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Thinking of getting stretch film for your packing needs? Two popular options are 9-micron and 25-micron stretch films. It can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you, but don’t worry – we’re here to help!
9-micron stretch film is a highly stretchable and clear plastic wrap commonly used in the packaging industry. 9 microns is equivalent to 0.009 millimeters, making it incredibly thin and lightweight. This type of stretch film is best suited for applications that require minimal protection or are intended for short-term use, such as pallet wrapping. 25-micron stretch film is slightly thicker, with a micron count of 0.025 millimeters, and offers greater puncture resistance than 9-micron stretch film. This type of wrap is better suited for applications that require more protection or are expected to be exposed for longer periods, such as wrapping large boxes or items that require more durability. Both types of the stretch film offer an effective and economical way to package products for shipping or storage.
In this article, we further discuss the comparison between these two types of stretch films and also provide the advantages and disadvantages of using the two for your application.
Definition of Stretch Film
Stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around items. The elastic recovery keeps the items tightly bound. It is frequently used to unitize pallet loads, but also may be used for bundling smaller items. Common cast stretch films are made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Other materials used to make stretch films include multi-layer blends of LLPDE, metallocene, and other polymers, as well as monolayer cast films of other polymers such as EVA copolymers and PVC. Stretch films vary in thickness depending on their application and desired strength characteristics. They typically range between 10 to 25 microns thick. Thickness can be increased with multiple layers or different types of materials. Stretch films can also be printed with branding or other information for product identification and labeling purposes. In addition to providing containment, stretch film enhances the security of the load by protecting its contents from dirt, dust, moisture, and pilferage.
Overview of 9 Micron and 25 Micron Stretch Film
9-micron stretch film is a very thin, lightweight option for wrapping items. It has excellent tear and puncture resistance, making it ideal for wrapping light and delicate items. It is often used to wrap pallets of goods, but it can also be used for other applications such as securely wrapping individual items.
25-micron-stretch film is slightly thicker than 9-micron stretch film and provides more stability when wrapping heavy products or larger items. This type of stretch film has a higher tensile strength and tear resistance, making it suitable for wrapping heavier or larger items. It is often used to wrap reusable containers and pallets because of its superior gripping power. Additionally, the 25-micron stretch film provides extra protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental contaminants. This makes it ideal for wrapping goods that need to be shipped over long distances or stored for extended periods.
Both 9-micron and 25-micron stretch films can be used to ensure goods are securely wrapped and protected during transport or storage.
Comparison of 9 Micron and 25 Micron Stretch Film
Strength
9-micron stretch wrap has limited tear strength and is more suitable for lighter loads that don’t require a lot of protection. It is not as durable or reliable for heavier loads and may not provide enough security to protect the shipment from damage. On the other hand, the strength of the 25-micron stretch film is in its excellent tear resistance. This level of protection is necessary for heavier loads and offers a high level of security for shipments that require a higher degree of consistent wrapping tension protection. On the other hand, To ensure your goods are properly protected, it is important to choose the right gauge of stretch film when packing up your load. The 25-micron stretch film offers superior protection against tears and damage and is the most suitable choice for heavier shipments.
Clarity
Clarity is an important factor to consider when choosing a pre-stretch film. 9-micron thinner films offer superior clarity when compared to 25-micron stretch films. 9-micron stretch film is composed of polyethylene resins that allow for greater transparency and a less cloudy appearance. This increases the visibility of the package contents and makes it easier to identify objects being shipped without opening the package. The superior clarity of 9-micron stretch film also means that labels applied to packages will be more visible and legible. Furthermore, the 9-micron stretch film provides more consistent clarity over time as it resists yellowing and deterioration due to elements such as UV rays and heat. 25-micron stretch films are less clear than 9-micron stretch films, which can make it difficult to identify package contents or read labels. Therefore, for those looking for the clearest packaging option, 9-micron stretch film is the way to go.
Puncture resistance
The puncture resistance of 9-micron stretch film is superior to that of 25-micron stretch film. This is because the thinner 9-micron film has a more consistent plasticity, making it less likely to break when punctured. In addition, the 9-micron film has a higher tensile strength, which helps to ensure that it remains intact under pressure or stress. As the such, 9-micron stretch film is the preferred choice for applications that require a high degree of puncture resistance. It is also often used in applications where long-term storage and archiving are required, as its durability ensures it remains intact for longer periods. In comparison, 25-micron stretch film is less resistant to puncture and is best suited for applications where frequent handling or movement of the product will occur. Overall, the 9-micron stretch film provides superior puncture resistance compared to 25-micron machine film or shrink wrap, making it a better option for those applications that require long-term storage or archiving capabilities.
Cost
When considering the cost of 9-micron and 25-micron stretch films, it is important to remember that the thicker film will be more resistant to punctures and tearing, so the initial cost of the material may be lower, but it will also provide higher long-term value. 25-micron stretch film typically retains its elasticity for a longer period than 9-micron stretch film applied which can lead to fewer breaks in tight loads and ultimately less waste. Therefore, although the upfront cost of 25-micron stretch film may be higher, it can save money in the long run due to improved load stability and less waste. Additionally, the 25-micron cast film is generally easier to apply than the 9-micron film because it does not require as much tension, meaning it will take fewer wraps to secure a pallet and will save time in the wrapping process. Ultimately, when considering cost, it is important to factor in both the initial price of the stretch film as well as its long-term value.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 9 Micron and 25 Micron Stretch Film
Advantages of 9 Micron Stretch Film
– Provides superior stretch and consistent cling
– Excellent puncture resistance
– High clarity for product visibility
– Low noise release
– Cold temperature performance
– Easy for machine processing and lamination
Disadvantages of 9 Micron Stretch Film
– Costlier than other options
– Prone to tearing and splitting
– More difficult to handle
– Cannot be used with automated machines
Advantages of 25 Micron Stretch Film
– Versatile
– Cost-effective
– Lightweight
– Easy to use
– Superior strength
Disadvantages of 25 Micron Stretch Film
-More prone to tears
-Less puncture resistant
-Shorter shelf life
-More difficult to handle
Conclusion
The comparison of 9-micron and 25-micron stretch film reveals that the latter is stronger, more resistant to tearing and puncturing, and offers greater load stability. However, it is also more expensive than the former option. Therefore, when making a purchasing decision, one must weigh the cost versus the benefits to determine which product best suits their needs. Ultimately, 9-micron stretch film is ideal for lighter loads that require less resistance to punctures or tearing; whereas 25-micron stretch film can be used to secure heavier goods with greater peace of mind. Both are great options depending on the application and budget considerations of each user.
In conclusion, 9-micron and 25-micron machine-grade stretch films offer different strengths and weaknesses to consider when selecting packaging materials. The final choice should take into account both the desired level of performance as well as budgetary constraints. Ultimately, the right choice can be made based on the application and user preferences. With this information in mind, businesses can make informed decisions and invest in the most suitable conventional films for their needs.
