When it comes to greenhouse film, thickness isn’t just a number-it’s a critical performance factor. In this article, we compare two top-tier EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) greenhouse films: GF160-1 (250 microns) and GM-200 (200 microns). Both films come with essential features like anti-drip, anti-fog, and anti-UV protection, but differences in mechanical strength and durability could make one more suitable for your specific needs.
Key Performance Benefits of 250 Micron EVA Film
1. Superior Mechanical Strength
- Tensile Strength (MD): 32 MPa vs. 26 MPa – GF160-1 is significantly stronger under tension in the machine direction, meaning better durability under stress.
- Elongation at Break (MD & TD): Much higher elongation means the 250μm film is more flexible and less likely to crack or tear under mechanical strain.
- Tear Resistance (MD): >2500 gf vs. 2000 gf – Critical for withstanding wind pressure and physical damage.
2. Enhanced Durability
A 250-micron film provides a thicker barrier, improving puncture strength and extending the overall lifespan, especially in harsh weather conditions or in areas with heavy agricultural activity.
3. Better Thermal Retention
While the insulation percentage is listed as the same (75%) in both films, the greater thickness inherently provides better thermal mass, helping stabilize greenhouse temperatures, especially during cooler nights.
4. Ideal for Long-Term Installations
Given its superior strength and elasticity, the 250μm film is better suited for multi-season or long-term crop cycles, reducing the frequency of replacement and labor costs.
When to Choose the 200 Micron Film
The 200μm (GM-200) film is no slouch. It offers:
- Equal light transmission and diffusion performance.
- Slightly less mechanical strength, but still solid enough for regions with milder weather or shorter growing seasons.
- More cost-effective in the short term.
It’s a solid choice for growers needing reliable coverage without the extended durability requirement of the 250μm film.
| Comparing Table - EVA Greenhouse Film Technical Specifications 250 microns vs 200 microns | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Properties | Units | Methods | Typical Values | |
| GF160-1 | GM-200 | |||
| Thickness | Micron | ISO 4593:1993 | 250 | 200 |
| Light Transmittance | % | ASTM D1003 | 88 | 88 |
| Diffusion | % | ASTM D1003 | 57-middle | 57-middle |
| Insulation | % | ASTM D1003 | 75 | 75 |
| Tensile strength at break | MPa | ASTM D-882 | 32 | 26 |
| 32 | 31 | |||
| Elongation at break | % | ASTM D-882 | 1075 | 600 |
| 1285 | 1080 | |||
| Tear resistance | Gf | ASTM D-1922 | >2500 | 2000 |
| >2500 | >2500 | |||
| Dart impact | Gf | ASTM D-1709 | >1600 | >1600 |
| Puncture strength | KG | ASTM D-5748 | 18.5 | 17 |
| Function | - | Rival Tech | Anti-drip, Anti-fog, Anti-dust, Anti-UV |
Anti-UV, Anti-fog, Anti-Drip |
| Technology | - | - | 5 Layers Co-extrusion Blown Film | |
