Staple Strength
Staple strength is calculated as the force required to break per unit staple thickness, expressed as newtons per kilotex or N/tex. Position of Break (POB) is measured in conjunction with staple strength and is a measure of the position in the staple (base, mid or tip) where it will break given enough force.
The staple strength of wool is one of the major determining factors when spinning yarn as well as the sale price of greasy wool.
Virtually all fleece and better grade wool skirtings sold at auction in Australia are objectively measured prior to the sale with the average results printed in a catalogue.
Forty or more staples must be measured to in order to conform to the Australian Standard. Wools under 30 newtons per kilotex are considered tender. Currently wools over 40 newtons per kilotex are preferred and attract a premium. Seasonal conditions or the health of the sheep may influence the soundness (strength) of the wool.
The Australian Standard requires that sale lot has a minimum of 55 staples measured with the average calculated and produced. The variability of this measure is reported as the coefficient of variation (CV%).
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Famous quotes containing the words staple and/or strength:
“He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“We all have strength enough to bear the misfortunes of others.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)