Mohair Fibre Testing
A kid fleece classed at 24 microns and an adult clip sitting above 30 will sell into entirely different markets, yet many growers still rely on handle alone to judge where the line falls. OFDA by Robotic Vision brings objective mohair fibre testing to the shed, the classing floor and the laboratory, measuring diameter, curvature and distribution in seconds so every lot is graded and sold on data.
Objective Mohair Measurement From Fleece to Top
OFDA technology has been applied to mohair fibre measurement for more than three decades. The OFDA2000 measures greasy and clean mohair on farm or in commercial testing facilities, while the OFDA4000 handles automated laboratory work on tops and slivers. Both instruments use optical image analysis to deliver rapid, repeatable mohair fibre measurement aligned with recognised international methods.
What OFDA Measures on Mohair
A single OFDA run captures the core attributes that drive mohair value and processing performance. Every result is reported with full distribution data, giving classers, buyers and processors an objective picture beyond the mean.
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Mean fibre diameter, reported in microns
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Full fibre diameter distribution and standard deviation
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Coefficient of variation and comfort factor
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Fibre curvature, reported in degrees per millimetre
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Coarse fibre and kemp detection to support grading decisions
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Fibre length distribution for tops and slivers on OFDA4000
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Sample statistics suitable for IWTO-47 and IWTO-62 reporting
On-Farm Mohair Testing With OFDA2000
OFDA2000 delivers shed-side mohair micron data in around 25 seconds per sample. Greasy fleeces can be measured with grease-to-clean correction, giving breeders and classers real-time diameter, CV and comfort factor during shearing.
This allows lines to be split by micron at the point of classing, rather than waiting for external laboratory results.
Laboratory Mohair Testing With OFDA4000
OFDA4000 is a fully automated laboratory instrument for tops, slivers and high-throughput mohair fibre analysis. Robotic sample handling combines with optical imaging to capture diameter and true length distribution in the same run, with minimal operator time.
Commercial testing laboratories and research facilities use OFDA4000 to process large sample volumes while maintaining consistent, certifiable results.
Mohair Grading and Fibre Classification
Fineness is the most important characteristic when appraising mohair, and objective micron data supports accurate grading across internationally recognised classifications. The following micron ranges reflect industry classing standards used by organisations such as the Australian Mohair Marketing Organisation (AMMO) and align with South African best practice:
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Fine Fine Kid: 22 to 25 microns
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Fine Kid: 25.1 to 28 microns
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Kid: 28.1 to 30 microns
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Fine Young Goat: 31 to 32 microns
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Fine Adult: 35 to 36 microns
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Hair: 37 to 42 microns
OFDA reports full diameter distribution, not just a mean, so classers can identify where a fleece sits within these grades and detect lots that straddle a grade boundary. Objective data removes the subjectivity of handle-based appraisal, particularly when classers are working across
large clips with varied age groups.
Mohair Fibre Testing Across the Supply Chain
Mohair moves through multiple processing stages, and OFDA supports measurement at each one. Using a consistent optical method from raw fleece to finished sliver gives producers, brokers, processors and buyers comparable data throughout the chain.
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Raw mohair: measure incoming greasy fleece for grade and payment
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Classed mohair: verify micron after shed or store classing
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Scoured mohair: confirm specification before onward sale
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Tops and slivers: monitor diameter and length on OFDA4000
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Blended products: validate mohair quality in mixed fibre yarns
Standards and Methods for Mohair Fibre Testing
OFDA is referenced under recognised International Wool Textile Organisation methods. While these standards were developed for wool, mohair measurement follows the same optical principles and OFDA delivers results aligned with these frameworks.
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IWTO-47 for mean fibre diameter and distribution
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IWTO-62 for length and diameter in tops and slivers
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Interwoollabs IH Standards for calibration and ongoing traceability
Who Uses OFDA for Mohair Fibre Testing
OFDA instruments are used across the mohair supply chain in Australia, South Africa, the United States, Europe and beyond. Over 400 OFDA instruments are in service globally, supporting fibre measurement programmes across wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca and other natural fibres.
