If you’ve ever used aluminum foil in your kitchen, you might have wondered just how thick it is. Is it measured in millimeters or microns? What is the standard thickness of aluminum foil?
Understanding Aluminum Foil Thickness
Aluminum foil is a thin, versatile material that is widely used in households and industries. It is made by rolling aluminum ingots into thin sheets that range in thickness from as little as 0.00017 inches (0.0045 millimeters) to as much as 0.006 inches (0.16 millimeters).
Caliper to measure aluminum foil thickness
The thickness of aluminum foil is measured in either mils or microns. A mil is a thousandth of an inch, while a micron is a thousandth of a millimeter. In other words, 1 mil is equal to 25.4 microns.
Standard Aluminum Foil Thickness
The most common aluminum foil thickness is 0.0007 inches (0.018 millimeters). This thickness is often referred to as “standard duty” or “regular duty” aluminum foil.
Thicker aluminum foils are also available and are commonly used for heavy-duty applications, such as wrapping foods for cooking on a grill or in an oven. These heavy-duty foils typically range in thickness from 0.0015 inches (0.04 millimeters) to 0.003 inches (0.076 millimeters).
On the other hand, thinner aluminum foils are often used for packaging delicate items or for creating intricate origami crafts. These foils typically range in thickness from 0.0002 inches (0.005 millimeters) to 0.0007 inches (0.018 millimeters).
Measuring Aluminum Foil Thickness
There are several methods for measuring the thickness of aluminum foil, including:
- Micrometer: This is a handheld tool that measures the thickness of objects using a calibrated screw.
- Caliper: This is a handheld tool that measures the distance between two opposing sides of an object.
- Optical Interferometry: This is a non-destructive testing method that measures the thickness of materials by analyzing the interference patterns created by light.
In conclusion, aluminum foil is available in a range of thicknesses, from as little as 0.00017 inches (0.0045 millimeters) to as much as 0.006 inches (0.16 millimeters). The most common aluminum foil thickness is 0.0007 inches (0.018 millimeters), while thicker and thinner foils are also available for specific applications. The thickness of aluminum foil is measured in either mils or microns, and there are several methods for measuring it.