Mica is a natural occurring mineral that is formed out of a collection of silicate minerals along with variable amounts of iron, magnesium, potassium and water. Mica has a sheet like appearance with various physical properties. It forms monoclinic crystals that have six sides along with a split towards surfaces with large dimensions. As a result this stone is highly elastic and can adept to high temperatures. What works in favor of this mineral is that it can easily resist almost all types of chemicals, acids, gasses, alkalis, and oils.
Processing:
So far, there is no machine that can process mica in a mechanical way. In fact, in order to process mica, one needs to use their eyes, hands and a knife - that is enough to complete the processing of natural mica sheets. In order to ensure that the process goes on smoothly, one needs to hire skilled laborers.
Classification:
Generally, mica sheets are divided into 3 categories. This classification is based on commercial and industrial purpose. The 3 categories are:
- Processed Mica
- Fabricated Mica
- Manufactured Mica
A natural mica sheet, processed mica is of an irregular size. It is mainly of a polygonal shape which is basically flat and free of any kind of physical defects or structural imperfections. Its average size is of 4.8 sq. cm. one can cut this mica sheet, punch holes as well as cut it out in preferred shapes and sizes. This mica sheet is mainly sued in the electronic and electrical industries.
Fabricated Mica is also a natural mica sheet that can be punched, stamped and cut into different shapes and sizes. One can also decide on the thickness of this mica sheet as per its industrial usage.
And finally by manufactured mica, we refer to those mica sheets that are mainly manufactured out of natural mica sheets before it is used in the different fields.
What are the uses of natural mica sheets?
Natural mica sheets have wide usage. They are practically used in almost all the areas of our lives. Following are the list of its usage:
- Electrical Apparatus:
- Transformers
- Armature Coils
- Rotating field Coils
- Invertors
- Commutators
- Electric Heating Appliances:
- clothes dryers
- Permanent wave machines
- Cigarette lighters
- Hair Dryers
- Rice Cookers
- Water Heaters
- Steam Iron Presses
- Hot plates
- Coffee percolators
- Toasters
- Curling Irons
- Waffle Irons
- Electrical Control:
- Motor control panel
- Rheostat rods and terminals
- Electrical and Thermal Regulators
- Pyrometers
- Electrical lighting equipment:
- Liners for Lamp Shades
- Dimmer Switches
- Neon-Lights
- Industrial Electric Heating Appliances:
- Thermostats
- Laundry Irons
- Lead pots
- Branding Irons
- Mechanical Uses:
- Oxygen breathing apparatus
- Non breakable goggles
- Diaphragms for hearing aids
- Synthetic optical crystals
- Compass cards
- Miscellaneous Electrical Uses:
- Washers
- Insulators
- duty high compression engines
- Transistor Shields
- Vacuum Tubes
- Capacitors
- X-Ray Apparatus
- Tubes
