Texture: Measure and analyse properties

Discover the wide range of texture and physical properties that can be measured with a texture analyser.


Texture Analysers are used to measure many properties, such as Hardness, Brittleness, Spreadability, Adhesiveness, Tensile Strength, Extensibility etc., on a vast range of products.

Our range of instruments can carry out fundamental, empirical and imitative tests, covering those relating to texture analysis, materials science and rheology of solid, semi-solid, viscous liquid, powder and granulate materials.

Food Texture Properties

Foods are a selection of semi-solid, soft-solid, viscoelastic materials, and occasionally hard solids. Oral processing of these foods starts with either biting a portion from a larger piece or placing a piece in the mouth. Food texture is one of the key properties consumers evaluate when determining food quality and acceptability and embraces a large number of textural characteristics or properties.

Specific textural elements of a food are evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis; however, the time and costs of sensory analysis have motivated the empirical development of mechanical tests that correlate with sensory analysis of texture. Now parameters can be objectively obtained that present measures of, for example, crispness of a potato chip, spreadability of margarine or the firmness of an old fashioned, New York style bagel.

Physical Properties of Materials

While food scientists were evaluating mechanical properties to understand subjective texture, material scientists were developing rheological and fracture-mechanics approaches to understand material properties in general. Materials have physical or textural/mechanical properties that are also perceived and are measurable. From an engineering perspective, an engineer would need to know and usually measure the mechanical properties of a material in order to make an informed decision when designing something.

The main physical concept behind measuring mechanical properties is stress. Stress tells you how big a force applies to an area. The second important concept is strain which is a ratio of lengths. From these two concepts, the Young’s Modulus can be derived, which is a measure of stiffness/elasticity – important factors for engineers when deciding material suitability for a certain application. In addition, such parameters as adhesion, abrasion, friction, flexure, strength etc. can be measured.

Specialist attachments enable the instrument to emulate forces applied to products in everyday consumption or usage. The data captured by Exponent software during the test procedure is used to generate graphs which detail the reaction of each test sample to specified forces.

Below is shown a range of textural properties that Stable Micro Systems tends to encounter most often...



Texture Analysis probes

Probes and attachments

The Texture Analyser uses a range of different probes and attachments according to your specific application.

Exponent Software

Software

Whether you require a simple test and data analysis solution or a fully featured software package – we give you the choice.

Peltier cabinet

Temperature Control

If your product is temperature sensitive, we have a range of temperature monitoring and control options.


Acoustic Envelope Detector setup

Additional measurement options

By attaching peripheral devices you can collect additional measurement parameters during your standard texture analysis test.

Automated Linear Indexing System

Automation

Find out how to increase your sample throughput, walk away time and testing efficiency with several automation options.

Loadcell in case

Accessories

Our range of Texture Analyser accessories covers requirements for the use, maintenance and protection of your instrument.



We use cookies
Please note this website uses cookies to give you the best experience.
By continuing to browse this site you give consent for cookies to be used. Find out more