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- Toll-Free: +1 (800) 598-8601
- Fax: +1 (919) 772-5575
- Email: [email protected]
Learn more about Axon's latest shrink sleeve technology: The ZPT
See the ZPT live at Pack Expo Chicago in October!
RELATED PRODUCT BRANDS
Rigid containers, including bottles, cans, jars, and more, are constantly updated to improve shelf appeal, emphasize new features, highlight nutrition facts, introduce new SKUs, enhance security, and more to win the war for consumer attention. All of these factors impact product labeling needs, and ProMach offers one of the most comprehensive labeling solution portfolios in the industry – from full body sleeves to multi-spot labeling and more – ProMach helps customers maximize the performance of their products on the shelf.
EXPLORE OTHER PROMACH BUSINESS LINES
ProMach is your partner from start to finish. Our product brands are grouped into distinct business lines that make the most sense to our customers, covering every function of the production line: Filling, Bottling & Capping, Decorative Labeling, Flexibles & Trays, Pharma, Handling & Sterilizing, Labeling & Coding, Robotics & End of Line, and Systems & Integration.
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ThermoRay® Radiant Heat Shrink Sleeve Tunnels
ThermoRay® and ThermoRay® Deluxe radiant heat shrink tunnels are Axon’s economical, compact solutions for shrink sleeve labeling and tamper‑evident banding. These systems use infrared heating elements with integrated fans to deliver uniform shrink performance without the need for steam or recirculating forced‑air utilities.
Ideal for lower shrink percentage materials or facilities with limited utilities, ThermoRay® tunnels provide reliable, even heat distribution in a small footprint. They can be mounted over existing conveyors or on optional floor stands for flexible line integration.
ThermoRay® models support a wide range of shrink applications and can be configured as single‑tunnel units or dual‑tunnel systems for higher‑speed lines or applications requiring extended shrink times. Their stainless‑steel construction, tool‑less changeovers, and intuitive operation make them a low‑maintenance, operator‑friendly choice for many packaging environments.
Like every Axon shrink tunnel, ThermoRay® systems provide the flexibility to perform multiple shrink applications—making them one of the best economic values in the industry.
Applications
- Tamper‑evident bands
- Partial body sleeves
- Full body sleeves
- Full‑body‑over‑the‑cap sleeves
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Key Features & Benefits
- Infrared Radiant Heat System Provides consistent shrink performance for materials requiring uniform heat exposure.
- Compact & Economical Ideal for small footprint lines or facilities needing a low‑cost shrink tunnel solution.
- Fast Delivery Modules are stocked and ship within 48 hours.
- Size Range Flexibility Supports container diameters up to 3.5" and heights up to 5.5".
- Tool‑less Changeovers Quick, simple adjustments between container sizes.
- Flexible Installation Mount on existing conveyors or upgrade to an optional floor stand.
- Stainless Steel Construction Durable and easy to maintain.
- Hydraulic Spring Cylinder (Deluxe) Smooth height adjustments for different container sizes.
Options
- Dual Tunnel Configuration - Two tunnels mounted in series accommodate higher speed applications
- Floor Stand - Specified at time of order
- Lift Assist - Pneumatic system raises elevator to improve ease of changeovers and clearing container jams
- Digital Temperature Controller - Optional control system for ThermoRay, standard on ThermoRay Deluxe
- Automatic Fan Control - Fan is automatically activated by tunnel temperature; standard on ThermoRay Deluxe
What type of heat technology does ThermoRay® use?
ThermoRay tunnels use infrared radiant heat elements with integrated air circulation to deliver controlled, consistent shrink performance without the use of steam.
Does ThermoRay require plant steam or boiler infrastructure?
No. ThermoRay operates electrically and does not require plant steam, a boiler system, or condensate management. This makes it well suited for facilities without centralized steam utilities.
What shrink applications can ThermoRay support?
