If you want your packaging line to be a success, you need to choose the right stretch film. Smart stretch wrap purchases help you create an efficient workflow that delivers secure and reliable product loads every time.

For more Stretch Wrap Film Thicknessinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

When choosing between different stretch film options, one crucial factor to consider is thickness. The right stretch film thickness will balance cost-efficiency and weight with strength and durability. Find out everything you need to know about stretch wrap thickness options with this rundown of gauges, durability, and more.

The Importance of Stretch Wrap Thickness

Companies use stretch wrap to cover their product loads and secure them to the pallet. This helps create a secure load that doesn’t tip, spill, or break apart as it makes its way through the supply chain. That’s why stretch wrap thickness is so important; if the film is too thin, it will break and put your products at risk. However, you also want to steer clear of stretch film that is too thick, as this will weigh down your load, crush products, and lead to an unnecessary waste of money and materials.

Learning about the different levels of stretch wrap thickness allows you to choose a stretch film that balances dependability with cost-effectiveness. With the right stretch film, you can improve wrapping efficiency, protect your product loads, and streamline your workflow for a faster, more reliable supply chain.

Understanding Different Types of Stretch Film

How a roll of stretch film is made affects its thickness and strength. In addition to factoring in gauge—which we’ll discuss below—you should also pay attention to the type of film you’re purchasing. Options like cast, blown, true gauge, and pre-stretched stretch film all bring different advantages to your workflow.

Cast Stretch Wrap

Cast stretch wrap is a type of low-density polyethylene film with a manufacturing process that involves melting pellets of resin and extruding the film onto cooled rollers. Cast film is clear and glossy with a consistent cling and thickness. It’s easy to unwind, making it an efficient, easy-to-use solution for light or medium-duty product loads.

Blown Stretch Wrap

Blown stretch wrap also consists of low-density polyethylene film. To make blown stretch wrap, manufacturers use air to shape melted resin into a flat, collapsing tube. Blown stretch wrap is tougher than cast stretch wrap, making it ideal for medium- to heavy-duty product loads.

True Gauge Stretch Wrap

You can also choose true gauge stretch wrap, which offers an incredibly precise thickness that’s accurate to a micrometer. This is a premium form of stretch film that often offers the highest amount of stretch possible.

Pre-Stretch Stretch Wrap

Finally, pre-stretch stretch film is a form of true gauge stretch wrap that manufacturers stretch before placing it onto the core. Pre-stretching film helps your stretch wrap go farther while also making it easier to create a secure wrap. This is an ideal choice for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Gauge Affects Durability

The thickness of a roll of stretch wrap is also known as its gauge. Knowing the different gauge levels and what types of product loads they work best for is a huge part of what to know about stretch wrap thickness. Gauge is measured in mils or microns. A mil is equal to one thousandth of an inch, and there are 25.4 microns in a mil. A higher gauge means thicker, more durable film. Below are some of the most common film gauges and their ideal usage in pallet wrapping.

37-Gauge Wrap

A roll of 37 gauge stretch wrap actually consists of 80-gauge film that the manufacturer has pre-stretched. However, it’s still a thin film gauge, so it works best with lighter loads that weigh less than 800 pounds and don’t have any sharp edges or corners.

47-Gauge Wrap

Also known as a hybrid or equivalent stretch film, 47-gauge wrap uses a unique resin to create a stiffer film. This makes it about the equivalent of a 60-gauge film, which means it works well for loads that weigh up to 1,800 pounds.

60-Gauge Wrap

This gauge is a true gauge stretch wrap, which means it should measure precisely 60 mils on a micrometer. A 60-gauge wrap is ideal for loads up to 1,800 pounds. It offers excellent stretch, making it a good option for automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrappers.

63-Gauge Wrap

Though it’s only slightly thicker than a 60-gauge wrap, 63-gauge stretch wrap offers greater strength. It holds up better against tears and punctures, making it a superior option for product loads with sharp corners or edges. A 63-gauge film can handle loads up to 2,200 pounds.

70- and 80-Gauge Wrap

Both 70- and 80-gauge wrap can handle loads ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 pounds. They are both popular options because of their efficient wrapping processes, premium stretch capabilities, and ability to help reduce weight. However, 80-gauge film is the standard for the industry due to its superior versatility.

90-Gauge Wrap

Heavy-gauge stretch wraps—which are stronger and more resistant to tears, punctures, and other damage—start with the 90-gauge option. A 90-gauge film offers high tension and excellent stretch rate. It’s ideal for pallet loads ranging from 2,400 to 2,600 pounds.

100-Gauge Wrap

A 100-gauge stretch wrap is a popular choice for wrapping steel drums, beams, and other heavy or irregular objects. It works well with pallet loads that range from 2,800 to 3,000 pounds.

