The shrink tunnel setting makes or breaks your packaging result. Even the best film will look wrong if the tunnel temperature is wrong. Here is how to set it.
Starting Temperature for PE Film
PE shrink film typically requires a tunnel temperature of 150-180°C. This is higher than POF or PVC film because PE has a higher melting point.
Recommended Starting Points
| Film Thickness | Temperature | Conveyor Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 40-60 microns | 150-160°C | Medium |
| 60-100 microns | 160-175°C | Medium-slow |
| 100-200 microns | 175-190°C | Slow |
How to Tune
- Start at the middle of the recommended range
- Run one bundle and inspect: wrinkles, loose areas, burn marks
- If wrinkled: lower temperature or increase speed
- If loose: raise temperature or slow down
- If film burns: lower temperature immediately
Common Mistakes
- Too hot: film becomes cloudy, tears, or shrinks too much
- Too cold: loose bundles, poor appearance
- Uneven airflow: some sides shrink more than others
- Wrong speed: test with actual product, not empty line
Test Before Production
Always test tunnel settings with your actual product and film. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
[Contact us](/contact/) if you need help selecting the right film for your tunnel, or [learn about PE shrink film](/pe-shrink-film-manufacturer/).
