Difference Between Micron and Micrometer

Measurement plays a fundamental role in works that require precision and accuracy such as metalwork, woodwork, or just anything they do in manufacturing plants. For that you need precision measuring instruments and tools such as a micrometer. Micron is a measuring unit for length that equals one millionth of a meter.

What is a Micron?

Micron is a small measuring unit used to measure length, particularly diameter or thickness of extremely small objects or microscopic objects which can be barely seen with the naked eye. Micron is a SI derived unit of length that is equal to one millionth of a meter. A typical strand of human hair measures about 50 to 100 microns; small pollen grains are about 10 to 20 microns; bacteria generally range from 0.3 to 5 microns. So, the question is not what but how small is a micron. Micron is arguably the smallest unit of measurement used to measure length.

                  1 micron = 1 μm = 10^-6 m

                  1 micron = 1/1000 mm

What is a Micrometer?

Micrometer is a precision measuring tool used to take accurate measurements of small distances with accuracy up to 0.02 mm. It is an instrument that measures in thousands of an inch or hundreds of a millimeter. It measures extremely small distances, objects or angles. Micrometers come in a variety of sizes and can go up to 1500 mm. Some micrometers have a vernier scale on the sleeve, making it possible to take measurements within ten thousands of an inch. External micrometers are used to measure outside diameter of a circle or shaft with accuracy up to 0.001 mm.

Difference between Micron and Micrometer

Meaning 

– Micron is probably the smallest unit of measurement of length that equals one millionth part of a meter. It is used to measure diameter or thickness of extremely small objects or microscopic objects which can be barely seen with the naked eye. Micrometer, on the other hand, is a precision measuring tool that is used to measure extremely small distances, objects or angles. Micrometer is used to take accurate measurements of small distances with accuracy up to 0.02 mm.

Use 

– A micron is a measurement of particle size which can barely be seen with the naked eye. Microns are used to measure wavelengths of infrared radiation, sizes of biological cells or bacteria. Microns are commonly uses to measure thickness or diameter of extremely small objects. Micrometers are used in microscopes or telescopes for measuring diameters of microscopic organisms or particles or celestial bodies. A standard micrometer measures the diameter of a hole, length of a surface, and widely used across mechanical engineering applications.

Micron vs. Micrometer: Comparison Chart

Summary

Micron is basically a unit of measurement in the metric system used to measure the thickness or diameter of extremely small objects or microscopic particles that can hardly be seen with the naked eye, such as a strand of human hair, bacteria, or just anything microscopic. Micrometer, on the other hand, is a precision measuring tool that can be used to measure very small distances, objects or angles.

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