Shrink sleeves, shrink bands, and other shrinkable plastic labels are popular ways to decorate and protect products. However, the labels need to be activated to conform to the product contours. This is done with a steam shrink tunnel. Here's an overview of how steam shrink tunnel work and their key benefits:

How It Works

A steam shrink tunnel is an enclosed chamber that uses steam to heat shrink sleeve labels after application. As products with labels travel through the tunnel on a conveyor, jets of steam are blown onto them from all sides. This causes the plastic film to rapidly shrink and tighten around the product.

Shrink tunnels are equipped with steam generators to produce steam along with controls to adjust the temperature and dwell time as needed for the shrink material. The tunnel contains this steam to optimize efficiency. exhaust fans and condensate management systems remove excess moisture.

Key Benefits

• High speed shrinking - Steam rapidly heats labels for faster throughput compared to ambient air tunnels. Conveyor speeds over 300 feet/min are possible.
• Energy efficiency - Steam tunnel insulation conserves energy. Less steam is required compared to uninsulated tunnels.
• Rapid startup - Steam tunnels heat up quickly and can begin shrinking labels in minutes. This allows for faster changeovers between jobs.
• Compact size - Insulated steam tunnels require less space than other types.
• Versatile - Steam tunnels can shrink sleeves, tamper-evident bands, anti-counterfeit seals, and more on many container materials.

With their speed, efficiency and versatility, steam shrink tunnels enable high-volume shrink sleeve labeling. They take an initially loose label and transform it into a tight, contoured package decoration. For companies utilizing shrink-on labeling for their products, a steam shrink tunnel is an essential equipment investment.