Stretch Film Gauge Guideline

What do the different stretch film gauges mean?

The film gauge is the imperial measurement for describing a stretch film's thickness. One gauge is equal to .254 microns, which are another common form of film measurement. Film gauges should be considered when determining which film is best for your shipping needs. Each gauge offers a different level of containment force for your loads. The following information should help you understand film gauges so you can make the right decisions when selecting your stretch film.

 

2-5” Banding

12”-20” Hand Grade

20” Machine Grade

37 Gauge

A pre-stretched eight 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 not necessary. Excellent cost saver when wrapping light loads less than 800 lbs.

47 Gauge

Often referred to a hybrid or equivalent bundling film. A great option for bundling heavier uniform objects. No products with corners or sharp edges.

Often referred to a hybrid or equivalent hand film. The film is stiffer and does not require much stretch from the users. Excellent for box and case wrapping up to 1800 lbs.

Often referred to 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 gauge banding stretch film in place of tape.

Ideal for loads up to approximately 1800 lbs. 12”, 15”, and 18” widths are ideal for shorter loads or loads where 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 gauge film is 16 microns. Thicker and better puncture resistance than 47 gauge film. Bundle and wrap heavier products with minimal sharp edges.

Often measured in microns, a 63 gauge film is 16 microns. Thicker and better puncture resistance than 47 gauge. Wrap heavy loads of products up to 2200 lbs. with minimal sharp edges.

Often measured in microns, a 63 gauge film is 16 microns. Thicker and better puncture resistance than 47 gauge. Most popular machine film for standard boxed pallets ranging up to 2200 lbs.

70 Gauge

Same use as a 60 gauge but enables slightly stronger holding strength. Often used to bundle multiple long cylindrical products.

Ideal for loads up to approximately 2200-2400 lbs. 12”, 15”, and 18” widths are ideal for shorter loads or loads where 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 approximately 2200-2400 lbs. 80 gauge is the most common stretch film thickness and ideal for a variety of applications.

Same strength as 12”-20” hand stretch wrap. Machines promote more efficient wrapping and reduce waste.

90 Gauge

Better strength and stretch than standard 80 gauge film. Used to wrap bundle firewood, angle iron, and a variety of other heavier objects.

Ideal for loads up to approximately 2400-2600 lbs. 90 gauge is a starting thickness for heavier film. 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 whit less tears. Excellent stretch rate and memory.

100 Gauge

Commonly used for heavier boxes and products to bundle together. Medium heavy boxes and medium heavy items such as light lumber is ideal.

Ideal for loads up to approximately 2800-3000 lbs. The 18” and 20” 100 gauge requires maximum exertion during hand application to achieve the proper stretch rate.

Same strength as the 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 approximately 3000-3200 lbs. The 18” and 20” 115 gauge and above is ideal for taller and 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 hand stretch film.

The heaviest cast machine stretch film offered. Meant for heavy duty pallet loads.