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The Book of Terms

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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.

   

 

0-9   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Microcleanliness

The extent or quality of nonmetallic inclusions observed by examination under a microscope.

Microcracks

Small cracks initiating at the surface or from internal inclusions, which grow as a result of the stresses generated during wiredrawing. They generally require magnification and microscopy for characterization and interpretation.

Microfarad

One millionth of a farad, the unit for designating capacitance in electronics and communications.

Micrograph

A magnified (greater than 10 diameters) graphic reproduction of the surface of a prepared specimen. If the reproduction is produced by photographic means it is called a photomicrograph (not a microphotograph).

Microhardness

The hardness of a material as determined by forcing an indenter into its surface under a very light load. The indentations are usually so small they must be measured with a microscope. The process can determine the consistency of hardness readings across the diameter of the wire, which is useful in checking hardness. Using microhardness measurements as indicators of the bulk hardness of a material should be avoided, unless one is confident that the microhardness values represent all of the material’s microconstituents.

Microhenry

One millionth of a henry.

Microinch

One millionth of an inch.

Micrometer

One micron, or one millionth of a meter. Conventional unit of measurement for optical fibers. 2) An instrument for measuring diameter, usually in thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter.

Micromicro

An obsolete metric prefix denoting 10-12. The prefix has been replaced by pico- (p-). However, this name may still be seen marked on capacitors. For instance, a micromicrofarad is one millionth of a microfarad.

Micron

A shortened version of micrometer, it is distance measurement equal to 0.001 millimeter, or one millionth of a meter.

Microphone Cable

A special shielded cable used to connect a microphone to an amplifier.

Microphonics

Noise in a system caused by mechanical vibration of components within. In a microphone cable, for example, microphonic noise can be generated by the shield rubbing against the dielectric as the cable is moved or flexed.

Microscopic

Visible at magnifications greater than 10 diameters.

Microscopic Tests

Tests used in studying inclusions, segregation and structure. Microscopic studies may be supplemental and coordinated with other tests.

Microshock

Leakage due to electrical currents far too small to be perceived, but which may produce electrocution if they flow through the human heart. A major concern in any application where an electrical apparatus is in proximity to hospital patients.

Microstructure

The constituents of metals and their arrangement as revealed by microscopic examination of the etched surface of a polished specimen.

Microwave

A short electric wave with a wavelength usually of less than 30 cm. The frequency is usually above 1,000 MHz.

MIG Welding

Designation for Metal Inert Gas welding. This electric arc fusion process uses a continuous bare wire that serves as a consumable electrode. It is shielded by an inert gas, with the feeding wire acting as the filler rod. The process is also known as CO2 or metal active gas (MAG) welding.

MIG, Dip Transfer

Transfer method in metal inert gas (MIG) welding in which the tip of the wire dips and short circuits in the weld pool during the weld sequence. The short circuit causes a rise in current that melts off the tip of the wire.

MIG, Pulsed Arc

Transfer method in metal inert gas (MIG) welding in which a special power source is used that produces controlled surges in the welding supply. A droplet of metal is detached from the wire just after the peak of each surge and the droplet is carried across the arc as in the spray transfer mode. The process gives a greater control of penetration and metal deposition and the heat input is reduced, making positional welding possible.
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