Texture analyzer touches down at IFT

The TMS-Pilot is aimed at giving food processing firms an affordable, entry-level system for quick and easy texture testing. The unit aims to give processors a portable system that even unskilled operators can use to attain fast results, with an entry-level price tag.

Entry-level machine​

Shirl Lakeway Jr., president of FTC, said the TMS-Pilot is just the ticket for food processors that need just the basics, not all the bells and whistles.

“The TMS-Pilot was developed to fill a need for a mid-range food texture testing system without all the expanded features found on our high-end analyzers​,” he said. “There are many customers that require only the ability to run a few, routine texture tests on their products. The Pilot offers a very affordable and easy to use alternative for these clients​.”

The machine performs basic texture tests on baked goods, confectionery items, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and more. Operators can choose a range of test methods, including breaking, snapping, tension, shearing, bulk analysis, compression and others.

Easy operation​

The TMS-Pilot is driven by an LCD touchscreen console, designed for intuitive operation. The interface is icon-driven, and it gives users the option of saving commonly used tests as “favorites” for quick recall.

According to the manufacturer, the plug-and-play load cells can be interchanged quickly. Additionally, the TMS-Pilot accommodates most of the firm’s test probes and fixtures.