MIC
MIC turns up in 2 fields: corrosion, machine shop. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
MIC in corrosion
Microbiologically influenced corrosion: corrosion started or sped up by bacteria and other microbes.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion: attack driven or accelerated by microbes living in biofilms on the metal. Sulfate-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide and iron sulfide, acid producers lower the pH, and iron-oxidizing bacteria build tubercles that shelter aggressive cells underneath. MIC shows as clusters of pits, often with black deposits, in stagnant water lines, tank bottoms, fire sprinklers and piping where hydrotest water was left standing.
"Hydrotest water sat in that line six months, now there's MIC pitting at every low spot."
Mic in machine shop
Short for micrometer, pronounced mike, and the verb for measuring a part with one.
The micrometer and the act of using it. An outside mic reads to a thou on the thimble and to a tenth with a vernier or digital readout, over a one inch range per frame. Consistent feel is everything, so the ratchet or friction thimble is used to apply the same pressure each time, and the zero is checked against the standard before measuring anything tight.
"Mic it in three places along the length, if it's tapered more than a tenth the tailstock is out."