of the Precious Plastic Open Source Fund:
https://community.preciousplastic.com/research/bottle-cap-sorter
Here are interactive step-by-step assembly instructions:
https://maritimo-recycling.com/machines/bottle-cap-sorter
Machines
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3-4 weeks
Hardresearchother machinecollectionsorting
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More Information
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1
Machine Features
1. Color Sorting – Sorts over 1000 caps per hour by color.
2. Plastic Type Sorting – Indirectly sorts caps by material, as larger caps (typically PP) remain "unsorted".
3. Lifter – Prevents jams, reduces dirt buildup, and enhances speed and accuracy.
4. Separator – Automatically rejects caps that can't enter the sorter.
5. Sorter – Precisely sorts by color and is easier to clean, with less maintenance needed.
6. Touchscreen Interface – Simple, user-friendly control system.
7. Modular and Scalable Design – Easily upgradeable with improved motors, sensors, and a larger conveyor belt.
8. Open-Source Documentation – Provided with detailed documentation to enable others to build and customize their own plastic cap sorters.
This combination of speed, safety, and power makes the machine highly reliable for industrial sorting tasks.
2
Download files
Here you will find:
- Interactive assembly instructions, with a detailed breakdown of all components (Manual is in "Others" folder or browse through the link above)
- All files for assembly (3D print and laser files)
- Machine .STEP file
- Software for Arduino and Nextion display
- Schematic diagram
- BOM for ordering electronics
- BOM For ordering Hardware
Get all files and interactive step-by-step assembly instructions:
https://maritimo-recycling.com/machines/bottle-cap-sorter
3
Build the machine
Building the Machine If you're planning to build this machine yourself, here are some of the skills and equipment you’ll need:
- 3D Printing
- Laser Cutting
- Basic Electrical Work
- Handling Electrical Components (motors, sensors)
- Programming (Arduino)
- Advanced Assembly (requires specific tools, measurement instruments, and precision to align and assemble correctly)
Please note that these drawings were originally created for internal use, so feel free to make changes as needed for your version! We do our best to ensure safety, but we also encourage you to take the necessary precautions during the build.
Happy sorting! :)
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