115-Gauge Wrap

A 115-gauge wrap also offers extreme strength and damage resistance. It offers excellent stretch and helps reduce tears and punctures. This film gauge is great for working with pallet loads of 3,000 pounds or more.

150-Gauge Wrap

The thickest gauge available is 150-gauge stretch film. This heavy-duty gauge requires an automatic or semi-automatic stretch wrapper to wrap pallet loads effectively. It works well to protect heavy and irregularly shaped loads with products consisting of steel and other metals.

The Art of Downgauging

Stronger film gauges can be a lifesaver when wrapping heavier loads, but that doesn’t mean you want to default to the highest gauge possible for every load. Downgauging—or choosing a thinner, high-performance stretch film over a thicker option—helps you save money without sacrificing quality. When you downgauge your film, you can wrap more product loads while saving money and decreasing material waste.

Streamline Your Wrapping Operations

Choosing the right stretch film thickness is only one part of the equation. You also need the right stretch wrap equipment to make your workflow as efficient, reliable, and cost-effective as possible. That’s where Robopac USA comes in. Explore our range of superior stretch wrapping solutions—including our efficient shrink wrap turntables—to find the right fit for your packaging line. When you pair the right stretch wrapping machine with the correct stretch film option, you can improve safety, consistency, and efficiency in your facility.

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. Helping to reduce product loss, discourage load tampering, and reduce worker injury. In further detail, our blog post explains what stretch film is used for. There are a variety of widths, thicknesses, and types of stretch film.

Below is a breakdown of the two most commonly used extrusion processes of stretch film. Extrusion is the manufacturing of stretch film and various other flexible plastic products. Visit our blog for further details about the extrusion process.

Cast Stretch Wrap- Also called cast stretch wrap, is manufactured using a cast extrusion process. The Cast extrusion process is a continuous process by which a thermoplastic material is melted and extruded through a flat die onto a chill roll, quenched, and re-solidified. This process allows the Cast stretch film to have excellent clarity, require less force to stretch, increased tear resistance, unwind quietly from machines, and offer a superior cling. There is both machine-grade and hand-grade cast stretch film available.

Advantages of Cast Stretch Film- Less expensive than blown stretch film, due to reduced manufacturing costs, cast stretch film is more popular. Increased clarity allows users to see wrapped products. Cast stretch wrap unwinds quietly compared to blown stretch wrap. Cast stretch film offers a two-sided cling that keeps the wrap securely packaged.

Disadvantages of Cast Stretch Film- Does not offer the load/holding power blown stretch film provides. Cast stretch film has less memory and tear resistance than blown stretch film.

Blown Stretch Wrap- Also referred to as blown stretch wrap, is manufactured using the blown extrusion process. This Plastic melt is extruded through an annular slit die, usually vertically, to form a thin-walled tube. Air is introduced from an opening in the center of the die to blow up the film tube like a balloon. On top of the film tube, an air ring blows onto the film to cool it. This process allows blown film to be more robust and more resilient than cast film. The higher mechanical properties of blown film typically allow a more significant load holding power.

Advantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Offers higher load and stretch capacity. Blown stretch film is a premium quality film. Blown stretch film has a higher degree of memory once stretched, allowing product loads to stay better secured. Higher tear resistance is an advantage when securing loads with sharp edges.

Disadvantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Higher cost due to the manufacturing process. The blown stretch wrap has poor clarity due to crystallization in the manufacturing process. Blown film is also noisy when unwound from rolls.

Frequently Ask Stretch Film Questions

When do I use Stretch Film?

Usually, a stretch film holds boxes and products together on a pallet for transportation. It is also used to hold other objects together and protect objects during transport and storage. Stretch film can come in a variety of specialty films. Some examples are UV stretch film, vented pallet wrap, anti-static stretch film, colored stretch film, etc.

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

Different-sized thicknesses and widths of the film for various applications will need to be considered. Use the chart below to determine which thickness and width are ideal for your application.

