Extraction Technique
Mechanical extraction of cylindrical fiber samples from compressed textile bales ensures representative material for laboratory testing. This drilling process, known as rotary core sampling, uses a hollow tube with a sharpened tip to penetrate deep into the bale. It is the standard method for sampling wool and cashmere.
Sample Collection
The sampling tube is attached to a high-speed rotary drill that cuts through the densely packed fibers. As the tube moves into the bale, it collects a core sample that spans from the outside to the center. This core is then ejected into a sealed bag to prevent moisture loss.
This mechanical approach allows laboratory technicians to obtain consistent, uncompromised samples in a fraction of the time required for manual selection, which increases the throughput of busy receiving bays.
Representative Testing
Because a single bale can contain fibers from different animals and regions, surface samples are not sufficient. Rotary coring ensures that the material collected for testing is a true representation of the entire shipment. This random, deep sampling is required for official certification.
Equipment Design
The design of the coring equipment is specified by international standards to prevent fiber damage and heat generation. The diameter of the cutting tube must be large enough to avoid crushing the fibers, while the speed of the drill is controlled to prevent thermal melting of synthetic contaminants.
