Stretch Wrap Gauge Chart for Every Application

A stretch wrap gauge chart is a crucial tool for any business that uses stretch wrap to secure their products. It helps ensure the right amount of wrap is used for the job, preventing waste and saving money.

Having the right gauge chart for your application is essential to get it right. A gauge chart for a pallet wrap, for example, can help you determine the ideal stretch wrap thickness for securing heavy loads.

For a product wrap, a gauge chart can help you choose the right stretch wrap gauge to prevent damage to your products. This is especially important for fragile items that require extra protection.

Understanding the different gauge charts available is the first step to finding the right one for your needs.

Understanding stretch wrap starts with the basics, and that means knowing how different sizes and gauges impact your work.

The size of the stretch wrap is crucial, as it affects the amount of film needed for each pallet.

Different gauges of stretch wrap are available, each with its own unique characteristics.

To choose the right gauge, you need to consider your pallet configuration, as it can affect the film choice.

Hand wrapping or machine wrapping is also a consideration, and understanding when to use each method is essential.

Machine wrapping is often faster and more efficient, but hand wrapping can be more precise.

Today's most common options include various sizes and gauges of stretch wrap, each with its own advantages.

Additional reading: How to Wrap Wine Bottle with Wrapping Paper

Choosing the right gauge for your stretch wrap is crucial for ensuring the integrity of your loads. The force of load containment is critical to your load's integrity.

Most stretch film thickness is listed in terms of gauge, with common gauges including 35, 45, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, and 200. These gauges correspond to different microns and mils, with 1 mil equal to 0.001" and 25.4 microns equal to 1 mil.

A 45 gauge stretch film is a popular choice, suitable for uniform loads up to 1,800 lbs. This gauge is also widely used in the industry, with many customers opting for it due to its strength and cost-effectiveness.

Here's a quick reference guide to common stretch film gauges and their corresponding microns and mils:

Eco or Micron stretch wrap is a type of film that's often used for wrapping pallets and other loads. It's typically available in gauges of 57, 60, or 63, which refers to the thickness of the material.

The main difference between Eco or Micron stretch wrap and traditional wrap is its thickness and stretch potential. A micron stretch wrap is often stiffer and won't stretch as much as standard wrap.

One of the benefits of Eco or Micron stretch wrap is that it's more affordable, stronger, and promotes less waste. This makes it a great option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact and save money on materials.

The thickness of Eco or Micron stretch wrap can be measured in microns or mils. According to the conversion chart, 1 mil is equivalent to 0.001 inches, and 25.4 microns is equivalent to 1 mil.

Here's a breakdown of the gauge, micron, and mil measurements for Eco or Micron stretch wrap:

Overall, Eco or Micron stretch wrap is a great option for businesses looking for a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional stretch wrap.

Choosing the right gauge for your application is crucial. Most customers are using 45 gauge, but lighter gauges like 35 gauge are also used, especially with advanced resins and equipment.

Light gauge films are stronger than ever before, reducing costs and providing more footage per roll. This reduces change overs, product handling, and trash.

You can use 60, 75, 100, 125, and 150 gauge films with most shrink wrapping packaging machinery. However, you'll want to work with your vendor to choose the right gauge for your specific applications.

Some applications may require thicker or thinner gauges, especially if products have odd shapes or temperature restrictions. In these cases, a professional analysis of your packaging line by your vendor can be helpful.

Data collected from the analysis can be sent to other vendors for their recommendations. You can then cross-reference each vendor's recommendations to find the perfect fit for your packaging line's specific needs.

The thickness of stretch wrap, measured in gauge, plays a crucial role in securing your loads. A higher gauge film offers more resistance against tearing and puncturing.

For example, a 63-gauge stretch film is suitable for loads up to 2,200 lbs, making it a great option for medium-weight pallets. This film is slightly higher gauge than the standard 37-80 gauge film, which can secure loads up to 1,800 lbs.

The heavier the load, the stronger the stretch film will need to be. A 90-gauge film, for instance, can be rated for loads of up to 2,600 lbs, while thicker films of 100 and 115 gauges may be used for loads of up to 3,000 lbs or higher.

It's worth noting that the shape of the load also plays a role in determining the correct gauge. Irregular shaped loads will require more holding power from a stronger wrap than a uniform load of the same size.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you choose the right gauge:

Keep in mind that the gauge of stretch wrap can also affect its eco-friendliness. Eco or micron stretch wrap, for instance, is a more environmentally friendly option.

The thickness of stretch film is measured in gauge, which can be confusing if you're not familiar with the units. Gauge is measured in microns or mils, with higher numbers indicating thicker plastic.

A mil is equivalent to 0.001 inches, and 25.4 microns equal 1 mil. This means that if you see a gauge of 100, it's equivalent to 25.4 microns or 1 mil.

Here's a handy chart to help you convert between gauge, micron, and mil units:

Eco or Micron Stretch Wrap typically comes in a 57, 60, or 63 gauge. This type of film is often stiffer and will not stretch as much as standard wrap.

A micron stretch wrap is more affordable, stronger, and often promotes less waste compared to traditional stretch wrap.

The micron conversion chart is a handy tool to have when working with stretch film. Here's a key fact to keep in mind: 1 mil equals 0.001 inches.

To convert mils to microns, remember that 25.4 microns equals 1 mil. This means that if you're working with a gauge of 45, you can convert it to microns by multiplying 45 by 11.4 (since 45 mils is equivalent to 11.4 microns).

Here's a table that shows the conversion from gauge to micron and mil:

Hybrid or Equivalent stretch films are thinner than true-gauge equivalents but offer similar holding power. This makes them a great option for businesses looking to save on material costs without sacrificing performance.

Hybrid stretch film is considered an equivalent that can replace lower gauged wraps, typically coming in a 47, 51, or a 53 gauge. It's a popular choice due to its lower purchase cost and lighter rolls.

One of the benefits of hybrid stretch film is that it requires less physical exertion when applying, making it a great option for businesses with employees who struggle with manual labor. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced worker fatigue.

Hybrid stretch film is stiffer and has less tear resistance than micron film, but its multiple layers make it stronger than a true gauged film of the same thickness. This unique combination of properties makes it a great option for businesses looking for a balance between performance and cost.