Which Shrink Sleeve Application Tunnel Is Right For Your Team?
A CPG brand looking to move shrink sleeve applications in-house faces some serious decisions about which equipment to purchase.
Not all shrink sleeve application tunnels are the same.
Rightly so, since no brand is the same; each one has a different set of needs, goals, and desired outcomes.
While one production line might need a high shrink rate with little to no artwork distortion, another may care very little about distortion because their sleeves are only used for tamper evidence and don’t include any artwork.
That’s why there are multiple machinery options for shrink sleeve application, each option offering a different outcome at a different cost.
That’s also why it’s important to have a strategic partner. At Tango, we specialize in shrink sleeves, so we can help you make the right choice BEFORE you expend precious time, money, and energy.
4 Primary Types of Shrink Sleeve Tunnels
#1. Steam tunnels - Steam tunnels ensure the highest quality shrink, leaving no artwork distortion on your sleeves (if set up properly, of course). They’re also the most expensive option, but as long as a company is doing enough production runs to make the investment worth it, they’re great for teams with artwork that calls for precision.
#2. Neck Band Heat Tunnels - Neck Band Heat tunnels use higher heat for a quick shrink rate, which means they can distort the design elements on printed sleeves. They are great for products that are using solid color or clear sleeves, perhaps for tamper evidence, since those applications don’t need to account for artwork distortion.
#3. Hybrid Steam Tunnels - Combination steam and electric shrink tunnels deliver a better shrink than pure electric. They are ideal for difficult, very precise, and/or widely contoured containers. Adding a built-in small steam generator and specially designed steam tubes to an infrared tunnel allows for better shrink at an affordable price.
#4. Advanced Radiant & Infrared Heat Tunnels -These tunnels use special blowers and air blades to direct electric heat to precise locations on the shrink sleeve, controlling shrink and minimizing artwork distortion at the most affordable price. These are best suited for containers without dramatic contours.
Figuring Out Which Tunnel is Best For Your Team
Still unsure which tunnel is best for your team’s production?
Tango is an authorized dealer for many of the major manufacturers of shrink sleeve machinery in the United States, Canada, and overseas.
We’d love to discuss which tunnel would be best for your team’s specific needs:
Step 1. Schedule a complimentary packaging consultation with one of our packaging experts. We will walk you through the different tunnels and tailor an option best for your team.
Step 2. We’ll provide you with a quote.
Step 3. We’ll help with setup and integration of equipment.
Simply fill out our contact form, email us at info@tangopackaging.com, or call (844) 33-TANGO [82646].