Reference Standard
Prepared wool samples with certified fiber diameter distributions are used worldwide to adjust and verify measurement instruments. Known as Interwoolabs calibration tops, these materials are distributed by the International Association of Wool Laboratories to ensure global consistency. They act as the primary reference for wool testing laboratories.
Laboratory Standardization
Instrument drift can lead to inaccurate measurements of fiber diameter in commercial test labs. By using standardized wool tops, technicians can detect and correct calibration errors before testing commercial lots. This preventative measure ensures that test certificates issued in different countries are mutually comparable.
Wool Testing
Analysis of fine animal fibers requires high precision because a fraction of a micrometer affects the market price of the raw material. Laboratories test the Interwoolabs calibration tops under controlled environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. These tops have known mean diameters, allowing the operator to verify that the equipment is functioning correctly.
Calibration Procedure
Equipment verification involves running the certified samples through automated optical instruments to compare the measured value against the official certificate. If the measured diameter deviates from the certified value, the technician adjusts the instrument calibration curve. This routine must be performed at regular intervals to maintain laboratory accreditation and buyer confidence in commercial transactions.
The results are carefully logged to track the long-term performance and stability of the measurement hardware, which protects the integrity of the test certificates.
