This Infrared Ray Shrink Tunnel (Heatshrink) table is a versatile packaging equipment used for heating plastic film to seal products.
How an infrared shrink tunnel works
Unlike convection tunnels that use circulated hot air, infrared tunnels directly heat the shrink film with electromagnetic radiation, which provides faster and more targeted heat.
- Prep and loading: Products are placed on a conveyor belt, often after being loosely wrapped in a shrink film such as polyolefin (POF), polyethylene (PE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Heat exposure: The conveyor carries the products into the tunnel, where they pass through a chamber lined with infrared heating elements.
- Shrinkage: As the infrared radiation directly heats the film, its polymers relax, causing the film to contract and tightly conform to the product’s shape.
- Cooling: Once the products exit the heat zone, they may pass through a cooling section. This step helps the film set and strengthens the tight seal.
Key features and advantages
- Energy efficiency: Infrared systems heat up quickly and target the film directly, which uses less energy compared to convection tunnels that heat a larger volume of air.
- Speed and high output: Due to the targeted heating and faster warm-up times, infrared tunnels can achieve faster processing speeds, making them ideal for high-volume production lines.
- Precise control: Digital temperature and conveyor speed controls allow operators to fine-tune settings for different film types and product sizes, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
- Versatility: These tunnels can accommodate a wide range of products with various shapes and sizes, from small bottles and electronics to larger industrial parts.
- Professional finish: Infrared heating often produces a smooth, tight, and wrinkle-free finish that enhances a product’s shelf appeal.
Common applications
- Food and beverage: Multi-packs of bottles, boxes of cookies, and tamper-evident seals on condiments.
- Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics: Secure and tamper-proof seals on medicine bottles and cosmetic products.
- Electronics: Protecting small electronics and accessories from dust and scratches.
- Retail and consumer goods: Packaging toys, books, and household items.
Key features and advantages
- Energy efficiency: Infrared systems heat up quickly and target the film directly, which uses less energy compared to convection tunnels that heat a larger volume of air.
- Speed and high output: Due to the targeted heating and faster warm-up times, infrared tunnels can achieve faster processing speeds, making them ideal for high-volume production lines.
- Precise control: Digital temperature and conveyor speed controls allow operators to fine-tune settings for different film types and product sizes, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
- Versatility: These tunnels can accommodate a wide range of products with various shapes and sizes, from small bottles and electronics to larger industrial parts.
- Professional finish: Infrared heating often produces a smooth, tight, and wrinkle-free finish that enhances a product’s shelf appeal.
Common applications
- Food and beverage: Multi-packs of bottles, boxes of cookies, and tamper-evident seals on condiments.
- Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics: Secure and tamper-proof seals on medicine bottles and cosmetic products.
- Electronics: Protecting small electronics and accessories from dust and scratches.
- Retail and consumer goods: Packaging toys, books, and household items.
Reference(s)
Google (2025) Infrared Heat Shrink Table [Generative AI] https://www.google.com/search?q=Infrared+Heat+Shrink+Table