Texture Analyzer offers affordable, high performance testing whether in Quality Control or product development
AMETEK Sensors, Test & Calibration has long supplied confectionary manufacturers with advanced testing solutions to ensure end-product quality on the consumer shelf.
The company’s texture analyzer, the Lloyd Instruments TA1 texture analyzer, offers affordable, high performance testing whether in Quality Control or product development.
The use of human sensory panels to determine confectionary product quality is well documented, but too impractical for today’s busy mechanised lines. The TA1 texture analyzer offers a quantitative approach, aimed at driving down costs through fast, efficient testing without compromising on data accuracy or reproducibility. Key to success is its ease of use, and high sensitivity of measurement.
The TA1 texture analyzer features a 102 kgf capacity, designed specifically for routine textural testing and sophisticated texture profile analysis. It offers a sizeable working area to accommodate large samples and accepts interchangeable, easy to connect XLC Series load cells as the load measure device. Force measurement accurate to +/-0.5% of reading ensure reliable data analysis.
The standard system includes the base machine, drip tray, food testing base and probe for routine entry-level applications.
Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) is used to measure snack bar crispiness, biscuit crumb strength, sponge and marshmallow springiness, caramel and toffee chewiness, chocolate bar break strength, gel consistency and more.
A simple change of sample grip alters instrument functionality for greater cost efficiency.
Special knife attachments to test butter and cream consistencies and flat ended probes to measure stickiness values of icings and confectionary fillings are available. Even the snap strength of crackers, tortillas, and fries can be checked with a modified three point bend test.
Through TPA, confectionary manufacturers are able to adjust ingredient ratios, assess baking and production variables, and determine shelf life.
Test data can then be correlated against human sensory panels as a final check. Once such TPA profiles have been defined, the procedure can then be transferred to the production line for standard testing in during Quality Control.
To help users in the instrument control, data analysis and reporting results, the TA1 texture analyzer uses the NEXYGENPlus software. With a vast library for international manufacturing standards compliance, key features include strict multi-level user security and audit trails for total traceability of data and users, video capture and playback, and extended instrument interfaces.
Lloyd Instruments is a brand of AMETEK Sensors, Test & Calibration, which offers a comprehensive range of materials testing equipment for testing food, pet food, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, packaging, plastic and rubber.
To learn more about the TA1 texture analyzer visit here.