Thickness 2"-5" Banding 12"-20" Hand Grade 20" Machine Grade 37 Gauge A pre-stretched eighty gauge film. Great for bundling two light uniform objects together. Users can easily apply the film with minimal exertion. A pre-stretched eighty gauge film. Great for wrapping light, uniform loads less than 800 lbs. Due to the film being pre-stretched, pre-stretched rollers on a machine are unnecessary. Excellent cost saver when wrapping light loads less than 800 lbs. 47 Gauge Often referred to as a hybrid or equivalent bundling film. An excellent option for bundling heavier uniform objects. No products with sharp edges or corners Often referred to as a hybrid or equivalent hand film. The film is stiffer and does not require much stretch from users. Excellent for box and case wrapping up to 1800 lbs. Often referred to as a hybrid or equivalent machine film. A stiffer machine film that works great with most machines. Great for lighter boxes and loads less than 1800 lbs. 60 Gauge Ideal for lighter, smaller objects, small boxes, and banding light items together. Many moving companies use light gauged banding stretch film in place of tape. Ideal for loads up to approx. 1800 lbs. 12", 15", and 18" widths are ideal for shorter loads or loads where the bottom and top only need to be wrapped. Same strength as 12”-20” hand Stretch wrap. Machines promote more efficient wrapping and reduce waste. The true gauged 60 gauge film offers excellent stretch during machine application. 63 Gauge Often measured in microns, a 63 ga film is 16 microns. Thicker and better puncture resistance than 47 ga. Film. Bundle and wrap heavier products with minimal sharp edges. Often measured in microns, a 63 ga film is 16 microns. Thicker and better puncture resistance than 47 ga wrap heavy loads of products up to 2200 lbs with minimal sharp edges. Often measured in microns, a 63 ga film is 16 microns. Thicker and better puncture resistance than 47 ga. Most popular machine film for standard boxed pallets ranging up to 2200 lbs. 70 Gauge The same uses as the 60 gauge but enables slightly stronger holding strength. Often used to bundle multiple long cylindrical products. Ideal for loads up to approx. 2200-2400 lbs.12", 15", and 18" widths are ideal for shorter loads or loads where the bottom and top only need to be wrapped. Same strength as 12”-20” hand Stretch wrap. Machines promote more efficient wrapping and reduce waste with premium stretch. 80 Gauge The most common gauge in all stretch wrap. Known to be very versatile and handle a variety of applications. Ideal for loads up to approx. 2200-2400 lbs. 80 gauge is the most common stretch film thickness and suitable for a variety of applications Same strength as 12”-20” hand Stretch wrap. Machines promote more efficient wrapping and reduce waste. 90 Gauge Better durability and stretch than a standard 80 gauge film. Used to wrap bundle firewood, angle iron, and a variety of other heavier objects Ideal for loads up to approx. 2400-2600 lbs. 90 gauge is a starting thickness for a larger and heavier product wrapping. The 18" and 20" 90 gauge and above is ideal for taller or heavier loads. Same strength as 12”-20” hand Stretch wrap. The ability to run with a higher tension with fewer tears. Excellent stretch rate and memory. 100 Gauge Commonly used for larger boxes and products to bundle together. Medium-heavy boxes and medium-heavy items such as light lumber are ideal. Ideal for loads up to approx 2800-3000 lbs. The 18" and 20" 100 gauge requires maximum exertion during hand application to achieve the proper stretch rate. Same strength as 12”-20” hand Stretch wrap. The machine 100 gauge stretch film is often used to wrap pallets of 55-gallon drums, steel beams, and other heavy objects. 115 Gauge Used for smaller heavy objects, commonly used for banding sets of heavy products together. Ideal for loads up to approx. 3000-200 lbs. The 18" and 20" 115 gauge and above is ideal for taller or heavier loads Same strength as 12”-20” hand Stretch wrap. The 115 gauge provides excellent stretch with limited tears. 150 Gauge Greater strength and puncture resistance, great for regular and irregular shaped boxes. Ideal for securing steel, metal, and other heavy-duty items. Not typically offered in a hand stretch film. The heaviest cast machine stretch film offered. They are meant for heavy-duty pallet loads.

Suggested stretch film load limits only give a general idea of load capacity. They should not be construed as specification limits. Click our gauge conversion chart for more information about gauge, micron, and mil thicknesses. For technical stretch wrap data, click here.

Related articles:
How much does an automatic pallet wrapper cost?

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

What is an equivalent stretch film?

Due to rising petroleum costs, stretch film manufacturers have made stronger, thinner stretch wrap. This thinner stretch film uses less petroleum resin during manufacturing, therefore costs less. The equivalent stretch film uses a multi-layered technology to increase the film's strength. Different manufacturers have different names for their equivalent films. The two equivalent hand stretch films we offer are Hybrid stretch film and Micron stretch film. We also provide our Performance line of machine stretch film that is thinner and stronger and allows users to save on costs. Both hybrid and micron stretch film is considered eco-friendly option for reducing film waste.

Hybrid stretch film is a thinner stretch film with a super-strong resin formula. It is the most lightweight film we offer, but it is not recommended for loads over 1800 lbs. Because the film is thin, it does not have the same amount of tear resistance as a thicker film.

Micron stretch film is between the "true gauged" stretch film and the Hybrid stretch film. It is a multi-layered film with excellent cling, stretch, and tear resistance. It allows users to reduce costs while staying confident about load security.

