ThermoPoint® Steam Shrink Tunnels

ThermoPoint® and ThermoPoint® Wide steam shrink tunnels are high‑performance solutions engineered to deliver consistent, high‑quality shrink results across a wide range of sleeve materials and container geometries. These tunnels feature three independently controlled steam zones—each with its own adjustable rate, height, and angle— allowing operators to precisely tailor steam distribution for optimal shrink performance.

Designed for demanding production environments, a single ThermoPoint tunnel can accommodate a wide range of applications and production speeds. Whether your operation requires high‑shrink performance, complex container shapes, or compatibility with dual‑tunnel or six‑zone configurations, ThermoPoint tunnels deliver reliable, repeatable results.

ThermoPoint steam tunnels offer tool‑less container changeovers, intuitive controls, and consistent performance, making them a flexible solution for both shrink sleeve labeling and tamper‑evident banding. Their robust stainless‑steel construction ensures durability, easy maintenance, and long service life in continuous packaging environments.

Like all Axon steam shrink tunnels, ThermoPoint systems support multiple shrink applications, making them one of the best values in the industry.

Applications

Tamper‑evident bands
Partial body sleeves
Full body sleeves
Full‑body over‑the‑cap sleeves
Multipacks
Wide containers (ThermoPoint® Wide models)
Containers with complex contours

Why Choose ThermoPoint®?

Superior shrink performance for complex or high‑shrink materials
Perfect for high‑speed production environments
Flexible enough for multi‑SKU lines
Ideal for contract packagers and large CPG brands

ThermoPoint® Steam Tunnel Shrink Applications

Key Features & Benefits

Three Adjustable Steam Zones Independently set steam rate, height, and angle in each zone for tailored shrink performance.
Wide Range Compatibility Accommodates containers or multipacks up to 6" wide and 15" tall. Larger formats compatible with ThermoPoint® Wide.
Stainless Steel Construction Durable, easy to clean, corrosion‑resistant, and built for long‑term uptime.
Adjustable Steam Injectors Fine‑tune steam delivery to exact areas where containers require heat.
Double‑Wall Design Keeps external surfaces cooler and improves workplace safety.
Tool‑less Changeovers Designed for fast, intuitive adjustments between SKUs.

Options

Culinary steam filter - Removes particles and impurities from plant‑generated steam to meet industry standards.
Steam generator - Boiler capacity sized to match the customer’s line and shrink application.

Thermo Point Steam Shrink Tunnels (PDF)

What makes ThermoPoint different from other Axon steam shrink tunnels?

ThermoPoint uses external plant steam rather than a self-contained steam generator. This allows:

• Independent control of steam temperature, rate, height, and angle
• Maximum shrink precision across complex container geometries
• Superior performance on full-body and high-shrink films
• Scalability for high-speed production environments

It is engineered for manufacturers who require the highest level of shrink consistency and control.

When should I choose ThermoPoint over a self-contained steam tunnel like HE-500 or ThermoFlow?

Choose ThermoPoint when:

• Your facility already has plant steam infrastructure
• You run complex-shaped containers
• You require tight shrink tolerances
• You operate high-speed production lines
• You need maximum adjustability for multi-SKU operations

Self-contained tunnels are ideal for simpler installations. ThermoPoint is ideal for advanced shrink demands.

Does ThermoPoint require plant steam?

Yes. ThermoPoint connects to an external steam source.

Plant considerations include:

• Boiler capacity
• Steam quality (culinary steam recommended for food/pharma)
• Condensate management
• Ventilation planning

For facilities without steam infrastructure, self-contained steam tunnels may be more appropriate.

What types of shrink applications is ThermoPoint best suited for?

ThermoPoint supports:

• Full-body sleeves
• Full-body over-the-cap sleeves
• Tamper-evident bands
• Multipacks
• Wide containers (ThermoPoint Wide models)
• Containers with complex contours

It excels in applications where precise heat zoning improves label conformity.

Why is ThermoPoint ideal for complex container geometries?

ThermoPoint features:

• Independently controlled steam zones
• Adjustable steam injectors
• Independent control of steam rate, height, and angle

This allows operators to target heat exactly where shrink is needed, reducing distortion, wrinkles, or over-shrink.

Is ThermoPoint suitable for high-speed production environments?

Yes. ThermoPoint is engineered for:

• Steady-state, high-speed lines
• Dual-tunnel or multi-zone configurations
• Contract packaging and large CPG operations

It delivers consistent shrink performance even at elevated throughput.

What industries commonly use ThermoPoint?

ThermoPoint is commonly used in:

• Beverage
• Dairy
• Sauces & condiments
• Personal care
• Household chemicals
• Contract packaging environments
• Products requiring complex full-body shrink sleeves (Trigger spray bottles for example)

What infrastructure considerations should I evaluate before installing ThermoPoint?

Before selecting ThermoPoint, evaluate:

• Steam supply availability and pressure
• Boiler capacity
• Steam filtration requirements (culinary filter option available)
• Drainage and condensate handling
• Ventilation and humidity management

Axon can assist with steam sizing and configuration planning.

Does ThermoPoint support wide-format shrink sleeves?

Yes. ThermoPoint Wide models accommodate larger containers and wide layflat films, making them ideal for:

• Ice cream tubs
• Bulk food containers
• Multi-liter beverage containers
• Large-format household products

How does ThermoPoint compare to infrared or convection tunnels?

Infrared and convection tunnels:

• Require less infrastructure
• Are often simpler installations
• Are ideal for tamper bands or lighter shrink needs

ThermoPoint offers:

• Greater heat control
• Higher shrink precision
• Better contour conformity
• More consistent results on complex full-body sleeves

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

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