Fiber Length Measurement Systems: A Review and Modification of an Existing Method

This paper describes various methods of fiber length measurement used in fundamental studies of wood properties as well as those used in the more applied area of pulp quality control. Methods described include direct measurement of cells from microscopic images (from either tangential longitudinal sections or macerated tissue), through measurement of projected images, to fiber classification using classical mechanical fractionation techniques through to the most recent optical and laser scanning methods. A semi-automatic measurement system using a 35-mm slide projector and measuring wheel linked to a data processor designed for use in the Forest Products Laboratory of the University of California is described.