Getting texture just right

Stable Micro Systems, a leading providers of texture analysis equipment, is to unveil a new high speed, high force, heavy duty texture analyser at the forthcoming FiEurope.

With a maximum force capacity of 500kg (5kN), the TA.HDplus textureanalyser is said to be the most powerful and flexible instrument for assessingtexture in the food industry.

The company says the high resolution functionality of the established heavy duty textureanalyser has been enhanced in the new model to allow for minimum speedsof 0.01mm / second. Higher test speeds - up to 20mm / second - can alsonow be achieved with the new model.

Its high-speed capabilities will beof particular interest when matching specific operational conditions orimitating real life situations, the company claims. Speeds can also vary in proportion tothe height of the sample, so products can be tested at a constant strain rate in compression or tension.

In an effort to try and achieve improved functionality, a number of other design features have beenincorporated into the texture analyser. A simple keypad isintegrated into the main body of the analyser to save desk space. Inaddition, peripheral instruments can now be plugged into the instrumentfor multi-channel data acquisition. This enables other measurementdevices, such as temperature and humidity monitors or acoustic envelopemodules, to be used in conjunction with the system so that data canbe simultaneously collected.

Increased flexibility can be achieved through the multi-stage testprogramming facilities as the user can define individual armmovement sequences at various speeds and distances. This feature is said toallow the most complex test protocols to be established. In addition,the texture analyser is no longer limited to fixed library tests.

The texture analyser uses a fully integrated fourthgeneration Texture Exponent 32-bit software to provide consistentlyaccurate and quantifiable textural data. This set up allows thumbnails to preview specific files, long file name support, dockable and customisable toolbars together with a comprehensive system for graphs, reports and project files and a multi-language facility.

Other products on show at Stable Micro Systems' stand will be its PowderFlow Analyser and the TA.XTplus texture analyser. The company will alsoshowcase a range of accessories for all sectors of the food industry.

Based in the UK, Stable Micro Systems​ is an innovative designer and manufacturer of instruments for materials testing in food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, personal care and other manufacturingindustries.

For further information about this and other Stable Micro Systems products please click on this link​ to contact the company