Resources

Fiber Testing: NYFIC Lab at RPI

Our fiber testing capabilities give farmers, mills, and designers objective insight into the fiber they are raising or purchasing. Below is an outline of our current fiber testing capabilities. This page will be updated as our lab infrastructure expands.

We accept animal fibers (wool, alpaca, mohair, etc.) and plant/bast fibers (hemp, flax, etc.).

For all service inquires, account setup, and questions, please email carpec2@rpi.edu.
Please note: We also accept other natural, regenerated, synthetic, and novel fibers. Please see instructions below.

Micron Testing (Average Fiber Diameter)

We measure fiber diameter using an OFDA 2000 optical fiber diameter analyzer.
Cost: $5.00 per sample

Important: Before mailing samples, please email carpec2@rpi.edu to register for an iLab account (RPI’s secure lab management system). Invoices will be issued via email after testing is complete.

Sample Collection Guidelines

A. Animal Fibers (Wool, Alpaca, Mohair)

  • Location: Collect a 2" × 2" sample shorn close to the skin from the mid-side of the animal.

  • Preparation: Do not over compress. Keep the staple structure intact. For the most accurate results, keep the fibers aligned in their natural direction (cut side vs. tip side).

B. Plant/Bast Fibers (Hemp, Flax)

  • Size: Submit a small bundle of fiber approximately 2” x 2”

  • Length: Cut or select a section approximately 3–6 inches long (representative of the fiber).

  • Preparation: Fibers must be combed clean of woody core (hurd/shive). Keep fibers aligned parallel if possible.

C. Other Fibers (Regenerated, Man-Made, etc.)

  • Please email carpec2@rpi.edu prior to submission to discuss sampling requirements for your specific material.

Packing & Labeling

Packaging
Place each sample in an individual, sealable bag (e.g., Ziploc). Tip: For the most accurate results, keep all fibers aligned in their natural direction.

Required Information
Include a slip of paper inside the bag (or write clearly on the bag) with:

  • Sample ID (Tag #, Batch #, or Name)

  • Fiber Category (e.g., Wool, Hemp, Alpaca)

  • Breed / Variety

  • Age / Crop Year

How to Submit Your Sample

Step 1: Package for Mailing
Place your individual sample bags into a larger envelope or sturdy mailer.

Step 2: Contact Information
Include a sheet in the envelope or write on the outside:

  • Contact Name

  • Farm / Company / Organization Name

  • Email Address (Required for sending results/invoicing)

Step 3: Mail To

Clyde Carpenter
CII 8009
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th St.
Troy, NY 12180-3590

Test Results and Reporting

Your fiber analysis will include:

  • Average Fiber Diameter (Micron average)

  • Standard Deviation (Uniformity of the fleece)

  • Coefficient of Variation (CV)

  • Comfort Factor (% of fibers under 30 microns)

  • Histogram Graph (Visual distribution of fiber diameters)

  • Micron Profile Graph (Variation along the staple length)

Turnaround Time: Please allow 1-2 weeks from receipt of samples for results.

Sample Return: Samples are kept as records after testing and will not be returned.