Determining Raw Cashmere Micron Profiles and Dehairing Yields
Determining raw cashmere value requires combined OFDA micron profiling and oven-dry yield mass balance testing to calculate true clean dehaired cost.
OFDA 2000
Electronic Inspection
Integrated hardware systems use digital imaging technology to measure the characteristics of greasy or scoured fibre directly in the field or in a laboratory environment with high speed and high resolution. For animal fibre evaluation, ofda 2000 functions as a portable and comprehensive instrument for determining mean fibre diameter and standard deviation across a whole fleece. It uses an automated vision system to track individual strands and provide an instant read-out of the results.
This allows wool growers to test their sheep at the farm rather than waiting for certificates from a centralized lab weeks later. The instrument is a fixture in modern wool commerce because it provides rapid data that directly informs the breeding and selection of high-value livestock.
Measurement Sequence
Working through a session with the equipment involves loading a small specimen into the testing chamber where a robotic arm moves it past the sensor. Under ofda 2000, the software compensates for variables like the curvature and the presence of residual grease that might otherwise distort the readings. It generates a diameter histogram and a fibre curvature profile simultaneously, offering a more complete picture than simple mechanical airflow tools.
This data is stored locally and can be uploaded to mill databases to provide immediate pre-processing insights. Because the system is designed for speed, hundreds of fleeces can be categorized in a single work day. This efficiency enables the separation of superior grades from standard grades before they are mixed into massive commercial bales.
Accuracy Performance
Determining the validity of results requires strict adherence to calibration routines using certified tops with known micron values. Under ofda 2000, technicians must clean the optical glass frequently to prevent the accumulation of dust or grease that can cause false thickness spikes. The system provides a level of detail that identifies diameter drift along the length of a single staple, indicating shifts in nutrition or health.
This capability allows the buyer to look for hunger fine spots that might lead to fibre breakage during the aggressive process of combing. High precision across thousands of data points makes the technology a preferred choice for companies sourcing luxury merino or specialty long fibres. It combines traditional visual assessment with the mechanical certainty of electronic imaging.
Commercial Advantage
Utilizing this hardware gives mills a competitive edge by allowing them to predict the spinning performance of their yarn inputs before the first machine is turned on. Data from the ofda 2000 is used to optimize the blend of different greasy batches to hit a specific yarn count without risking quality index failures. These records follow the batch through the facility, serving as the benchmark against which finished goods are later evaluated.
It reduces the chance of expensive batch contamination where coarse fibres are accidentally mixed into a fine wool run. Long term historical logging using this technology creates a detailed quality map for each supply region. Ultimately, the system facilitates a higher degree of consistency in natural fibre supplies, which are notoriously irregular by nature.