BINGOPLAS TECHNICAL BUYER GUIDE

Stretch film gauge, mil and micron.

North American buyers often see stretch film thickness expressed in gauge or mil, while metric specifications use microns. The units can be converted—but equal nominal thickness does not guarantee equal film performance.

THE BASIC CONVERSION

Convert the label before comparing the film.

In common stretch-film terminology, 100 gauge equals 1 mil. One mil is one-thousandth of an inch and equals 25.4 microns. These are unit conversions, not performance ratings.

CONFIRM A PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
G

Gauge to mil

Divide the gauge number by 100. Example: 80 gauge = 0.80 mil.

M

Mil to micron

Multiply mil by 25.4. Example: 0.80 mil = 20.32 microns.

µ

Micron to mil

Divide microns by 25.4, then multiply mil by 100 for gauge.

!

Check the written specification

Confirm whether the value is nominal, the applicable tolerance and how thickness is verified for the quoted item.

NOMINAL CONVERSION TABLE

Common gauge conversions.

The conversions below are mathematical equivalents. They do not represent BINGOPLAS product availability or a recommendation for a particular load.

Decision pointMil equivalentMicron equivalent
47 gauge0.47 mil11.94 microns
60 gauge0.60 mil15.24 microns
70 gauge0.70 mil17.78 microns
80 gauge0.80 mil20.32 microns
90 gauge0.90 mil22.86 microns
100 gauge1.00 mil25.40 microns

Formula: gauge ÷ 100 = mil; mil × 25.4 = microns. Supplier labels may use rounded metric equivalents, so the purchase specification should state the controlling unit.

THICKNESS IS ONLY ONE INPUT

Compare the application as well as the gauge.

01

Describe the load

Provide load weight, dimensions, stability, corners, puncture risks and the distribution or storage conditions the wrapped load must withstand.

02

Describe the wrap process

Identify manual or machine application, the equipment model, prestretch system if applicable, wrap pattern, overlap and normal settings.

03

Define the result

Evaluate load containment, punctures, film breaks, film used, rewraps and the condition of the load after normal handling.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stretch film thickness questions.

Is 80 gauge stretch film the same as 20 micron film?

They are close nominal equivalents: 80 gauge equals 0.80 mil, which converts to 20.32 microns. Suppliers may round labels, so confirm the stated unit, nominal value and tolerance for the exact product.

Does a higher gauge always provide better load containment?

No. Thickness is only one variable. Resin formulation, layer structure, puncture behavior, stretch response, cling, wrap pattern, equipment settings and load profile also affect performance.

Can two films with the same nominal gauge perform differently?

Yes. Nominal thickness does not describe the complete film design. Compare the written specification and evaluate candidate films on the same loads under the same operating conditions.

SPECIFICATION REVIEW

Send more than a gauge number.

Include width, length or roll weight, core, wrapping method, load profile, current film and expected order volume.

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