Introduction
Stretch film is a widely used material in packaging and shipping industries. It is made of high-quality plastic materials and is used to wrap products or boxes for transportation or storage. There are various types of stretch film available in the market with different gauges. In this article, we will discuss what gauges stretch film come in and how they affect the quality and performance of the stretch film.
What is stretch film and why is it used?
Stretch film is a type of packaging material made of plastic, which is widely used in the packaging and shipping industries. It is used to wrap products or boxes for transportation or storage. The primary purpose of using stretch film is to provide protection to the products during transit. The stretch film is designed in such a way that it adheres to the product''s surface and creates a tight seal that keeps the product safe from external damage.
Stretch film is also used to secure the products on pallets. When used on pallets, stretch film keeps the products in place and prevents them from falling off. Moreover, stretch film protects the products from dust, dirt, and moisture during transportation and storage.
What gauges does stretch film come in?
Stretch film comes in different gauges, which determine the thickness and strength of the stretch film. The most common gauges of stretch film are:
- 60 gauge
- 70 gauge
- 80 gauge
- 90 gauge
- 100 gauge
- 120 gauge
- 150 gauge
- 200 gauge
Each gauge has a specific set of properties that make it suitable for different applications. For instance, the 60-gauge stretch film is the thinnest and the most lightweight gauge. It is suitable for wrapping products that are not heavy or delicate.
On the other hand, the 200-gauge stretch film is the thickest and the strongest gauge. It is ideal for wrapping heavy or bulky products that require extra protection. The 200-gauge stretch film has the highest tear resistance and puncture resistance, making it suitable for products that require an additional layer of protection.
How is the gauge of stretch film determined?
The gauge of the stretch film is determined by measuring the thickness of the film. The thickness of the stretch film is measured in Microns or Mil. One Micron is equal to 0.001 millimeters, and one Mil is equal to 0.0254 millimeters.
To determine the gauge of the stretch film in Mil, you need to divide the thickness of the film in Microns by 25.4. For instance, if the thickness of the stretch film is 40 Microns, the gauge of the stretch film in Mil would be:
40 Microns / 25.4 = 1.57 Mil
Similarly, to determine the gauge of the stretch film in Microns, you need to multiply the thickness of the film in Mil by 25.4. For instance, if the gauge of the stretch film is 80 Mil, the thickness of the stretch film in Microns would be:
80 Mil x 25.4 = 2032 Microns
How does the gauge of stretch film affect its properties?
The gauge of the stretch film has a significant impact on its properties. The thicker the stretch film, the more durable and robust it is. Thick stretch film has a higher puncture resistance and tear resistance, making it ideal for products that are heavy or have sharp edges.
On the other hand, thin stretch film is more lightweight and is suitable for wrapping lightweight products that do not require extra protection. Thin stretch film has a lower puncture resistance and tear resistance, making it unsuitable for products that have sharp edges or corners.
Moreover, the gauge of the stretch film affects its cling properties. Thicker stretch film has a higher cling level than thinner stretch film. The cling level of the stretch film determines how well it adheres to the product''s surface. Stretch film with higher cling properties is suitable for products that have irregular shapes or sizes.
Conclusion
Stretch film is a widely used packaging material that provides protection to products during transit. The gauge of the stretch film determines its thickness and strength. Stretch film comes in various gauges ranging from 60 to 200. Each gauge has a set of properties that make it suitable for different applications. Thicker stretch film is more durable and robust, making it suitable for heavy or bulky products. On the other hand, thin stretch film is more lightweight and is suitable for wrapping lightweight products.
