Common pitfalls in texture measurement and how to avoid them: Troubleshooting guide

Texture measurement is a crucial process in product development and quality control, especially in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. However, achieving accurate and reliable results can be challenging due to various pitfalls.

1. Inconsistent sample preparation

Problem: Variability in sample size, shape, and condition can lead to inconsistent results.

Solution:

• Standardise preparation: Use templates, moulds, or cutting guides to ensure all samples are uniform in size and shape.
• Control environment: Maintain consistent environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) during preparation and testing.

Example: For a compression test on gel samples, use a mould to prepare samples with identical dimensions and store them in a controlled environment before testing.

Texture measurement: How to optimise your sample preparation for consistent results

In texture analysis and physical property measurement, the accuracy and reproducibility of your results depend significantly on how well you prepare your samples. Proper sample preparation minimises variability, ensuring that the measurements are accurate and reflect the true properties of the material being tested. Ensuring reproducibility also makes it easier to replicate results in future tests or by different operators.

In this guide, we’ll discuss best practices in sample preparation to help you achieve consistent and reliable texture measurement results.