Performance machine stretch film is our answer to rising machine stretch film costs. The performance stretch film is a multi-layered machine stretch film that provides more stretch than traditional machine stretch film. It offers a high amount of cling and downsizing opportunities.

Are there any advantages to using opaque stretch film?

The opaque stretch film offers a variety of advantages over transparent stretch film. A few benefits include:

1. Detours pilferage through valuable shipments by concealing products.
2. It helps to protect products from UV Rays.
3. Prevents damage caused by rain, dew, and dust.
4. Outlasts regular transparent stretch film during extended outdoor storage.
5. Great for color-coding products.

Do I need a UV stretch Film?

UV protection can help extend the life of the stretch film when stored in the sun. Using an opaque UV stretch wrap can increase the film's and the product's storage life when stored outside. Anyone should consider UV stretch for any shipments stored outside longer than 60 days.

Are shrink wrap and stretch film recyclable?

Both shrink wrap/film and stretch film/wrap are recyclable. Check with your local recycling center, and be sure they accept soft plastics.

Do I need a particular stretch wrap machine?

Stretch wrap machines are recommended for any business wrapping more than 15 loads per day. Stretch wrap machines help to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and promote a more secure and consistent load. There are a variety of manual stretch film dispensers and products for businesses that stretch wrap less than 15 loads per day. The Extended core stretch film is ready and easy to use out of the box. It is excellent for businesses that need stretch film, but do not ship many loads. Two-handed manual stretch film dispensers are used because of ease of use, a built-in braking system, and the ability to tightly secure loads.

What is Pre Stretch Film?

Pre-stretch film or Pre-stretched film is a standard gauged stretch film stretched up to 90% of the film's maximum stretch rate. A standard 80 gauge stretch film becomes a 37 gauge stretch film after stretched 90%. The stretched film is rolled onto cores and requires little stretch during application.

How to stretch wrap a pallet?

Extract approximately a yard of plastic off the stretch film roll, squeeze 8 to 10 inches of the end together to form a rope shape. Thread the rope part through one corner of the pallet. A knot is not necessary. Begin wrapping around the base of the pallet. Wrap the bottom of the pallet at least five times while keeping the film tight as pulled off the roll. Slowly work your way up the box, focusing on maintaining a tight wrap. The goal is to have all of the products stay together as one. Once at the top of the pallet, push the top boxes to see if they move or if they are one with the bottom boxes. If they move, wrap your way back down to the bottom of the pallet.

What is the Difference Between Shrink Wrap and Stretch Film?

View our chart below for a quick description of the differences. Check out our page dedicated to shrink wrap and stretch film differences for a detailed look at these materials.

Characteristics Stretch Wrap Shrink Wrap Heat Required No Yes High Stretch Rate over 100% Yes No Used to Wrap Pallets Yes Rarely Used to Wrap Retail Products Rarely Yes Used to Wrap Industrial Products Yes Occasionally Clarity Good Excellent Safe for Direct Food Contact No Polyolefin Shrink Wrap Most Common Thickness 80 Gauge 75 Gauge

Common Stretch Film Terms

Blown Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the blown extrusion process that has a higher puncture resistance. Click on the stretch film info page to view detailed information about blown stretch film.

Bottom Wraps-The wraps a stretch wrap machine uses to apply film to the bottom section of the load. Forming a secure bottom wrap will help to ensure load stability.

Cast Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the cast extrusion process. Less manufacturing costs allow cast stretch film to be the more widely used stretch film. Visit the stretch film info page to view detailed info about cast stretch film.

Cling- Allows the film to stick to itself and not the product. Some films have one-sided cling, and others have two-sided cling.

Co-extrusion- Extruding two or more materials through a single die to enable the two materials to merge.

Dart Drop- A commonly used test to measure the puncture strength of a stretch film. It's conducted by dropping a semi-circular shaped object onto the film.

Elastic Recovery-The ability of a stretch film to recover to its original shape after being stretched.

Elmendorf Tear-Another standard test used for stretch film and other products to measure tear resistance.

Extruder- Equipment used to change solid polymers into molten polymers.

Film Feed-In a stretch wrap machine, it is the speed at which stretch film is supplied to the load.

Film Force-Refers to the amount of tension applied to the film as the film is applied to the load.

Film Memory- The ability of the film to return to its pre-stretched form. Enabling the film to maintain a tight load during transportation.

Film Tail-The start and end pieces of stretch film applied to the load. The first tail tied to the pallet, and the end tucked or tied off.

Gauge-A measurement used to measure film thickness or caliper. One gauge is equal to .254 microns. Microns are another common form of film measurement.

Gloss- The amount of light reflected from a film’s surface. Cast stretch films tend to have a higher gloss than blown stretch films.

Haze- Refers to a lack of clarity in the film. Thicker plastic films generally have more haze than thinner films.

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.