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Angora stud breeders driving genetic improvement through objective micron data
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Mohair classers and brokers preparing lines for auction and direct sale
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Commercial fibre testing laboratories issuing certified results
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Mohair processors and spinners controlling incoming fibre specification
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Organisations such as AMMO supporting grower classing and sale preparation
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Research institutes studying mohair fibre properties, kemp reduction and genetics
Why Choose Us for Cashmere Fibre Testing
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Rapid objective micron and curvature data from a single sample
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Full diameter distribution rather than a single mean value
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Automated laboratory throughput with OFDA4000 robotic handling
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Long-lasting calibrations with documented, simple procedures
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Direct factory support and a trained agent network in key markets
Explore OFDA Mohair Fibre Testing Instruments
Whether you need rapid shed-side mohair micron testing, high-throughput laboratory mohair fibre analysis or both, Robotic Vision has a configuration to match. Contact the team to discuss your mohair testing requirements, or browse the OFDA2000 and OFDA4000 specifications to plan your next installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
OFDA instruments measure mean fibre diameter, full diameter distribution, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, comfort factor and fibre curvature on mohair. OFDA4000 also measures true fibre length distribution in tops and slivers. All outputs are generated from a single optical imaging run, giving growers, classers and laboratories a complete objective profile of the mohair rather than relying on subjective handle assessment alone.
OFDA is validated against recognised IWTO reference methods and has been benchmarked against Laserscan and projection microscopy in peer-reviewed studies. A study published in the Journal of Natural Fibers evaluated the FibreLux instrument against OFDA for mohair diameter measurement across samples ranging from approximately 23.5 to 35.0 microns, confirming OFDA as a recognised reference method. Accuracy depends on sample preparation, calibration and correct use, but commercial laboratories use OFDA to issue certified fibre testing results.
Yes. OFDA2000 is designed for on-farm and shed-side fibre testing and can measure greasy mohair with grease-to-clean correction. Results are available in around 25 seconds per sample, allowing classers to measure during shearing, split lines by micron and adjust clip preparation in real time. This removes the wait for external laboratory results and supports grading decisions at the point where value is created.
OFDA2000 is a rapid instrument for greasy and clean mohair, suited to on-farm, shed-side and commercial testing applications. OFDA4000 is a fully automated laboratory instrument for mohair tops and slivers, combining robotic sample handling with optical imaging and true length distribution. Many laboratories run both instruments to cover on-farm, raw fibre and processed sample workflows in one integrated Robotic Vision platform.
Yes. OFDA is referenced under IWTO-47 for mean fibre diameter and distribution, and under IWTO-62 for length and diameter in tops and slivers. Laboratories can use Interwoollabs IH Standards for ongoing calibration. While IWTO standards were developed primarily for wool, mohair measurement follows the same optical principles and OFDA delivers results aligned with these frameworks.
Yes. Kemp and medullated fibres affect spinning performance, dye uptake and the prickle factor of finished products. OFDA captures coarse fibre data within the diameter distribution, helping classers and laboratories identify lots with elevated kemp content. This supports grading accuracy and helps breeders select against kemp over time, which is a priority for Angora stud programmes focused on fibre quality.
OFDA replaces subjective feel with objective data at the point of classing. Real-time micron, CV and comfort factor help classers split lines with confidence, build uniform bales and avoid costly mis-classing. Objective data also supports sale preparation, premium programmes and clip description, giving growers and brokers a clear numerical basis for pricing and lot preparation rather than relying on visual assessment and handle appraisal alone.
Yes. OFDA measures fibre curvature in the same run as diameter, reported in degrees per millimetre. Curvature relates to crimp character and contributes to handle, bulk and processing performance in mohair. Reporting both micron and curvature from a single sample saves time, reduces handling and gives breeders, classers and processors richer data to support grading and product development decisions.
Over 400 OFDA instruments are installed globally across commercial testing authorities, broker classing rooms, stud breeding programmes, processors and research laboratories. While most installations serve the wool industry, the same instruments and methods apply to mohair. Key mohair markets where OFDA is used include Australia, South Africa and the United States, with additional installations across Europe and Asia.