More novel physical testing methods using the Texture Analyser

Our probes and attachments range has developed due to the need for new ways to hold/support and test samples in ways that haven’t been previously available for traditional texture analysis test methods. For example, if you need to mimic an action that a consumer typically performs in their use of a product why not challenge us to design an attachment that gives you the ability to imitate this during a test. 

Typical examples include the measurement of bread squeezing (Bread V Squeeze Rig) that imitates the action a consumer performs when assessing bread freshness or hair combing force which would allow the assessment of the effects of different hair products on the combability of hair (the Hair Combing Rig).

Measuring the force to open a drink or food can (Ring Pull Rig) is another example of where force measurement is necessary to assess the ease that a customer will experience when trying to get to the contents. There is a desirable force that sits between too easy to open (which risks accidental opening of something) and too difficult to open (which will affect customer loyalty and repeat purchase). These forces are therefore necessary to measure and control for consitent product quality.

To imitate the action of pushing a scoop of ice cream into a cone we developed the method shown below and to measure the ice cream’s scoopability we have the Ice Cream Scoop Rig. Sometimes you just need to keep the measurement simple and attempt to recreate the action that is performed in real life when a consumer makes a subjective assessment.

To see how to perform these and more unusual physical property tests using a TA.XTplusC Texture Analyser to measure disintegration, friction, abrasion, scoopability, combability, powder flow analysis etc., watch this video and see typical physical property tests in action.