Before entering fully into the discovery of the meaning of the term micron, it is necessary to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can emphasize that it is a word that derives from Greek, specifically from “micron”, which can be translated as “small”.
The concept of micron is used to refer to the unit of length that is equivalent to one millionth of a meter . The term may also be mentioned as micron or micrometer .
If we divide a meter into a million parts, we will get a million microns. In other words: in a meter there are a million microns, microns or micrometers.
In the same way, it can be stated that a micron is equal to one thousandth of a millimeter . Therefore, dividing a millimeter into a thousand, the result is a thousand microns.
The micron, whose symbol is μm , is used to refer to extremely small elements. When the objects are not so small, it is convenient to use other units, such as the aforementioned millimeters or centimeters .
Microns are used, for example, in reference to the diameter of human hair. This thickness is usually between 70 and 80 microns : that is, between 0.07 and 0.08 millimeters .
In addition to measuring hair, the micron or micron can be used to measure, for example, what particles can exist in the air. We are referring to both dust, pollen, bacteria, mites and even the dander given off by certain pets kept at home.
In the same way, it is also used when studying, analyzing and treating drinking water. In that case, it is mainly used in what is known as the filtration process.
Regarding the idea of micron to refer to particles found in the air, we must know that PM 10 particles have a diameter of less than 10 microns ; PM 2.5 particles, with a diameter less than 2.5 microns . PM 1 particles (diameter less than 1 micron ) and PM 0.1 particles (diameter less than 0.1 micron ) are also recognized.
It should be noted that the instrument that allows the measurement of microns is known as a micrometer , Palmer gauge or Palmer . These devices usually work with thousandths of millimeters (that is, with microns) or with hundredths of millimeters.
Basically we can establish that, currently, there are two fundamental types of micrometers depending on the manufacturing technology. On the one hand, there are the mechanical ones, which are also known as Palmer, and on the other, there are the digital ones. The latter have the advantage that they are more precise, which is why they are used both in laboratories and in industries of different types.
However, other types of micrometers are these:
-Taking into account the measurements to be taken, there are three: depth ones, interior ones and exterior ones.
-If you start from the shape of the micrometer stops, these can be radial stops, conical tip stops, parallel stops and even saucer stops.