From Film to Fit: Guide Of Shrink Sleeve Machines

2025-07-16

Shrink sleeve machine (also called sleeve labeling machine) is a crucial part of modern packaging technology. It has become popular in the industries which require visually impactful product labeling. Whether for foods, drinks, cosmetics and medicines, the shrink sleeve label machines can provide high-quality and versatile solutions. They can enhance the shelf appeal of brands as well as provide product information in a tamper-evident format, so as to attract consumers. In this article, we will explore how shrink sleeve machines work, why using them and their types.

What Is A Sleeve Sleeve Machine?

Shrink sleeve machine is designed for applying shrink sleeves or tamper evident bands to products. The shrink sleeves can cover the whole container or a portion of it. This can offer 360-degree branding with attractive patterns. The machine can be adjusted to handle different shapes and sizes of containers. Unlike traditional stickers which are attached directly onto products, the shrink sleeves will be heated by shrinking machine after they are applied on products. The heat will make sleeves shrink evenly to conform tightly to the products.

How Does อุ Shrink Sleeve Machine Run?

Sleeve Cutting: The machine unwinds the pre-printed shrink films from the roll, and cuts it into individual sleeves.
Sleeve Applying: The shrink sleeves will be placed on containers by mandrel or air-assisted system. The sleeve labeling machines are usually equipped with brush to make sleeves placed well on containers.
Sleeve Shrinking: The sleeved products will be conveyed into shrink tunnel (steam tunnel or hot air heating tunnel). The heat will activate the shrink properties of the films, making it wrap tightly around the products.
Cooling And Inspecting: The products will be cooled down after shrinking. And inspection system will check if products are sleeved properly.

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Shrink Sleeve Machine?

The first is 360-Degree Branding. Shrink sleeves provide full coverage for products. It can create more design space for branding, ingredients and nutritional information.
The shrink sleeve label machines have design flexibility. They can accommodate containers with various shapes, ranging from simple cylinders to irregularly shaped containers.
Some products will use shrink bands to create tamper-evident seals, enhancing their security. This is commonly popular in food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Many products will use recyclable sleeve materials. This aligns with eco-friendly initiatives.

In a word, shrink sleeve machines have advantages of 360-degree branding, design flexibility, tamper evidence and sustainability.

What Are Types Of ZONESUN Shrink Sleeve Machines?

ZS-STB150L Automatic Bottle Shrink Sleeve Applicator Machine – Made in linear design, this machine has high output of 150BPM. It can be used for full-body, half-body or tamper-evident labeling of products. The machine can work as a standalone one or be integrated into production line.

ZS-UDTB50 Rotary-type Automatic Shrink Sleeve Label Machine – This machine is a rotary system that integrates with functions of container feeding, sleeve unwinding, cutting, applying and shrinking. The machine can operate at a speed of 45-60pcs/min. It can be customized to suit for container shape and size.