If you want your packaging line to be successful, selecting the right stretch film is crucial. Savvy stretch wrap choices help establish an efficient workflow, ensuring that every product load is secure and reliable.

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When deciding between various stretch films, one key aspect to consider is thickness. The appropriate film thickness balances cost-efficiency and weight with strength and durability. Discover everything you need to know about stretch wrap thickness options with this comprehensive guide on gauges, durability, and more.

The Importance of Stretch Wrap Thickness

Companies utilize stretch wrap to cover their product loads and secure them to pallets. This formulation ensures the load remains stable and doesn’t tip, spill, or break during transit. Hence, the thickness of stretch wrap plays a significant role. A film that's too thin can break, risking your products, while an excessively thick film adds unnecessary weight, possibly crushing products and wasting money and materials.

Understanding various stretch wrap thickness levels allows you to select a film that ensures reliability and cost-effectiveness. Using the right stretch film enhances wrapping efficiency, safeguards product loads, and streamlines workflows for a robust, faster supply chain.

Understanding Different Types of Stretch Film

The manufacturing process of a stretch film roll determines its thickness and strength. Besides evaluating the gauge, you should also consider the type of film you’re purchasing. Options like cast, blown, true gauge, and pre-stretched stretch film offer unique benefits to your operations.

Cast Stretch Wrap

Cast stretch wrap, a low-density polyethylene film, is created by melting resin pellets and extruding the film onto cooled rollers. This results in a clear, glossy film with consistent cling and thickness. It's easy to unwind, making it an effective solution for light or medium-duty loads.

Blown Stretch Wrap

Blown stretch wrap is also made from low-density polyethylene film. Manufacturers use air to shape the melted resin into a flat, collapsing tube. Blown stretch wrap is tougher than cast stretch wrap, making it suitable for medium to heavy-duty loads.

True Gauge Stretch Wrap

True gauge stretch wrap offers precise thickness measurements down to a micrometer, providing premium stretch capabilities.

Pre-Stretch Stretch Wrap

Pre-stretch stretch film is a type of true gauge stretch wrap that is stretched before being placed onto the core. This maximizes film usage and ease in creating a secure wrap, making it ideal for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Gauge Affects Durability

The thickness of stretch wrap, known as its gauge, significantly impacts its durability. Gauge is measured in mils or microns. A thicker gauge typically results in a more durable film. Here are some common film gauges and their ideal uses in pallet wrapping:

37-Gauge Wrap

A pre-stretched 80-gauge film, 37-gauge wrap is thin, making it best suited for lighter loads under 800 pounds, without sharp edges.

47-Gauge Wrap

Also known as hybrid or equivalent stretch film, 47-gauge wrap is stiffer and works well for loads up to 1,800 pounds.

60-Gauge Wrap

As a true gauge stretch wrap, 60-gauge film is ideal for loads up to 1,800 pounds, offering excellent stretch for automated wrappers.

63-Gauge Wrap

Slightly thicker than 60-gauge wrap, 63-gauge film withstands tears better and is suitable for loads up to 2,200 pounds.

70- and 80-Gauge Wrap

Both gauges handle loads ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 pounds, with 80-gauge being the industry standard due to its versatility.

90-Gauge Wrap

Heavy-gauge stretch wraps, starting at 90-gauge, provide high tension and stretch rate, ideal for loads between 2,400 to 2,600 pounds.

100-Gauge Wrap

100-gauge film is perfect for wrapping heavy or irregular objects, such as steel drums, and can handle pallet loads from 2,800 to 3,000 pounds.

115-Gauge Wrap

With extreme strength and damage resistance, 115-gauge wrap is suitable for pallet loads over 3,000 pounds.

150-Gauge Wrap

The thickest available, 150-gauge wrap requires an automatic or semi-automatic machine and works well for heavy, irregularly shaped loads.

The Art of Downgauging

Using stronger film gauges is beneficial for wrapping heavy loads, but opting for the highest gauge isn't always necessary. Downgauging—choosing a thinner, high-performance film over a thicker one—can save money while maintaining quality. This approach allows for more product loads while reducing material waste.

Streamline Your Wrapping Operations

Choosing the right stretch film thickness is just part of the process. The appropriate stretch wrap equipment is also vital for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective operations. This is where Robopac USA becomes essential. Explore our extensive range of superior stretch wrapping solutions, including efficient shrink wrap turntables, to find the perfect match for your packaging line. Combining the right stretch wrapping machine with the suitable film can enhance safety, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Turntable Pallet Wrapper. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Stretch Wrap & Film Information

Stretch Wrap- A highly stretchable plastic film commonly made from Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), wrapped around items. The elastic recovery keeps the products tightly bound.

Stretch film wraps products on pallets and secures them to each other and the pallet, reducing product loss, discouraging load tampering, and decreasing worker injury. Our blog post explains in more detail what stretch film is used for. There are various widths, thicknesses, and types of stretch film.

Here’s a breakdown of the two most commonly used extrusion processes for stretch film:

Cast Stretch Wrap- Also known as cast stretch wrap, it is made using a cast extrusion process. This continuous process involves melting thermoplastic material, extruding it through a flat die onto a chill roll, and then re-solidifying it. This results in excellent clarity, less stretch force required, quiet unwinding, and superior cling.

Advantages of Cast Stretch Film- It's less expensive due to lower manufacturing costs, features increased clarity for users to see wrapped products, unwinds quietly, and offers two-sided cling.

Disadvantages of Cast Stretch Film- It doesn’t provide the load/holding power or tear resistance of blown stretch film.

Blown Stretch Wrap- Manufactured using the blown extrusion process, this method extrudes plastic melt through an annular slit die to form a thin-walled tube. Air is introduced to blow up the film tube like a balloon, which is then cooled and solidified. This process results in a more robust and resilient film.

Advantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Higher load and stretch capacity, premium quality, better memory once stretched, and higher tear resistance ideal for loads with sharp edges.

Disadvantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Higher manufacturing costs lead to higher prices, poorer clarity, and noisy unwinding.

Frequently Asked Stretch Film Questions

When do I use Stretch Film?

Stretch film is typically used to hold boxes and products together on a pallet for transportation. It's also used for other objects during transport and storage. Specialty films include UV stretch film, vented pallet wrap, anti-static stretch film, and colored stretch film.

How do I know what size of stretch film to use?

Various film sizes and thicknesses are available for different applications. Use the chart below to determine the ideal thickness and width for your needs.

Are you interested in learning more about China Pallet Shrink Wrap Machine? Contact us today for an expert consultation!