Tools & Microfiber1 min read

Coating Thickness in Mils: A Mil Is Not a Millimetre

In thickness reporting, one mil is one thousandth of an inch, equal to 25.4 micrometres. It is not an abbreviation for a millimetre.

Updated · NANOLAB Knowledge

The key distinction

The distinction matters when reading international coating or packaging specifications. Preserve the original unit and verify any conversion before comparing a result with an acceptance limit or another supplier's value.

Practical checks

  1. Confirm that mil is being used as the thickness unit.
  2. Convert using 25.4 micrometres per mil.
  3. Reconcile the converted result with the original report.

Example

Arithmetic example: two mils equal 50.8 micrometres, or 0.0508 millimetres. Reading two mils as two millimetres would create a very large error.

Scope and limits

This example does not specify a NANOLAB film thickness. The actual product, substrate and measurement method determine what thickness information is relevant and whether the instrument can resolve it.

Related guidance

Ask NANOLAB about the exact product and intended use. Use the current product documentation for formulation-specific instructions.

Tools & Microfiber1 min read

Zeroing a Coating Instrument Is Not the Same as Calibrating It

Setting an instrument to zero addresses a specific reference condition; it does not automatically establish accuracy across its operating range. Follow the instrument's defined calibration and verification process.