Stretch film roll dimensions and thicknesses

Need to choose the right stretch film for your packaging? We’ve got you covered! Learn about standard widths, lengths and recommended thicknesses—all factors that can optimize your process and protect products. Plus discover specialized options available – did you know that choosing the right thickness can enhance load stability and puncture resistance? Get up-to-speed on all this knowledge so there’s no guesswork when it comes to selecting just what you need.

Explore the intricacies of stretch film roll dimensions and thicknesses, discover the benefits of specialized options, and gain valuable insights into optimizing your packaging process for maximum product protection.

What are stretch film rolls?

Stretch film rolls, also known as stretch wrap or pallet wrap, are indispensable packaging materials used in various industries to protect and secure products during storage, transportation, and handling. These rolls come in different dimensions, including width, length, and core size, to accommodate diverse packaging needs. The width determines the coverage and wrapping efficiency, while the length affects roll changes and operational efficiency. The core size ensures compatibility with dispensers and machinery. Stretch film rolls also vary in thickness, measured in gauge or microns, which directly impacts strength, tear resistance, and stretchability. Choosing the appropriate thickness is crucial for load containment and puncture resistance. Understanding these dimensions and thicknesses is essential for businesses as it enables cost efficiency, load stability, equipment compatibility, and customization. By selecting the right dimensions and thicknesses, businesses can optimize their packaging processes, protect products effectively, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Stretch film roll dimensions

Let’s delve deeper into each dimension:

Width:

• The width refers to the measurement across the roll, perpendicular to its length.
• Standard width options range from 12 inches to 36 inches, catering to various packaging requirements.
• Smaller widths like 12″ and 15″ are commonly used for lighter loads, while wider widths like 24″ and 30″ are suitable for larger or bulkier items.
• The choice of width depends on the size and dimensions of the products being wrapped and the desired coverage.

Length:

• The length represents the total amount of stretch film wound onto the roll.
• Standard length options include 1000 ft, 1500 ft, 2000 ft, 3000 ft, and 5000 ft.
• Longer roll lengths are beneficial for high-volume packaging operations, reducing the frequency of roll changes and increasing productivity.
• The appropriate length selection depends on factors such as packaging volume, frequency of use, and operational efficiency.

Core Size:

• Core size refers to the inner diameter of the stretch film roll, i.e., the size of the cardboard or plastic core around which the film is wound.
• Standard core size options include 2 inches, 2.5 inches, and 3 inches.
• The choice of core size is important to ensure compatibility with stretch film dispensers and machinery used in the packaging process.
• Different core sizes cater to varying equipment specifications and application requirements.

It’s worth noting that the dimensions mentioned in the table represent standard measurements commonly available in the market. However, specific requirements may vary based on industry, application, and supplier preferences. When selecting stretch film rolls, it is recommended to consult with your supplier or manufacturer to ensure the dimensions align with your specific packaging needs.

Stretch film roll thicknesses

Gauge Measurement:

Gauge is a common unit of measurement for stretch film thickness. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the film. Common gauge ranges for stretch film rolls are 60 to 120 gauge, with 80 gauge and 90-gauge being typical options.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Thickness:

a. Load Weight:

The weight of the load being wrapped plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate thickness of the stretch film. Heavier loads require thicker films to provide sufficient strength and load stability. Thicker films offer better load containment and can withstand the pressures exerted by heavier items. Using an inadequate thickness can result in film failure, leading to load shifting, product damage, and potential safety hazards.

b. Stretching Ability:

Stretching ability refers to the film’s capability to elongate without losing its integrity or breaking. The thickness of the stretch film affects its stretching ability. Thinner films generally have greater elongation potential and can stretch further, making them suitable for applications that require tight and secure wrapping around irregularly shaped or uneven loads. However, it’s important to balance stretching ability with the load weight and puncture resistance requirements.

c. Puncture Resistance:

Puncture resistance is a critical property to consider when choosing the thickness of a stretch film. Thicker films provide enhanced puncture resistance, making them more suitable for applications involving sharp edges, corners, or products with higher risk of puncture damage. Thicker films are less prone to tearing or puncturing, providing better protection to the packaged goods during handling, transportation, and storage.

Common stretch film roll dimensions and thicknesses

Standard Widths and Lengths:

• Standard Widths: Common widths range from 12 inches to 36 inches, providing flexibility to wrap a wide range of products. The appropriate width selection depends on the size and dimensions of the items being wrapped, ensuring adequate coverage and wrapping efficiency.
• Standard Lengths: The length of stretch film rolls can vary from 1000 feet to 5000 feet. Longer roll lengths are beneficial for high-volume packaging operations as they reduce the frequency of roll changes, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.

Recommended Thicknesses for Different Applications:

1. Heavy-Duty Shipping: For shipping larger or heavier items, such as industrial equipment or furniture, a thicker stretch film is recommended. Typically, 70-90 gauge films are suitable for providing the necessary strength and load stability to withstand the rigors of transportation.
2. Pallet Wrapping: When securing products on pallets, a slightly lower thickness is often sufficient. Stretch film with a thickness of 60-70 gauge is commonly used for pallet wrapping. This range provides good load containment and stability while optimizing material usage.
3. Bundling of Small Items: For bundling smaller items or consolidating loose objects, thinner stretch films are typically used. Films with a thickness of 40-60 gauge offer enough stretchability and tensile strength to hold the items securely together without excessive material usage.

Specialized Stretch Film Options:

• UV-Resistant Films: UV-resistant stretch films are designed to protect products from harmful UV radiation. These films prevent fading, discoloration, and degradation of packaged goods, making them suitable for outdoor storage or shipments exposed to sunlight.
• Anti-Static Films: Anti-static stretch films prevent the buildup of static electricity. They are ideal for packaging electronic components or products that are sensitive to static discharges. These films offer electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, ensuring the integrity of sensitive items.
• Colored Films: Colored stretch films provide visual identification and differentiation for various products or shipments. These films help categorize, organize, and segregate different types of goods, streamlining inventory management processes.
• Pre-Stretched Films: Pre-stretched films undergo a manufacturing process that stretches them before winding onto the roll. This results in improved load containment, reduced film usage, and potential cost savings. Pre-stretched films offer enhanced efficiency and are suitable for applications where material optimization is crucial.
• VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) Films: VCI films emit a rust-inhibiting vapor that protects metal components from corrosion. These films are widely used in metal packaging and storage to prevent moisture and oxygen from reaching metal surfaces, effectively reducing the risk of corrosion and preserving the integrity of metal products.

By understanding the standard dimensions, recommended thicknesses, and specialized options of stretch film rolls, you can enhance your packaging efficiency, improve load stability, and protect your products effectively. Don’t miss out on the valuable information in this article, as it can significantly impact your packaging operations and ensure the safe delivery of your goods.