ThermoRay supports tamper-evident bands, partial-body sleeves, full-body sleeves, and full-body over-the-cap sleeves across a wide range of container types.
What industries commonly use ThermoRay tunnels?
ThermoRay tunnels are commonly used in food, beverage, personal care, household products, nutraceutical, and specialty packaging environments where a compact, economical heat solution is preferred.
When is a radiant heat tunnel preferred over steam?
Radiant heat is often selected for lower shrink percentage materials, smaller containers, limited-utility facilities, and applications where saturated steam coverage is not required for complex container contours.
What container sizes can ThermoRay accommodate?
ThermoRay supports container diameters up to 3.5 inches and container heights up to 5.5 inches, depending on configuration.
Can ThermoRay be configured for higher-speed production lines?
Yes. ThermoRay units can be installed as single-tunnel systems or configured in dual-tunnel arrangements to extend shrink time for higher-speed applications.
How does ThermoRay compare to steam shrink tunnels such as ThermoPoint?
ThermoRay uses infrared heat and does not require steam utilities. Steam tunnels provide saturated heat coverage and are typically preferred for high-shrink materials or highly contoured containers requiring uniform 360° shrink control.
How does ThermoRay compare to convection tunnels such as EZ-SRB?
ThermoRay uses radiant infrared heat, while EZ-SRB uses digitally controlled recirculating forced air. Radiant systems provide compact installation and simplified utilities, while convection systems provide even air-driven heat distribution without steam.
Is ThermoRay designed for easy integration and maintenance?
Yes. ThermoRay features stainless steel construction, tool-less adjustments, flexible mounting options, and simplified heat controls for straightforward integration and operation.
Do all sleeve applications require a heat tunnel?
No.
• Shrink sleeves and tamper evident bands require a heat tunnel (steam, convection, or infrared).
• Stretch sleeves do not require heat.
Heat tunnel selection depends on sleeve material, shrink percentage, container geometry, and line speed.
| Technology | Infrared | Convection | Entry Steam | Mid Steam | External Steam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | ThermoRay® | EZ-SRB | ThermoFlow | HE-500 | ThermoPoint® |
| Heat Type | Radiant infrared heat | Electrically heated forced air | Self-contained steam generator | Self-contained steam generator (enhanced control) | Plant-supplied steam |
| Steam Required | No | No | No external steam required | No external steam required | Yes (plant steam + condensate return) |
| Best For | Tamper bands, simple sleeves | Tamper bands, moderate shrink | Entry-level steam applications | Higher precision steam shrink | Complex shapes, high-shrink materials, high-speed lines |
| Shrink Precision | Best for simple geometries | Moderate to high | High | Very high | Excellent for complex contours |
| Infrastructure Needs | Electrical only | Electrical only | Electrical + water | Electrical + water | Plant steam supply + condensate management |
| Vapor Management | None | None | Minimal | Reduced vapor release | Depends on plant steam system |
| Multi-Zone Control | Limited | Modular multi-zone capability | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Ideal Industries | Entry beverage, small CPG | Pharma, personal care, co-packers | Emerging steam users | Beverage, food, nutraceutical | Beverage, dairy, large CPG, contract packers |
Additional Products
HE-500 Steam Shrink Tunnel
The HE‑500 is a high‑efficiency steam shrink tunnel featuring an integrated steam generator, engineered for precise, uniform shrink performance without external boiler systems. Ideal for plants without steam utilities.
ThermoPoint® Steam Shrink Tunnels
High‑performance steam shrink tunnels with independently adjustable steam zones for superior, consistent shrink sleeve results.
EZ-SRB Convective Heat Shrink Sleeve Tunnels
Modular convective heat shrink tunnels designed for precision shrink sleeve performance without steam generation requirements.
ThermoFlow® Low Pressure Integrated Steam Tunnels
Standalone, integrated steam tunnel and low‑pressure steam generator for facilities without centralized steam systems.