In the textile industry, GLM is a key metric used to measure the weight of fabric. It stands for gram per linear meter.
Understanding GLM: Gram Per Linear Meter
According to the provided reference, GLM is a standard used to measure the weight of fabric, similar to GSM (Grams per Square Meter). Specifically, GLM represents the weight of a fabric in grams for every linear or running meter of its length.
This measurement is particularly relevant when dealing with:
- Specific fabric widths: Unlike GSM which standardizes weight per square meter (regardless of width), GLM provides the weight based on the fabric's specific width as it comes off the roll or is processed.
- Bulk orders: The reference explicitly mentions that GLM is "especially used in bulk orders." This is because manufacturers and buyers often work with fabric rolls of a consistent width, making the linear meter measurement practical for calculating total weight and estimating material costs or yields for a given length.
How GLM is Measured
To determine the GLM of a fabric:
- A sample of the fabric is cut that is exactly one linear meter long.
- This sample must be the full width of the fabric as it is produced or sold.
- The weight of this 1-meter length of full-width fabric is then measured in grams.
- This measured weight in grams is the fabric's GLM.
GLM vs. GSM
While both GLM and GSM measure fabric weight, they do so from different perspectives:
| Feature | GLM (Gram per Linear Meter) | GSM (Grams per Square Meter) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Weight per meter of full fabric width | Weight per square meter of fabric area |
| Measurement | Grams / (1 meter length Fabric Width) - effectively grams per linear meter* | Grams / (1 meter length * 1 meter width) |
| Use Case | Practical for specific widths, bulk orders | Standard comparison across different fabrics |
| Dependency | Depends on fabric width | Independent of fabric width |
- GLM gives you the actual weight of a running meter of fabric as it is supplied, taking its specific width into account.
- GSM standardizes the weight measurement, allowing for easy comparison of the density or substance of different fabrics, regardless of their width.
Knowing the GLM is crucial in manufacturing and purchasing to accurately estimate the weight of a required length of fabric roll, impacting shipping costs, material consumption calculations, and pricing for orders based on length rather than area.
