Managing Inter Laboratory Laser Measurement Variance in Raw Cashmere Contracts
Manage raw cashmere laser variance by specifying test standards, establishing a 0.30-micron split-sample arbitration band, and locking a price deduction matrix.
Sirolan-Laserscan
Laser Analysis
Fiber diameter analysers employ helium-neon laser beams to measure individual fiber snippets suspended in a dispersing fluid. The sirolan-laserscan system calculates the micron profile by detecting the reduction in light intensity as each snippet passes through the beam. This method provides an accurate distribution of fiber diameters in a wool sample.
It generates a detailed measurement profile that helps mills categorize raw stock.
Sample Preparation
Fiber blocks must be conditioned and chopped into uniform lengths before analysis. These prepared snippets are mixed into a dispersing liquid that prevents them from clumping together as they enter the measurement cell. Proper preparation ensures that each fiber passes individually through the laser beam, avoiding double-counting or measurement errors.
Statistical Distribution
Diameter variation is measured across thousands of fibers to determine the standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The sirolan-laserscan records each measurement to build a histogram of the sample. This distribution pattern is necessary for identifying blended wools or the presence of coarse fibers that could affect fabric hand.
Instrument Comparison
Alternative optical systems use image analysis rather than light obscuration to measure diameter. While both approaches yield similar mean micron values, the sirolan-laserscan is often preferred for its high speed and repeatability in commercial testing laboratories. This speed allows wool testing authorities to issue quality certificates rapidly during peak auction seasons.
It provides a standardized measurement that is recognized by international trade bodies, facilitating smooth global transactions between wool growers and textile mills.