500G Lay Flat Tubing (LFT)
Lay Flat Tubing (LFT) — Heavy-Duty Polythene Tubing for Made-to-Size Protection
Lay flat tubing (often shortened to LFT) is a continuous tube of polythene film supplied on a roll. Because it’s already formed as a tube, you can cut it to the length you need and seal the ends to create custom-sized bags, sleeves, and protective covers on demand. This makes layflat tubing a practical choice for packing items that don’t suit standard bag sizes, including long, awkward, or variable-length products.
This listing is for 500 gauge / 127 micron lay flat tubing in a 24 inch (610mm) layflat width. The 500g / 127 micron specification is widely used as a heavy-duty option where extra strength and puncture resistance are required compared with lighter films.
Key Features
Made-to-length packaging:
Cut the tubing to the exact length required, seal one end, insert the product, then seal the other end. Ideal when product lengths vary or when you want to minimise wasted packaging.
Heavy-duty film (500 gauge / 127 micron):
A robust thickness designed for tougher handling, improved puncture resistance, and strong seals—well suited to industrial and warehouse environments.
Layflat width 24" (610mm):
The layflat measurement is the width of the flattened tube. This width is commonly selected for medium-to-large items, bundling, and protective sleeves.
Versatile sealing options:
Compatible with common heat sealing methods used for polythene film (for example, impulse sealers). You can create open-ended sleeves, fully sealed bags, or partial seals depending on your packing process.
Protects against dust and moisture:
Polythene tubing provides a practical barrier that helps keep products clean during storage, handling, and transit.
Key Features (Bullet Summary)
- Continuous layflat tube for custom-length bags and sleeves
- 500 gauge / 127 micron heavy-duty polythene film
- 24" (610mm) layflat width
- Cut-to-size to reduce packaging waste and improve fit
- Heat sealable for fast, repeatable packing
- Helps protect items from dust and light moisture exposure
Typical Uses
- Creating custom-length bags for products that vary in size
- Protective sleeves for long items (profiles, trims, tubes, components)
- Bundling multiple items together for picking and dispatch
- Dust covers for stored goods in warehouses and workshops
- Transit protection for parts and assemblies where abrasion resistance matters
24" (610mm) 500 Gauge Lay Flat Tubing — Full Product Guide
Lay flat tubing is a simple but highly adaptable packaging format: a roll of polythene film that is already formed into a tube. Instead of choosing from fixed bag sizes, you create the length you need at the packing bench. This approach can streamline packing for operations handling mixed product sizes, reduce the number of different bag SKUs you need to stock, and improve presentation by producing a neat, close-fitting pack.
How It Works
Layflat tubing is supplied as a flattened tube on a roll. In use, you typically:
- Cut the tubing to the required length
- Seal one end to form the base (if making a bag)
- Insert the product
- Seal the open end to close
You can also create open-ended sleeves (sealed at one end only) or use partial seals to separate items while keeping them on a continuous run for efficiency.
Materials and Construction
This product is polythene layflat tubing. The key construction detail is the film thickness: 500 gauge / 127 micron. Gauge and micron are two ways of expressing thickness; 500 gauge is commonly referenced in packaging, while 127 micron is the metric thickness value. A heavier film is generally chosen when you need improved durability, better puncture resistance, and stronger performance during handling.
Because the film is supplied as a tube, it naturally forms a sleeve around the product once opened, helping keep items contained and protected.
Understanding Layflat Width
The stated width (here 24" / 610mm) is the layflat width—the measurement across the tubing when it is flattened. When opened into a tube, the circumference is approximately double the layflat width. In practical terms, layflat width helps you estimate what product widths or bundle sizes will fit comfortably.
If you are packing irregular shapes or items with sharp corners, allow extra room for ease of insertion and to reduce stress on the film.
Floor Type Compatibility
Layflat tubing is used across many environments because it is a packaging consumable rather than a fixed installation. It is commonly used in:
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Workshops and assembly areas
- Manufacturing and production lines
- Retail back-of-house packing stations
Wherever you can safely operate a cutting and sealing process, layflat tubing can be integrated into your workflow.
Health and Safety
As with all plastic film products, safe handling is important:
- Heat sealing: Use appropriate equipment and follow the sealer manufacturer’s guidance. Sealing bars can be hot and can cause burns.
- Cutting: Use suitable cutting tools and safe cutting practices to avoid injury.
- Film handling: Keep film away from children and avoid placing film over the face due to suffocation risk.
If you are packaging regulated goods (for example, food contact applications), confirm suitability for your specific compliance requirements before use.
Ideal Applications and Use Cases
Heavy-duty layflat tubing is particularly useful when you need a strong, adaptable pack format:
- Long products: Create sleeves for items that are too long for standard bags.
- Variable-length items: Cut exactly what you need for each order.
- Industrial parts: Protect components from dust, scuffs, and light moisture exposure.
- Bundling and kitting: Group multiple items together for easier picking and dispatch.
- Storage protection: Cover items during warehousing or between production stages.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Care
Layflat tubing itself is a single-use packaging consumable, but you can improve performance and reduce waste by maintaining your packing setup:
- Keep sealing bars clean to ensure consistent seals and reduce film sticking.
- Use the correct sealing settings for the film thickness to avoid weak seals or burn-through.
- Store rolls properly in a clean, dry area to prevent contamination and to keep the roll edges in good condition.
Case Study (Typical Workflow Example)
A warehouse dispatch team handling mixed-length items (for example, profiles, trims, or bundled components) can standardise on a heavy-duty layflat tubing roll. Instead of stocking multiple bag lengths, the team cuts tubing to suit each order, seals one end, inserts the items, and seals the other end. This can reduce the number of packaging lines held in stock and improve pack consistency across varied products.
Who Is It For?
- Warehousing & logistics teams needing flexible, fast packing for mixed SKUs
- Manufacturers protecting parts between processes or for shipment
- Retail and e-commerce operations that want made-to-fit protective sleeves
- Workshops packing long or awkward items
Colours / Features Available
This product is supplied as polythene layflat tubing. If you require a specific colour, transparency, or special performance (for example, anti-static or UV-stabilised film), check the available options within the product variants or contact us for guidance.
Sizes Available
Layflat tubing is typically offered in multiple widths and thicknesses. This listing covers a 24" (610mm) layflat width in 500 gauge / 127 micron. Select the most suitable option from the available variants for your application.
If you need help choosing the right width and thickness, consider the product’s maximum cross-section (including corners) and the handling conditions (sharp edges, weight, and transit risk). A heavier gauge is often preferred for tougher handling and improved puncture resistance.
Reference notes: Layflat tubing is commonly described as plastic film supplied as a flattened tube on a roll, used by cutting to length and heat sealing to create bags and sleeves. Comparable listings describe this specification as 24" (610mm) wide, 500 gauge (127 micron) heavy-duty layflat tubing.