The history of the "mil"
The history of the "mil"
(OP)
As general office discussions go, this one is always one that I couldn't find the history on.
A mil is 0.001 inch. Why is it called a mil? Is it a millionth of some unit? Is it of Latin or Greek origin?
--Scott
A mil is 0.001 inch. Why is it called a mil? Is it a millionth of some unit? Is it of Latin or Greek origin?
--Scott





RE: The history of the "mil"
Edson Campos
edsoncampos@earthlink.net
RE: The history of the "mil"
I heard from an electrical engineer that it is used as a measure of wire gage. But how has it transitioned to be used with mechanical areas such as coatings? If it is electrical in origin, then what defined a mil that later equalled 0.001 inches?
RE: The history of the "mil"
RE: The history of the "mil"
If you weren't staff I'd red-star you!!
RE: The history of the "mil"
RE: The history of the "mil"
As stated above, it does mean 'thousandth' (which of course, you already knew). My added info--its entomology is Latin in origin, as are the other units prefices (not 'prefixes'--more of those Catholic school Latin courses kicking in).
:)
Brad
RE: The history of the "mil"
RE: The history of the "mil"
How about 0.005" dia drill bits? They are being used everyday by all North American PCB (printed circuit board)manufacturers to drill holes in substrates for multilayered boards. By the way, they call them 5 mil holes.
Efraim