Cutting/Shearing Testing for Texture Analysis and Materials Testing

What is a cutting/shearing test?

In general, any texture analysis test that involves the use of a type of blade to perform the test, is performing a cutting or shearing action on the sample. A number of empirical fixtures feature a single blade or a number of blades which cut/shear through the sample, under specified conditions. The maximum force required and/or the work necessary to achieve this (i.e. the area under the curve) is taken as an index of firmness, toughness or fibrousness of the sample. Whilst empirical or imitative, shearing tests are very popular, particularly for the assessment of food texture and in particular the measurement of ‘bite force’.

Although the term shear is used to describe the action of such fixtures, an examination reveals that a complex pattern of forces is involved. Compression and tension forces are developed as well as shear. Thus results cannot be expressed in terms of shear moduli and can only be regarded as providing empirical comparisons of the resistance offered by samples to deformation under specified conditions.

To view a complete set of cutting/shear testing probe and fixture options click here

What happens during a cutting/shearing test?

To see how to perform cutting and shearing tests using a TA.XTplus Texture Analyser to measure bite force, firmness, toughness, shear force etc., watch this video to see typical cutting and shearing tests in action: 

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of 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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