Ka. Hansford, The use of objective testing of bales in-store for lot matching. 1. Interlot wool matched for fibre diameter on the basis of laserscan measurements, WOOL TECH, 49(2), 2001, pp. 156-166
This paper describes a new lot building system, called Laser Matched Interl
ots, (LMI), which facilitates the objective matching of bales based on in-s
tore testing of mean fibre, diameter (MFD), supplemented by subjective appr
aisal of other important parameters. LMI results in price equity for grower
s selling bales as interlots and improved product quality to encourage buye
r and processor confidence in interlotted wool. Results from trials to eval
uate the variation found in traditional interlots are presented along with
the precision limits for the new in-store test system. Its commercial launc
h, in the first instance for use on combing length pieces and fleece wools,
was at Australian Wool Handlers'(AWH store in Lara, Victoria. in August 20
00. Its subsequent launch in other states (South Australia and Western Aust
ralia) is to take place in July 2001.
From a product quality perspective, the large range in mean diameter betwee
n bales within an interlot results in higher diameter variability when comp
ared with a grower line of a similar mean diameter. A greater range of diam
eter and proportion of coarser fibres is known to have deleterious, effects
on yam quality, spinning performance and fabric comfort.
The trials reported in this paper indicate that the diameter of individual
bales can be measured with acceptable precision (for fleece wools +/- 0.7 m
um and for pieces +/- 0.8 mum), and interlots can be made with a narrow ran
ge of diameter between bales and with clear differentiation in MFD. In addi
tion, the procedures used are lower cost and logistically superior to those
used in previous attempts to enhance the quality of interlots.
The development of LMI by A)WH for use by its broker customers (Elders, Wes
farmers Landmark, Arcadian and Shute-Bell) also improves grower equity comp
ared to traditional interlots. Growers now receive a price for the actual c
ontribution their bales make to the interlot, not the average price of the
interlot itself.
The LMI system will also be trialed for use in matching bulk class and grow
er's small lots.