Texture Analysis in Action: the Wire Cutter

One of our simpler test attachments is the WIRE CUTTER (A/BC). 

This device incorporates a standard 0.3mm diameter wire, which is supported on a frame enabling it to cut through a 500g block of butter or similar self-supporting block-form sample. 

It can be used to measure the firmness of butter, ice cream or margarine and the consistency of cheese by measuring the force to drive the wire through the sample.

Pasta and Rice Texture Measurement and Analysis

In the UK alone – quite apart from the dried versions – almost £150 million was spent on fresh pasta and noodles in the year to February 2015. 

Despite sluggish global volume growth, pasta offers great opportunities to international manufacturers. Sales in Western Europe will be driven by increasing demand for premium products and health properties, while in Eastern Europe, tourism to Italy will encourage consumer interest for Mediterranean cuisine. And the multi-functionality of pasta, often used as a core ingredient in soup, will propel sales in regions such as South America.

Innovation will be key to the performance of chilled/fresh pasta in Western Europe in the next few years, while dried pasta sales will be hampered by maturing consumer demand and its relatively poor health perception when compared with chilled/fresh pasta products. Wholegrain, gluten-free and fortified pasta may increase market share at the expense of less differentiated products.

Pasta is manufactured in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Quality control methods, which are often subjective in pasta production, are increasingly implemented with objective test equipment to monitor the production of consistent, high standards. Many test methods have been adopted from wheat flour quality assessment for breadmaking, but those specific to pasta have also been developed for the rheological assessment of durum flour or semolina.

Stable Micro Systems has developed objective tests for evaluating texture of formed pasta, both cooked and uncooked, demonstrating how Quality Assurance (QA) depends not only on ingredient quality, but also on other variables such as processing methods. A range of probes and fixtures for these objective tests, which have shown good potential for use as research and QA methods, is readily available.

To measure pasta texture, tests designed for use in near-line production include break strength and flexure of dried pasta, and tensile strength, firmness and stickiness tests for the cooked product. These tests, carried out on the TA.XTplus texture analyser in conjunction with Exponent software, have been developed for use as a practical, fast and cost effective quality control device.

Texture Analysis in Action: the Abrasion Test Rig

The ABRASION TEST RIG (HDP/ATR) analyses the frictional properties of a wide range of materials such as sandpaper, dental abrasive strips and flexible nail files.

This enables manufacturers to highlight strengths, weaknesses and variations in product lines and materials.

Prior to performing the test, a sample of the abrasive material is held in place in a self-tightening grip. 

Texture Analysis in Action: Friction Testing

Stable Micro Systems offers two options for Friction Testing attachments.

The HORIZONTAL FRICTION SYSTEM (A/HFS) comprises a support leg and levelling feet which are fixed to the Texture Analyser, so that the assembly can be laid in a horizontal position. 

A platform is fitted to the base on which a friction sled, which is attached to the loadcell, is constrained to slide over the sample.

Additional load may be provided by adding weights positioned centrally on the sled. This arrangement offers the advantage of measuring sliding friction in both directions and also during cycling. Typical applications include films, creams and packaging.

Comparison of ease of spreading of
two moisturising creams

Testing the Mechanical Strength of Coronary Stents

Vascular stents are commonly used as a minimally invasive way to treat stenosis in arteries and improve blood flow to the heart, kidneys, brain and legs. 

Due to the challenging service environment that stents face in vivo, the radial stiffness of a stent is critical to its function of keeping the arteries open and eliminating abrupt closure. Measurements and reporting methods of a stent’s radial stiffness both assist industry in the development of new stent designs and allow regulatory authorities to better evaluate these designs.

Texture Analysis in Action: the Sachet/Tube Extrusion Rig

The SACHET/TUBE EXTRUSION RIG (A/STE) is a device which extrudes the contents of sachet and tube style packaging.

It has been designed to allow manufacturers of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care products to quantify the ease of removal and application of products such as ointments, creams and gels.

The rig positions the product vertically between two rollers, clamping the closed end with a grip at the top. The grip then pulls the sachet/tube upwards through the rollers, forcing the contents out whilst measuring the force required.

Product developers can analyse changes in a product’s consistency throughout its shelf-life and adapt formulations accordingly whilst also enabling manufacturers to assess the suitability of packaging material and its construction.

The Mysterious 'Q Texture' You Didn't Even Know Your Food Was Missing!

"Chewy. Gummy. Bouncy. Rubbery. These aren't typically flattering words when it comes to food. 

"That is, they're not traditionally complimentary in the United States or Europe. In Taiwan and often in other parts of East Asia, it's a different story. These adjectives describe a beloved texture – a food quality sought after, not shunned. It's called the "Q" texture, or the mystery food characteristic you didn't even know you were missing". 

These are words recently written by Alison Spiegel at the Huffington Post. Read on for more of her insight into Asian food textures...

Texture Analysis in Action: the Mucoadhesion Rig

The MUCOADHESION RIG* (A/MUC) 
 
Mucoadhesion is the process by which a drug delivery device is designed to stick to a part of the gut or other mucosae, thus delivering drug to a precise site in the body for an extended period.

This gives more effective treatment of some diseases and can also protect drugs from some of the harsh conditions in the body.