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

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.