When working with plastic materials, the term “gauge” is commonly used. Someone unfamiliar with the gauge system may not understand what is meant by 18-gauge PVC, for example. To help, this blog will explain the gauge system and feature a plastic gauge thickness chart.
How are Plastic Gauges Used?
Gauges are used to specify the thickness of plastic materials. Gauges are neither standard nor metric, and the values are independent of those measurement systems. A gauge conversion chart can be used to determine the actual thickness of plastic in inches or millimeters. For example, 18-gauge PVC, according to a gauge conversion chart, is 0.0478 inch or 1.214 millimeters. The gauge number “18” holds no relevance to the actual physical measurements.
There are several gauge systems used today, with specific gauge designations for different plastic types. For example, in one gauge system, 18-gauge PVC measures 0.0478 inches thick, but 18-gauge acrylic might measure differently depending on the manufacturing standards used. Because of the varying thicknesses across different material categories, a gauge chart should always be used to ensure the plastic meets the required dimensions for your specific application.
History of the Gauge System
The gauge system has a long history in industrial fabrication. It most likely originated from the British wire industry before the standard and metric measurement systems were widely adopted. At that time, gauges were used to describe the diameter of the metal wire being drawn. Since then, it has evolved and remained a prevalent method of designating the thickness of various sheet materials, eventually extending into the plastics industry. Today, it continues to serve as a convenient standard for manufacturers and machinists to specify the exact dimensions of plastic sheets and films used in modern production.
Plastic Gauge Thickness Charts
To determine what plastic gauge you need for your specific project, use these comprehensive plastic gauge thickness charts to find the exact measurements in inches and millimeters.
PVC Gauge Chart
| Gauge Number | Inches | MM |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | .1793 | 4.554 |
| 8 | .1644 | 4.175 |
| 10 | .1345 | 3.416 |
| 12 | .1046 | 2.656 |
| 14 | .0747 | 1.897 |
| 16 | .0598 | 1.518 |
| 18 | .0478 | 1.214 |
| 20 | .0359 | .911 |
| 22 | .0299 | .759 |
| 24 | .0239 | .607 |
Acrylic Gauge Chart
| Gauge Number | Inches | MM |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | .1443 | 3.665 |
| 8 | .1285 | 3.264 |
| 10 | .1019 | 2.588 |
| 12 | .08081 | 2.053 |
| 14 | .06408 | 1.628 |
| 16 | .05082 | 1.291 |
| 18 | .04030 | 1.024 |
| 20 | .03196 | .812 |
| 22 | .02535 | .644 |
| 24 | .02010 | .511 |
Polycarbonate Gauge Chart
| Gauge Number | Inches | MM |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | .17187 | 4.365 |
| 10 | .14062 | 3.571 |
| 12 | .10937 | 2.778 |
| 14 | .07812 | 1.984 |
| 16 | .0625 | 1.587 |
| 18 | .050 | 1.270 |
| 20 | .0375 | .9525 |
| 22 | .03125 | .7937 |
| 24 | .025 | .635 |
| 26 | .01875 | .476 |
Other Plastics Gauge Chart (HDPE, PET)
| Gauge Number | Inches | MM |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | .1681 | 4.269 |
| 10 | .1382 | 3.510 |
| 12 | .1084 | 2.753 |
| 14 | .0785 | 1.9939 |
| 16 | .0635 | 1.6129 |
| 18 | .0516 | 1.310 |
| 20 | .0396 | 1.005 |
| 22 | .0336 | .853 |
| 24 | .0276 | .701 |
| 26 | .0217 | .551 |
CNC Machining Services by Essengold
For many years, Essengold has been a leading manufacturer offering excellent CNC machining services. We are precision machining experts and have been providing high-quality customer service and customized plastic components for various industries. Our team is highly experienced in working with a wide range of plastic materials.
At Essengold, we supply a wide range of services, including cutting, shaping, and custom fabrication. We can process PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, and other plastics to your exact specifications. Contact Essengold today to handle your next plastic machining project with incredible precision and affordable quality.
Conclusion
Understanding plastic gauge thickness is crucial for the success of your manufacturing projects. We encourage you to use the provided gauge charts as a reliable reference for your next design. When you are ready for production, turn to Essengold’s CNC machining services for precise and efficient plastic fabrication.