Precision Fiber Microtome is used to make accurate cross-sectional specimens of fiber for further examination under a microscope.
A bunch of defatted fiber is inserted into the slot on the top of the Microtome. An embedding medium is applied to the bundle and allowed to dry. The fiber bunch is placed on the ejector and the micrometer wheel is used to determine the required parameters of the precision cut.
Operation
● Turn the micrometer wheel to the end.
● Screw off the two screws on the cover, remove the cover.
● Insert the fiber into the slot of the cover showing a small cut out.
● Tighten the screws up, push the pushing plate to the side of the slot to compress the fiber, lock the nut on the plate.
● Turn the micrometer wheel until showing the required parameters.
● Take drops of collodion on it.
● Cut the fiber along the cover with the blade again.
Cross-sectioning reveals certain characteristics that may be used to identify fibres, including:
- Contour of the fibre.
- Thickness of the cuticle layer.
- Presence of medulla – if present, its type, shade, contour in relation to that of the fibre, and position in the fibre.
- Presence of pigment – if present, its distribution whether it is sparse, dense or in large aggregates, and whether it is most dense near the medulla or near the cuticle or arranged in bi-lateral form.
- Dye penetration.
Technical Parameters
Items Parameters
Weight 3kg（6.6lb）
Dimension 75×150×100mm（L×W×H）
Standards
(1) ASTM D2130 Standard Test Method for Diameter of Wool and Other Animal Fibers by Microprojection.
(2) BS 2043 Method for the determination of wool fiber fineness by the use of a projection microscope .
(3) DIN 53811 Testing of textiles; determination of the diameter of fibers from longitudinal view by microscope projection
(4) ISO 137 Wool; Determination of fiber diameter; Projection microscope method
(5) IWSTM 24 Method for measuring the diameter of solvent extract of wool and other animal hair
(6) IWTO 8-6
