Mil Thickness Compared To Mm (millimeter) And Inches

Plastic Sheeting mil thickness in millimeters and inches-

What is Mil Thickness in Plastic Sheeting?

Understanding Mil Thickness

✔ Mil Thickness Definition: 1 mil = one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch or 0.0254 mm).✔ Comparison to Other Units: Mil is not the same as a millimeter (1 mil = 0.0254 mm).✔ Common Examples:

• Everyday trash bags: 1.2 to 1.7 mils
• Stronger trash bags: 3 to 6 mils
• Credit card thickness: ~30 mils
• Deck of playing cards (including the box): ~750 mils or 0.75 inches
• The phrase “A mil is not the same thickness as a millimeter” is correct but could be clearer by explaining a millimeter is much thicker than a mil (1 mm = 39.37 mils).
• The term "mil" is not an abbreviation – This is correct; “mil” comes from the Latin "mille," meaning thousand.
• Mentioning industrial applications: Thicker plastic sheeting (e.g., 6 to 20+ mils) is used for vapor barriers, greenhouse films, and heavy-duty containment liners.

mil	mm	inch	Item
1	0.0254	0.001
3	0.07619	0.003
6	0.152399	0.006
10	0.254	0.01 1/64 in
15	0.381	0.015
20	0.508	0.02
30	0.762	0.03 1/32 in.	Credit card
60	1.524	0.06 1/16 in
100	2.54	0.1 3//32 in

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

A digital caliper is commonly used to measure the thickness of plastic sheeting, but measurements can vary if the plastic contains scrim reinforcement (a woven or non-woven grid for added strength). When measured over the scrim, the reading will be thicker than in areas without it, since the reinforcement adds durability and tear resistance. The term “heavy-duty plastic” depends on the application—a 6-mil sheet might be strong enough to protect a desk from dust but too weak for landfill lining. Strength isn’t just about thickness; the material composition, reinforcements, and additives all play a role. For example, plastic exposed to sunlight needs UV inhibitors to prevent degradation, while applications requiring extra toughness benefit from scrim reinforcement. Understanding these factors helps ensure the right plastic sheeting is chosen for the job.

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.

Thickness	Plastic Sheeting Mil Thickness Uses
1-2 mil	Economical/ light duty protection for indoor painting • Covering equipment • pallets • furniture during painting
3 mil	Self-Adhesive plastics for: Counters, Carpeting, Floors, Hardwood, Tile, Bath Tubs C&A Films: Painting, Covers (thickness equivalent is a plastic shopping bag)
6 Mil	Barge Liners/ Liners • Construction Enclosures • Temporary Erosion Control • Construction Enclosures • Remediation Covers Temporary liners or Covers • Shipping and Packaging•Insulation Membranes • Curtains•Job Site Covers • Vapor Retarders • Lumber Covers • Cargo Wraps·Silage Covers • Greenhouse Plastic • Heat Shrink Wrap • Anti-Static Equipment Covers
8 Mil	Temporary walls, plant dividers, building enclosures and containment tents, Shipping container covers and liners, Floor covers, dust partitions and clean room enclosures, Pallet, cask and drum covers for outside storage, Pallet. Cable reel and drum covers for outside storage., Architectural vapor retarder in walls and ceilings and in roofing systems.
10 Mil	Pond/Canal Linings • Outdoor Coverings • Remediation Liners • Cargo Oil Field Pit Liners • Silage Covers• Unexposed lining applications Construction Enclosures • Vapor Retarders • Asbestos Abatements • Fumigation Covers•Insulation Membranes • Temporary Walls-Curtains • Job Site Coverings • Temporary Wall Remediation Covers• Temporary Erosion Control -Thickness equivalent would be 10 sheets of paper.
12 Mil	Daily Land fill Covers • Cargo Covering • Interim Landfill Covers• Remediation Covers or Liners • Outdoor Covers •Temporary Rainshed Covers
14 Mil	Protective Coverings for decks on Navy ships, Coast Guard Fleet, Megayachts, Commercial Flooring, Hospitals, Laboratories, Government Facilities, and Power plants.
15 Mil	Under-slab Vapor Barrier • Foundation Wall Vapor Barrier
20 Mil	Aquaponics liners • Vapor Retarders • Daily Landfill Covers • Interim Landfill Caps • Erosion Control Cover • Under-slab Vapor Retarders • Earthen Liners • Grain Storage
24 Mil	Hay Covers
30 Mil 40 Mil	Containment Liners • Oilfield Pit Liners • Fish Hatchery Liners • Canal Liners • Interim Landfill Covers • Outdoor Covers Root barrier, pit liners, soil remediation, canal liner

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