Wool fiber length, especially for combed wool, is measured using a specific method that involves taking multiple readings and calculating an average. Here's a breakdown:
Measuring Combed Wool Fiber Length
The process focuses on obtaining a representative measurement of the fiber length, acknowledging that individual fibers within a sample may vary. This method is used in the textile industry to assess the quality and suitability of wool for different applications.
Steps for Measuring Wool Fiber Length:
- Sampling: A representative sample of wool fibers is collected.
- Length Readings: Ten individual fiber length readings are taken.
- Intervals: These readings are specifically taken at 10% intervals between 5% and 95% of the fiber length. This means that the locations on the fibers where lengths are measured are spread evenly throughout the sample.
- Calculation: The measured length is then calculated by summing all 10 length readings and dividing by 10. This gives the average length measurement. The reference provided states: "Measured Length is calculated from the ten-length reading taken at 10% interval between 5% and 95% (= S Li / 10)."
Example
- Imagine you are measuring a sample of combed wool fibers.
- You take 10 length readings at the 10% intervals and get the following measurements (in millimeters):
- Reading 1: 60 mm
- Reading 2: 62 mm
- Reading 3: 63 mm
- Reading 4: 61 mm
- Reading 5: 64 mm
- Reading 6: 63 mm
- Reading 7: 65 mm
- Reading 8: 62 mm
- Reading 9: 64 mm
- Reading 10: 62 mm
- The total length of these readings is 626 mm (60+62+63+61+64+63+65+62+64+62).
- The average fiber length would be calculated by dividing 626 by 10, which is 62.6 mm.
Why This Method?
- Accuracy: Using multiple readings from different sections of the fiber provides a more accurate representation of overall fiber length.
- Consistency: Standardizing the measurement locations using 10% intervals ensures a consistent methodology across different samples and users.
- Representative: This method avoids the pitfalls of measuring just the longest or shortest fibers.
This method ensures that a consistent average length is obtained that is representative of the overall sample, making it valuable for quality control and other applications.
