18 gauge意思
"18 gauge" is a term used to describe a thickness or diameter for various materials, particularly in the context of metal, wire, and sewing. Here are the general meanings for different industries:
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Metal Thickness: In the metalworking industry, 18 gauge refers to the thickness of the metal. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal. For example, 18 gauge steel is thinner than 16 gauge steel.
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Wire Diameter: In electrical and construction work, 18 gauge is a size of wire. It is thinner than 16 gauge and thicker than 20 gauge. The gauge of a wire determines its current-carrying capacity and is an important factor in electrical installations.
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Sewing Thread: In sewing, 18 gauge refers to a size of needle. An 18 gauge needle is relatively large and is typically used for heavy fabrics, thick yarn, or canvas. The number indicates the size of the needle's eye opening, with a higher number corresponding to a smaller eye.
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Shotgun Bore: In firearms, particularly shotguns, 18 gauge refers to the bore diameter of the shotgun. It's a very uncommon gauge for shotguns, with 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 410 bore being the most common.
The specific measurements can vary slightly depending on the industry and the material being measured. For example, in the metalworking industry, 18 gauge steel typically has a thickness of around 0.0478 inches (1.214 millimeters) in the US standard gauge system. In the UK, the thickness might be slightly different.
When using a term like "18 gauge," it's important to specify the context to ensure clarity, as the same term can have different meanings depending on the industry or application.