Listing multiple materials

[mwmalinowski]

Multiple discrete materials have been separated by " / " Multiple non-discrete materials have been separated by ", "

Examples:

• Tungsten Carbide / Stainless Steel
• Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate
• Iodine, Potassium Iodide Solution / Rayon Tip Applicator

[sklar-sherryp]

What are the definitions of "discrete" and "non-discrete"?

[mwmalinowski]

Most of the descriptions I found online discussed the difference in terms of numbers rather than materials[1]. Another description was in the context of manufacturing[2].

My go-to rule of thumb is to ask yourself the question, "can I distinguish where one ends and the other begins".

You can see the line where a TC insert ends and the stainless steel jaw begins; you cannot see where the Sodium Bicarbonate ends and the Sodium Tripolyphosphate begins (because it's either a mixed powder or a liquid solution).

[sklar-sherryp]

@mwmalinowski Before I commit, how's this...?

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When listing multiple materials or ingredients:

• Ask the question "Can I see where one material ends and the next begins?"
• This will help you determine if the materials should be separated by a comma or a forward slash.
• "Non-Discrete" materials or ingredients are separated by a comma (",") meaning you cannot see where one ends and the next begins. (e.g. There are three ingredients in a cleaning product: Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Metasilicate and Methanol. You cannot see where one ingredient ends and another begins because they are mixed together. These are considered "Non-Discrete" and would be listed using a comma as Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Metasilicate, Methanol.)

• "Discrete" materials or ingredients are separated by a forward slash ("/") meaning you CAN see where one ends and the next begins. (e.g. A pair of scissors has Tungsten Carbide Inserts. You can see the line where the TC Insert ends and the Stainless Steel jaw begins. There are considered "Discrete" and would be listed using a forward slash as Tungsten Carbide / Stainless Steel.)

  NOTE Remember the General Rule for using a forward slash is that a space should go both before and after the slash.

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Just so I understand this...If we are listing the materials for a pair of scissors with plastic handles that would look like: Stainless Steel / Plastic...correct?

[mwmalinowski]

@sklar-sherryp said: Just so I understand this...If we are listing the materials for a pair of scissors with plastic handles that would look like: Stainless Steel / Plastic...correct?

Correct.

You may want to make note that the ingredients are listed (when possible) starting at the working end and working away from there. The order of colors are done the same way.

[sklar-sherryp]

Done