OSM CNC
Simplify Sheet Metal Forming
OSM official WhatsApp QR code image for contact information, showing the scan code to quickly add the company WhatsApp
WhatsApp
+8613690740590

OSM CNC Press Brake

High Precision Bending – Accurate angles, consistent results
Strong & Durable Structure – Built to last for years
User-Friendly CNC System – Easy to operate, save labor
Energy Efficient – Lower power consumption, cost-saving
Fast Bending Speed – Improve your productivity
Customizable Solutions – Meet your specific needs

OSM HP-11030 hydraulic CNC press brake Banner, featuring high-precision bending and stable hydraulic system, suitable for efficient processing of various metal sheets.

OG Series Press Brake

High Efficiency and Automation
High Precision and Versatility
Energy Efficiency, Environmental Protection, and Easy Maintenance

OSM OG-100III down-acting hydraulic CNC press brake, designed for high-precision bending of extra-long sheet metal parts with stable performance and high efficiency.

Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Precise and fast: ±0.05 mm accuracy with a cutting speed up to 10 mm/min.
Energy saving and eco-friendly: high-energy-efficiency laser with no pollution.
Smart control: advanced CNC for automated operation with consistent accuracy.
Flexible use: cuts complex graphics and irregular materials.

Banner image of OSM-FL3015 fiber laser cutting machine by OSM, highlighting high-efficiency and precision metal cutting performance for diverse industrial applications.

Bending Center

Rapid mold change with a tool library and memory system
Automatic loading/unloading and 24/7 operation
Multi-task processing: 1 machine replaces 3-5
Laser positioning + servo motor compensation, bending error ≤0.1°
Simulation preview: import drawings to simulate the bending process

Banner image of OSMA flexible bending center ZX-1600X, highlighting intelligent automated bending system for enhanced mass sheet metal production efficiency.

V Grooving Machine

Ultimate efficiency, reshaping processing speed
Micron-level precision, achieving perfect details
One-click intelligence, operation has never been so simple
Save materials and money, every cut counts
All-rounder, one machine handles complex processes

Banner image of OSM V-grooving machine, showcasing high-precision V-cutting capabilities for chamfering and pre-bending treatment of metal sheets.

How to Choose Stretch Film Gauge: A Thickness Guide for Export

#kaic Fu 2026-09-08
Qr code for this page
View on Phone

How to Choose Stretch Film Gauge: A Thickness Guide for Export

Choosing the right stretch film gauge is one of the most common questions we receive from importers, 3PL operators, and e-commerce fulfillment centers. The answer is not simply “thicker is stronger” - it is a balance of load type, pallet size, climate, handling method, and total cost per unit shipped. This guide breaks down the decision so you can specify the correct film before you place a container order.

Understanding Film Gauge (Thickness)

Stretch film gauge is measured in microns (µm) or mils (1 mil = 25.4 µm). Common export grades range from 10 µm (0.4 mil) for light-duty pre-stretch machines to 25 µm (1.0 mil) for heavy hand-stretch. The gauge, combined with the film’s elongation and memory, determines how much tension you can achieve before breakage.

Matching Gauge to Your Application

1. Light pallets (up to 200 kg / 440 lb): 15-17 µm hand-stretch film with 300%+ elongation is sufficient for 20-30 wraps. This keeps the cost per pallet under $0.30 while providing adequate containment.

2. Standard mixed cargo (200-500 kg): 20-23 µm is the sweet spot. It handles mixed carton heights, resists puncture from sharp edges, and works with both hand stretch and 3:1 machine stretch.

3. Heavy or unstable loads (500+ kg, tall stacking): 25 µm or dual-wall film (a composite with a thinner inner layer) provides the puncture resistance and creep resistance needed for multi-tier stacking in a 40-ft container.

Pre-Stretch vs Hand-Stretch: What Changes

Machine pre-stretch (typically 250-300% elongation at the winder) means the film is already thin and high-tension when it wraps the load. You can use a lower gauge (10-13 µm) because the machine adds the tension. Hand-stretch operators need more gauge (17-25 µm) because human arm strength limits achievable tension to about 100-150%.

green LLDPE stretch film roll on production lineautomated stretch film extrusion and winding equipmentstretch film rolls stored in export warehouse

Climatic Considerations for Sea Freight

During tropical ocean transit, temperatures inside a container can exceed 60°C. Standard LLDPE film begins to lose memory (slough) above 50°C. If your route passes through equatorial waters or you stack containers in port for extended periods, specify a film with a higher LLDPE-to-PE ratio or a dual-density formulation. Our quality control process includes accelerated aging at 65°C to verify creep resistance before release.

Cost per Roll vs Cost per Pallet

A higher-gauge roll costs more per meter, but it covers more pallets per roll because less material stretches out before breakage. A 23 µm roll may cost 20% more than a 17 µm roll but lasts 35% longer per wrapping cycle. When comparing suppliers, always calculate cost per pallet wrapped, not cost per kg.

Customization and Sourcing Tips

For export orders, we can slit to your exact width (500 mm, 500 mm pre-cut, or 510 mm for machine) and wind to your preferred roll length (20 m, 300 m, 500 m). Green-colored film is available at no premium if you want a visible sustainability signal on your shipping pallets. See our OEM Customization page for full options including custom print and logo.

Get a Gauge Recommendation for Your Load

Explore More

Related Reading