Overview
The subject of Wool Metrology covers all aspects of wool measurement or metrology and its effect on the marketing of Australian wool. It introduces the concept of objective measurement and explains in detail the procedures and measurements involved to objectively specify the Australian clip. The value of measurement to the industry is outlined. This subject is closely linked to the subjects Wool Technology and Wool Marketing and should supplement many topics introduced in the Wool Production subject.
Background information about the development of wool metrology is given, as well as a brief overview of wool technology concepts and the processes involved in worsted and woollen manufacture so that the role of metrology in the wool industry is better understood.
The majority of Australian wool is objectively specified. All wools sold via the auction system have reported specifications of mean fibre diameter, yield and vegetable matter base, with most fleece and skirtings lots having the additional measurements of staple length and strength, position of break and in some cases colour. Topics within this theme deal with the theory of measurement and sampling, describe the routine measurements in detail, and explore issues of contamination and specification of carding wools.
A brief overview of the features and principles of the intruments involved in the measurement of raw wool characteristics is provided. Instruments such as Airflow, Laserscan and OFDA are featured. For information regarding the style instrument see the topic “The Measurement of Style Characteristics” found in the theme “Latest Developments in Wool Metrology”.
The two topics “Processing Prediction” and “Product Control” aim to give the reader a better understanding of the uses of specification and measurement in the wool processing industry. The concepts of processing prediction are outlined and assessed, and testing methods used for product control are examined.
The most recent developments in raw wool metrology are outlined. Some developments in colour measurement are examined, and within the topic “The Measurement of Style Characteristics”, the concept of objective style measurement is introduced, along with the instrument involved in the measurement of objective style and the ramifications of wool style on processing prediction.
The implications of raw wool properties and their role in prediction from the view point of a commercial topmaker are considered.
