Choosing the right thickness of the stretch film is essential to ensure that your products are protected during transportation, storage, and handling.

Stretch film is a versatile packaging material that is used to secure and protect palletized goods, but with different thicknesses available, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

 

 

Understanding Stretch Film Thickness

Stretch film thickness is measured in microns, a unit of measurement used to describe the thickness of plastic films. The micron measurement is equivalent to one-thousandth of a millimeter (0.001 mm). The higher the micron value, the thicker the stretch film. Standard thicknesses of stretch film range from 12 to 30 microns.

 

1. Low thickness Stretch Film (12-15 Microns)

Low-thickness stretch film is suitable for low-risk applications where the load is relatively light and stable. For example, it can be used to wrap small items or lightweight products. It’s also ideal for applications where you need to apply the film by hand, as it requires less force to stretch and wrap around the product. Low-thickness stretch film is the most economical option and is perfect for businesses that need to keep costs down.

 

2. Medium-thickness Stretch Film (15-23 Microns)

Medium-thickness stretch film is the most commonly used thickness of stretch film. It is ideal for wrapping products that have sharp edges or are slightly heavier than average. The medium-thickness stretch film provides good protection against dust, moisture, and damage during transportation and handling. It’s a versatile option that can be used for a variety of applications, making it a popular choice for many businesses.

 

3. High-thickness Stretch Film (23-30 Microns)

The thicker stretch film is suitable for wrapping large and heavy loads that require extra protection. It provides excellent puncture resistance and can withstand high levels of stress and strain during transportation and handling. High-thickness stretch film is ideal for wrapping machinery, construction materials, and other bulky items. This thickness of the stretch film is also useful for products that require long-term storage.

 

Consider the Shape and Size of the Load

When choosing the right thickness of the stretch film, it’s essential to consider the shape and size of the load that you need to wrap. Irregularly shaped loads, such as cylinders or items with sharp edges, require a thicker stretch film to prevent punctures or tears. Similarly, heavier loads require a thicker stretch film to provide additional support and protection. Choosing a stretch film that is too thin for the load can result in damage to the product during transportation or storage.

 

Choose the Right Stretch Film Width

The width of the stretch film is another critical factor to consider when selecting the right thickness. The width of the stretch film should be proportional to the size of the load you need to wrap. If you’re wrapping small items, a narrow stretch film will be more appropriate, while wider stretch films are better suited for larger loads. It’s also important to choose a stretch film that is wide enough to cover the entire load to ensure complete protection.

 

Consider the Transportation Method

The transportation method is another important factor to consider when selecting the right thickness of the stretch film. If the products are transported by air, they are subject to more jostling and movement and therefore require a thicker stretch film to provide extra support and protection. In contrast, products transported by road, rail, or sea are less likely to experience movement and may not require such a thick stretch film.

 

To sum up

It is necessary to comprehensively consider the weight, shape, and other factors of the loads according to the actual application scenarios before choosing the best matching stretch film to optimize your load stability to the maximum extent.