Shrink tunnels
Compare tunnel options against film, pack shape, available utilities and the required finish.
Shrink tunnels →Troubleshooting
Shrink Sleeve Application Problems: Wrinkles, Twist and Tunnel Issues
Shrink sleeve defects are often caused by a combination of sleeve size, applicator set-up, container handling and tunnel conditions. Looking at the whole process usually finds the cause faster.
WrinklesSleeve twistPoor positionTunnel issuesHandling faults
Best-fit applications
Where this sleeve applicator route usually fits.
Troubleshooting should start with repeatable samples and photos of the defect. Lancing can review whether the problem is likely to be sleeve sizing, machine set-up, tunnel condition or container handling.
- Lines with sleeve wrinkles or poor shrink finish
- Neck bands that lift, skew or twist
- Full-body labels with distorted artwork
- Projects where tunnel settings and sleeve size need checking
- Sleeve lay-flat and cut length against the container
- Applicator timing and sleeve drop position
- Bottle spacing and guide control
- Tunnel heat, steam, airflow and dwell time
- Material compatibility and sleeve supplier tolerances
Specification checks
Details to confirm before choosing the machine.
Good sleeve applicator selection starts with the real pack, the real sleeve and the target output. The checks below help narrow the applicator, conveyor and tunnel route before a quotation is prepared.
Related pages
Compare nearby sleeve applicator options.
These pages help connect the search route to the correct machine family, application type or quotation checklist.
Quote checklist
Use the checklist for pack dimensions, sleeve samples, target output and line connections.
Quote checklist →Contact
Send the pack, sleeve and output details to Lancing, or use the telephone and email details on the enquiry page.
Contact →FAQ
Troubleshooting questions
Why do shrink sleeves wrinkle?
Wrinkles can come from incorrect sleeve size, uneven heat, insufficient dwell time, poor pack stability or a sleeve that moves before shrinking.
Why do neck bands twist?
Bands can twist if the sleeve drops unevenly, the container is unstable, the band is too loose or tunnel airflow moves the sleeve before it grips.
Can tunnel settings fix all sleeve problems?
No. Tunnel settings help, but sleeve dimensions, applicator timing and container handling must also be correct.
Project support
Send container, sleeve and output details for a practical shortlist.
Lancing can review the pack format, sleeve material, target speed, tunnel route and line layout before recommending a sleeve applicator configuration.