Nonwoven materials are widely used in industries such as packaging, filtration, hygiene, and agriculture due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. One of the most important technical parameters to understand when selecting nonwoven fabric is thickness, often represented by GSM (grams per square meter). This measurement directly affects the product’s strength, softness, breathability, and overall performance.
What Is GSM in Nonwoven Materials?
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) refers to the weight of the fabric per unit area. In nonwoven production, GSM indicates how dense or heavy the material is.
Low GSM (10–40 gsm): Commonly used for disposable hygiene products, medical masks, and light packaging.
Medium GSM (50–100 gsm): Suitable for shopping bags, agriculture covers, and filtration layers.
High GSM (above 120 gsm): Used for heavy-duty applications such as furniture lining, automotive interiors, and reusable industrial fabrics.
Understanding GSM helps manufacturers and buyers choose the right nonwoven material based on durability and cost-performance balance.
How Thickness Affects Product Performance
Nonwoven material thickness influences several key factors:
Strength and Durability: Thicker nonwoven fabrics have higher tensile strength, ideal for products requiring load-bearing capacity like shopping bags or geotextiles.
Softness and Comfort: Lower GSM materials provide a smoother, lighter feel, suitable for hygiene and medical uses.
Breathability: Medium-thickness nonwovens allow airflow while maintaining adequate filtration — perfect for face masks and filters.
Cost and Efficiency: Thinner materials save raw material costs, while thicker options improve lifespan and mechanical performance.
Factory Insight: How We Control Nonwoven Thickness
As a professional nonwoven material manufacturer, we apply strict quality control from fiber selection to calendering and packaging.
Precision machinery ensures uniform fiber distribution and consistent GSM.
Regular lab testing monitors tensile strength, thickness deviation, and air permeability.
Customized production allows buyers to choose GSM, color, and roll width according to their final application.
By controlling every stage of production, we ensure reliable thickness tolerance and high-quality standards across all nonwoven materials.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Application
When selecting nonwoven fabric, it’s essential to consider the final use case:
Medical Use: 20–40 gsm spunbond or meltblown nonwoven
Shopping Bags: 60–100 gsm PP nonwoven
Agricultural Covers: 17–30 gsm UV-resistant fabric
Filtration or Automotive Use: 100–200 gsm reinforced nonwoven
Our technical team can provide recommendations and samples to help you select the most suitable GSM for your needs.
Conclusion
Nonwoven material thickness is a fundamental factor that determines product strength, texture, and performance. Understanding GSM allows buyers and manufacturers to make informed decisions that improve quality and efficiency. With advanced production technology and quality assurance, our factory delivers nonwoven materials with precise GSM control, stable quality, and cost advantages for global clients.
Contact us today to learn more about nonwoven material specifications and customized production solutions.
