Relative Particle Sizes
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Visual reference chart of particle sizes measured in microns compared to everyday items helps to understand the size of a micron. (click to enlarge) |
The cleanliness levels required determines the kind and level of filtration requirements for a parts washer. The micron is the unit of measure used for specifying filtration capability.
A micron is 1 millionth of a meter and is a metric unit of measure. The diameter of a human hair is in the range of 90 microns while a small grain of table salt is approximately 40 microns.
1 inch is 25400 microns. 40 microns (0.0016 inches) in diameter is the lower limit for seeing with the naked eye.
Some common particle sizes in microns:
| Particle | Particle Size (microns) |
| Oxygen | 0.0005 |
| Virus | 0.005 - 0.3 |
| Tobacco Smoke | 0.01 - 4 |
| Spider web | 2 - 3 |
| Red Blood Cells | 5 - 10 |
| Cement Dust | 3 - 100 |
| Pollen | 10 - 1000 |
| Mold | 3 - 12 |
| Corn Starch | 0.1 - 0.8 |
| Copier Toner | 0.5 - 15 |
| Ground Coffee | 5 - 400 |
| Arizona Sand | 15 - 45 |
| Beach Sand | 100 - 10000 |
| Eye of a Needle | 1200 |