Automatic Shrink Sleeve Applicator Machine is a precision-designed machine that runs at high speed with an application of heat-shrinkable sleeve labelling on a variety of containers, including bottles, jars, cans, and tubes. The shrink sleeve applicator machines are relevant in packaging lines of various industries such as beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Ordinary Applications
Juices, water bottles and soft drinks
Products such as shampoos or lotions meant for personal care
Bottles and tubes of pharmaceuticals
Sauces, pickles and jars Food containers
Cleaning products in the house
Working Principle Of Automatic Shrink Sleeve Applicator Machine
Step 1. Container Feeding
The containers are transmitted to an infeed conveyor and then to an applicator unit.
The containers are accurately spaced and positioned using a timing screw or a star wheel.
Step 2
Unwinding of Sleeve Rolls
The shrink sleeve film (PVC, PET-G, OPS etc.) tape is spliced to a roller assembly.
A dancer’s arm is used in running the film in order to create tension and free movement.
Step 3
Film Cutting Shaping
The film is then inserted into a cutting unit that cuts the film into single-sleeve length.
Every cut sleeve is opened and formed into a cylindrical shape with the help of a mandrel.
Step 4. Sleeve Application
The shaped sleeve is then automatically lowered onto the neck of the container by simultaneous mechanical arms or servo motors.
Sensors are used to provide proper positioning to satisfy the label orientation (in particular, printed sleeves).
Step 5
Heat Shrinking Tunnel
Once the sleeve is applied, the container then enters the heat shrink tunnel (steam or electric).
Heat is used to activate the shrinkable quality of the sleeve that gets its size around the surface of the container tightly, even on complicated forms.
Step 6. Cooling & Discharge
The container can go via a cool-down section (optionally).
Lastly, it is released to the next packaging step i.e. labeling, coding or cartoning.
Key Components of Shrink Sleeve Applicator
Sleeve Unwinder / Tension Controller
Mandrel and Cutter Assembly
Servo-Driven Sleeve Dispenser
Container conveyor and timing screw
Steam/Electric/Infrared HeatShrink Tunnel
Monitor and settings of PLC & HMI Control System
Advantages of Automatic Shrink Sleeve Applicators
360° branding with full-body sleeve labels
Compatible with various container shapes and sizes
High-speed operation for mass production
Tamper-evident sealing options are available
Minimal human intervention with high accuracy
Easy integration with existing packaging lines
