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The Book of Terms

The Book of TermsThe WJI Book of Wire & Cable Terms: an interactive experience of learning and sharing
This book, written by industry volunteers and containing more than 5,000 entries, is an asset for newcomers to wire and cable.

At the same time, it also represents an opportunity for industry veterans to give back by either updating or adding to the more than 5,000 entries. This is an honor system process. Entries/updates must be non-commercial, and any deemed not to be so will be removed. Share your expertise as part of this legacy project to help those who will follow. Purchase a printed copy here.

   

 

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Metallic Braid

Braiding cables using metallic braid shield are made by crossing a number of metallic strands alternately over and under other strands in a controlled manner. This process creates a flexible covering that will help prevent stray electrical charges from interfering with currents in the core of the covered wire or cable. Such shields are used in electronic cables and are effective within certain ranges of frequencies.

Metallization Process

Conversion of wire into very fine particles. The wire is fed into a gun containing a blowpipe flame and, with a stream of compressed air, is melted and split into particles that can be sprayed onto almost any material.

Metallograph

An optical instrument designed for both visual observation and photography of magnified (about 25 up to 2,000 diameters) prepared surfaces of opaque materials. A metallograph consists of a high intensity illuminating source, a microscope and a camera.

Metallography

The science dealing with the constitution and structure of metals and alloys. Metallographic studies are conducted with either the unaided eye or by magnification using such tools as low-powered magnification, metallograph, electron microscope and diffraction or X-ray techniques.

Metallurgical Bond

A bond of metals characterized by diffusion, alloying, or intermolecular attraction at the interface between them. A metallurgical bond is essential when welding two rod- or wire-ends for continuous drawing, and when applying a coating (e.g., galvanizing) to wire and wire products.

Metallurgy

The science of metals and alloys dealing with the extraction of metals from ore and adaptation for their intended uses. Process metallurgy is concerned with the extraction of metals from their ores and with the refining of metals; physical metallurgy with the physical and mechanical properties of metals as affected by composition, processing and environmental conditions; and mechanical metallurgy with the response of metals to applied forces.

Meter

The basic S.I. unit of length, equal to about 39.37 in. 2) An instrument designed to measure.

Metered Solder Cup

The partial filling of the cylindrical portion of a contact (into which wire is inserted) with a specific amount of solder before assembly of the connector. Thus, the wire can be soldered into the contact with heat and without additional solder.

Methyl Orange

A chemical, connected to a benzene group, that serves as a die that can be used in a test to determine acidity, e.g., when testing neutralized waste pickle liquor, it turns pink if free sulfuric acid is present and remains yellow if there is an excess of lime.

Metrology

The science of weights and measures.

Mfd

Designation for microfarad, one millionth of a farad. The international standard for the unit of capacitance.

MFT

Designation for thousands of feet.

MHD

Designation for medium hard drawn copper wire.

MHFF

Designation for multiple conductor (16 AWG) heat and flame resistant, flexible synthetic resin and felted asbestos insulation, rayon braid, cabled with fillers, binder, impervious sheath overall.

Mho

Designation for a unit of electrical conductivity of a body with the resistance of one ohm.

MHz

Designation for MegaHertz. Formerly mc. See MegaHertz.

MI

See Mineral Insulated.

Mica

A group of aluminosilicate minerals with a sheet-like structure, which can separate into thin, transparent, optically flat films. Mica is resistant to attack by water, oil, most acids and alkali solvents. Mica has high thermal insulation, dielectric strength and heat resistance. Used in wire and cable insulation wrap to a limited degree to meet severe radiation resistance requirements and for high-temperature wire demanding good heat resistance.

Micro

A numerical prefix denoting one millionth.

Micro-Mesh

Extremely fine woven wire cloth covering a range from 40 to 2 microns (nominal), produced by micronic weaving. Micronic meshes are used predominantly for filter elements employed in fluid power systems for the purpose of removing ultra-fine contaminant particles. They are normally made of stainless steel wire and may have almost 3 million pores per sq in.
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