In choosing the right stretch film for your packaging needs, understanding the units of measure is an important step that is often overlooked. Stretch films are available in various thicknesses and sizes, but the units used can be confusing for some people such as micron, gauge, and mil.
- Micron (µm) is the most common metric unit in Asia, a measure of thickness equivalent to 1 per 1000 millimeters (1 micron = 0.001 mm).
- Gauge (G) is widely used in the United States (1 gauge = 0.254 micron)
- Mil is a unit of thickness in the imperial (US) system, in contrast to millimeters (1 mil = 0.001 inch = 25.4 microns)
Gauge can be converted to mils, microns, or other units. Here is a conversion table that can make it easier for you to estimate the size of stretch film plastic:
| Gauge | Micron (µm) | Mil (inch) |
| 60 | 15.2 µm | 0.6 mil |
| 80 | 20.3 µm | 0.8 mil |
| 100 | 25.4 µm | 1.0 mil |
| 120 | 30.5 µm | 1.2 mil |
| 150 | 38.1 µm | 1.5 mil |
Why is Stretch Film Thickness Important?
Stretch film thickness plays an important role in determining its performance and usage. Here are some aspects that are affected by stretch film thickness:
- Tensile Strength
Thicker stretch films have a higher tensile strength, enabling them to wrap heavy loads or irregular shapes more securely. This is important to maintain the stability and integrity of the goods during the shipping process.
- Level of Protection
Thicker stretch film provides maximum protection against dust, moisture, and physical impact. This is especially beneficial for products that are environmentally sensitive or require additional protection.
- Usage Efficiency
While thinner stretch film may often be more cost-effective per meter, the use of thicker film can reduce the number of layers required to optimally wrap the product. This can save time, labor, as well as reduce the amount of waste generated.
Would you like to consult further on stretch film options? We are ready to help with a wide selection of stretch film thicknesses, sizes, and types to suit your needs!
Tekpak Indonesia as a leading manufacturer, has a range of high quality products specifically designed to meet the needs of the export market. We have exported our quality products to more than 20 countries around the world.
You can contact us via email: sales@tekpak.co.id
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