Texture analysis involves the measurement of the tactile and mechanical properties of a semi-solid substance or any products for which human perceived the tactile properties. Texture analysis are typically run by the foods, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. The goal of a texture testing is to measure and record the deformation response (force, deflection, time) of the product when a compression or tensile force is applied on the sample.
The tactile and mechanical properties which are specified during a texture analysis can be by example the firmness (maximum force), adhesiveness, resilience, or the fracture-ability (1st peak force). Those characteristics may evolve throughout the life of the product and vary according to the different treatments experienced such as storage, drying, freezing, cooking, etc.
Conducting texture analysis help the chemical and food industries to qualify, select and identify the best equipments and process used to prepare, store and pack the products. It also assists researchers to determine the range of sensory acceptability of the consumer, which are affected by the tactile properties of the product.
The texture analyzer product lines offered by ANDILOG, allow objective measurements, by collecting repeatable results at a high accuracy and resolution. Testing protocols can be run in laboratory (during product or process development) or in manufacturing environment (qualifying raw materials supplies or product consistency during manufacturing process).
Examples of products tested: Fruit & vegetables, butter, pastry, bread, gums, cosmetic creams, lipstick, grease, wax…
Example of properties measured: firmness, adhesiveness, hardness, consistency, gumminess, breaking point…
ANDILOG provides a dedicated texture analyzer product lines. Each product has its own characterization to accommodate a large range of customers:
- CNR FT F&V: Simple unit for a manual and quick test on the field
- CNR ST F&V: Provides with a manual stand for high accuracy and “Fail/Pass” feature.
- TEXTOR III: The automated texture analyzer, it’s the most comprehensive unit and the perfect fit for measurements in laboratory.