Plastic Sheeting mil thickness in millimeters and inches-

What is Mil Thickness in Plastic Sheeting?

Understanding Mil Thickness

When it comes to plastic sheeting, "mil" refers to a unit of measurement equivalent to one-thousandth of an inch. This measurement is crucial in determining the durability, strength, and overall performance of the plastic sheet. A higher mil thickness generally indicates a stronger and more durable plastic.

How does mil thickness compare to mm (millimeter) and inches? What does mil stand for in measurement?

Plastic sheeting is measured in mils.  A mil is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch. One mil also equals 0.0254 mm (millimeter). Thus a mil is not the same thickness as a millimeter. The term "mil" is not an abbreviation but a unit of measure.The chart below gives you an idea of mils to millimeters to inches. An every day trash bag ranges between 1.2 mils and 1.7 mils. A much stronger trash bag that offers better tear resistance is between 3 mils and 6 mils. A credit card is around 30 mils thick while a common deck of playing cards including the box is approximately .75 inches thick or 750 mils.

How do you measure plastic sheeting in mils to know how thick it actually is? 

A digital micrometer can assess the thickness of various types of plastic sheeting. What gets interesting is if the plastic sheeting has string reinforcement known as scrim/ skrim or string. If the plastic is measured over the scrim, them it will be thicker than if it is measured where there isn't any scrim. The scrim gives the plastic much more strength when it comes to tear and puncture resistance.

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting- what is it? It first boils down to what job will the plastic sheeting be required to perform? A six mil reinforced film can be considered "heavy duty" when it is used to cover a desk to keep it clear of dust. That same "heavy duty sheet" would not be strong enough to line a land fill.  Understanding the strength and thickness of the film, it's composition and additives and chemical make-up as well as the job it has to perform will help determine if a film is fit for the job at hand. It is critical that the film not only be assessed on it's mil thickness.  For example, if the film is in the sun, it needs UV protection additives to maintain its strength.

Why Does Mil Thickness Matter?

The mil thickness of a plastic sheet significantly impacts its suitability for various applications. Here's why:

• Durability: A higher mil thickness often results in increased durability and resistance to tears, punctures, and weathering.
• Strength: Thicker plastic sheeting can withstand heavier loads and harsher conditions.
• Protection: A thicker plastic sheet can provide better protection against moisture, dust, and debris.

Factors Affecting Mil Thickness Choice

Several factors influence the ideal mil thickness for your specific needs:

• Intended Use: The primary purpose of the plastic sheeting will determine the necessary thickness. For example, a greenhouse cover requires a different thickness than a pool cover.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as harsh sunlight, wind, and rain, may necessitate a thicker plastic sheet.
• Weight Capacity: If the plastic sheet needs to support heavy loads, a thicker material is essential.
• Chemical Resistance: The type of chemicals the plastic sheet will be exposed to will influence the required thickness and material composition.

Common Mil Thicknesses and Their Applications

• 4 Mil: Suitable for light-duty applications, such as protecting furniture during a move or covering small plants.
• 6 Mil: A popular choice for general-purpose applications, including greenhouse covers, pool covers, and construction site protection.
• 8 Mil: Ideal for more demanding applications, such as heavy-duty construction projects and agricultural uses.
• 10 Mil and Above: Used for highly specialized applications, such as industrial liners and heavy-duty covers.

By carefully considering these factors and selecting the appropriate mil thickness, you can ensure that your plastic sheeting provides optimal performance and durability.

World-class performance, made in the USA: Global Plastic Sheeting.