Choose the right stretch film gauge (17 to 30 micron) for hand vs machine wrap and keep pallet loads stable through transit.
Common Gauges and What They Mean
Stretch film is specified in microns: 17 and 20 are light-duty, 23 is the general-purpose workhorse, 25 to 30 are heavy-duty. Thinner film costs less per metre but offers less puncture resistance; thicker film secures heavier, sharper or irregular loads.
Hand Wrap vs Machine Wrap
Hand wrap is for low-volume or irregular loads and favours comfortable, pre-stretched grades. Machine wrap (on a wrapper) achieves higher containment force consistently and uses thinner film efficiently. Match grade to your application, not just price.
Match Thickness to Load Weight and Stability
Light, uniform cartons: 17 to 20 micron. Standard pallets: 23 micron. Heavy, sharp-edged or unstable loads: 25 to 30 micron, possibly with a reinforced edge. Under-wrapping causes load shift and damage; over-wrapping wastes film and money.
Estimate How Much You Need
Film consumption scales with pallet height, wraps per layer and overlap. A simple rule: more unstable or taller loads need more revolutions and a thicker gauge. Track actual usage per pallet to tune gauge and cut cost without risking load failure.