Texture Analysis in Action 2: Indexable Film Support Rig

Film Support Rig

The Film Support Rig is used in conjunction with the TA.XTplus texture analyser to measure the burst strength and resilience of a variety of personal care and pharmaceutical products.

These include oral hygiene strips, plasters, bandages, polymer film, micropore tape, synthetic skin and latex, amongst other ‘Edible Film’ applications finding their way into the food industry.

Many pharmaceutical products, particularly plasters and bandages, are designed to be extremely thin, increasing comfort and ease of storage or use. Other films are designed to dissolve on the tongue.

While maintaining the characteristics of thin and delicate, the products must also be strong enough to resist breakage when handled and applied by consumer or professional, and also during use. With the Film Support Rig, manufacturers can identify weaknesses within their product lines and adjust and structure accordingly.
 
Prior to performing the test, the sample is placed over a hole with a top plate that prevents the sample from slipping during testing. The test is then carried out as the arm of the TA.XTplus brings a 5mm stainless steel ball probe down into the aperture. The maximum force to rupture the sample is recorded and is referred to as burst strength. 

Indexable Film Support Rig

By way of increasing useability and efficiency, we are now introducing the Indexable Film Support Rig, which allows the setup of multiple film samples ready for testing.  Once the first sample is centralised with the testing probe, subsequent samples can simply be moved along via a ‘quick-click’ mechanism which aligns the next test ready to go, thereby increasing sample throughput.

The resilience and relaxation properties of the product can also be measured. Resilience can be assessed by depressing the film surface to a chosen distance before retracting the ball probe. The property is calculated using a ratio of the work of compression and work of withdrawal. Similarly, relaxation can be measured with the addition of a hold period within the test to allow the product’s recovery to be evaluated. Both these properties broaden the application of the Film Support Rig. Burst strength, resilience and relaxation are important factors in determining the mechanical properties of a product, allowing manufacturers to optimize product structure and formulation.

Using the Indexable Film Support Rig, film manufacturers can improve the speed that they assess the mechanical properties of their products during packaging and handling, ensuring that they are adequately robust.

Contact Stable Micro Systems today to discover the full range of Texture Analysis solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

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