Uster Market Research for AFIS instrument.docx

Market Research for AFIS instrument Cotton Structure and Quality RU has a need for an instrument equipped with an automatic sample feeder which is capable of measuring and reporting mean and histograms of fiber length (by weight and number), fineness, maturity, neps, seed coat neps, trash, and dust. The measurements should be based on the assessment of 3,000 – 5,000 single fibers removed from a larger array of cotton. The instrument needs to be able to test raw cotton as well as sliver and roving. The instrument should also have robust service and support available.

Market research was conducted by first compiling a list of possible instruments and vendors that could meet the need. The list was compiled by conducting internet searches, polling ARS scientists familiar with cotton fiber testing, querying cotton fiber researchers at Cotton Incorporated, USDA-AMS, Texas Tech University, the Faserinstitut of Bremen (FIBRE, Germany), and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO, Australia). Instruments submitted by laboratories around the world for participation in both the CSITC and Bremen Round Trials were investigated.

Possible instruments included the Uster AFIS PRO2, PremierEvolvics Aqura2, Mesdan Contest-F, and OFDA-4000.

The AFIS PRO2 was identified as meeting all criteria. The AFIS PRO2 is available, in the United States, solely through the manufacturer and no other vendor.

The PremierEvolvics instrument utilizes fiber beards and not single fibers. There is no vendor service available in the United States.

The Contest-F utilizes fiber beards, lacks an automatic sample feeder, and reports different fiber properties than desired. Additionally, the Contest does not report histograms of the data. The Contest does have vendor service available in the United States.

The OFDA-4000 reports length and fineness and histograms for those properties but does not address maturity, neps, seed coat neps, trash, or dust. The OFDA utilizes a beard and not single fiber measurements and does not utilize an automatic sample feeder. OFDA does not have vendor service available in the United States.

A trade-in of Uster AFIS Pro Serial # 0608259.