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TAXT Plus
TAXT Plus
THE
WORLD
STANDARD
FOR
TEXTURE
ANALYSIS
Food
Pharmaceuticals
Cosmetics
Personal Care
Adhesives
www.stablemicrosystems.com
CALIBRATION PLATFORM
TA.XTplus and TA.HDplus World Standard instruments. In the last 20 years, our simple to use
A platform on which reference weights are positioned for calibration of the installed
loadcell. All loadcells are factory calibrated but may also be user calibrated with any
weight up to the loadcell capacity to provide optimum accuracy at the force range
of specific interest.
philosophy has benefited over 5000 customers engaged in activities ranging from routine
product quality assurance to fundamental research. This philosophy has been enhanced in the plus
range, where many powerful analytical tools increase the instruments capability and yet reduce your
test and analysis time.
LOADCELL
Texture analysis is the mechanical testing of food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, adhesives and other
A transducer fitted in the arm of the Texture Analyser which measures force in
compression or tension. Information such as capacity, calibration and serial numbers
is stored within the loadcell and automatically detected upon installation. This makes
loadcell changing easy and quick and prevents potential user errors.
consumer products either in compression or in tension. The TA.XTplus and TA.HDplus Texture Analysers
assess textural properties by capturing force, distance and time data at a rate of up to 500 points per
second which is then displayed by fully integrated Exponent 32-bit software. These most powerful and
versatile Texture Analysers completely satisfy the increasing demands for accurate, repeatable and
quantifiable textural information and stand as a significant evolution from single-parameter to multi-
This is where the appropriate probe or fixture (examples shown below) is attached
for sample location and testing.
The TA.XTplus and TA.HDplus use a range of different probes and fixtures according to the required test method. Each probe or fixture is designed
for a specific group of applications, and can be attached to the texture analysers base and/or arm. Samples are either placed on the base of the
texture analyser or on the lower fixture or held between two fixtures. In a simple test, the arm of the texture analyser containing a loadcell moves
down to penetrate or compress the product, and then returns to its initial position.
Extrusion
Shearing
Tension
Bending
Puncture
Compression
Stable Micro Systems are the only Texture Analyser supplier to offer you:
In-house product testing and method development laboratory
Dedicated software
Direct liaison with universities and research institutions
The most comprehensive range of testing attachments available worldwide
Worldwide sales and service support
Stable Micro Systems advanced technology texture analysers are internationally recognised as the complete instrument with its unique
ability to be configured to meet the requirements of most International and National Standards as well as industry specific tests.
With a maximum force capacity of 750kg (7.5kN), the TA.HDplus is the most powerful and versatile
dedicated Texture Analyser available today. A family of intelligent, factory calibrated loadcells down to 5kg
provides precision testing to a few grams and makes this instrument the obvious choice for users testing
a wide range of products or those users who have undefined future product testing requirements.
PC LINK
The height range and greater testing bed area provide the ability to test much larger samples without
compromising accuracy whilst the twin column frame provides the required rigidity to accommodate
measurements of considerably higher force for heavy duty applications such as those shown below.
PERIPHERAL ATTACHMENTS
Tensile
Compression
Shear
Extrusion
Friction
3 Point Bend
ELECTRONICS
Electronics (firmware and hardware) for control of the
Texture Analyser are housed in its base. New firmware
can be downloaded (flash upgraded) by a quick and
simple software interface so that new features can be
added to enhance the instruments capabilities. This
allows access to latest developments and improvements
after initial instrument installation.
3
probe used. Details about the sample and attachments can also be specified for further analysis. Long file names
provide the ability to insert more detailed information which is useful when locating the test file for future viewing.
adding testing procedures, presentation formats and analytical solutions. This is of particular importance
for those in Research. However, many users require simple test and data analysis solutions that are used in QA or in a high throughput production
environment. Therefore, two versions are available Exponent and Exponent Lite. Both versions offer the same basic functions. However, Exponent
has added data collection and analysis features and enhanced security options.
Stable Micro Systems recognises the need to constantly increase the capability of Exponent software by
additional peripheral data values, if attached, are collected and the real-time data displayed during the test in
Calibration ensures that measurements made by the Texture Analyser are accurate; Exponent and Exponent Lite provide
a Graph window. Tabbed graph windows for easy access to all relevant
for the calibration of Force, Height and Stiffness and Force verification:
the loadcell. In addition, a User single point calibration may be performed with
This feature tracks when tests were run and where they have been saved.
Axes
B: Calibrate Height: Probe height calibration defines the absolute probe position from
The graph axes can be changed to display the data in different X and Y combinations. Logarithmic and second
Y axes are also available. (Exponent only feature).
any weight up to the capacity of the loadcell installed in the Texture Analyser. This offers convenience and maximises
4 DATA ANALYSIS
Once data has been collected and is displayed in a graph window it has to be analysed in order to interpret the results and draw conclusions. Exponent
provides a wealth of analytical tools from the most basic option of collecting a single force value to more sophisticated methods of curve smoothing or
detection of inflection points.
calibrated accurately.
distance measurements.
calibration platform is
Data Analysis
basis on which a user can centralise all files required for a specific product test. The
The results from manual and automatic analysis are individually displayed.
samples directory contains an ever increasing range of over 180 projects from which
Macro Window
B: Choosing from a
Test Library:
A series of classical
Texture Analyser tests
are included from which simple or enhanced versions are available for selection. A TA Settings
components required to initiate a complete test and analysis procedure and is the
window is displayed which allows the user to specify such parameters as speed and test distance
TA Settings parameters have a caption which explains what each parameter does.
An extensive library of macro samples are included which provide quick analysis of recommended application methods.
moving the slider handle on the Move Probe window. This control also allows movement
positioning pre-or post-testing. Live force and position information is also displayed.
Exporting Data
The arm of the texture analyser can be moved up or down at any speed by simply
probe positions/forces can be programmed and directly recalled for quick probe
Result Window
Probe Control
5 MANAGING RESULTS
programming of the Texture Analyser arm movement. New test sequences can be
Macro Samples
required for the test procedure. Advanced features within a test can be hidden for simplification. All
Spreadsheets, text or images can be exported to other Windows applications for further specific manipulation/presentation.
software for use with the TA.XTplus and TA.HDplus Texture Analysers has been introduced to provide electronic record and signature
management.
It offers the user features to improve the security of their own and their customers' information, as well as facilitating continuous monitoring and tracking of
results and records. Features include an encrypted log-on password of at least seven characters, combined with password protection for validation of
calibration checks. In addition, multiple hierarchical levels of user profiles are available and electronic signatures can be used for record certification.
Another important feature is the ability to copy and print out audit trails, allowing clear visibility to
trace results and records. The module also provides protective security measures to detect and
notify any attempt at unauthorised use of passwords and/or identity codes during the audit.
Chart Window
Main Features:
A chart gives a visual representation of the data from the Results window.
Select from 27 Chart types (2D and 3D) and define rotation, position, 3D
Advanced logging of actions such as logging in/out, changing options, performing calibrations, etc.
Report Window
SPECIAL FEATURES
Sax Basic Macro Language
Full debug facilities including breakpoints, single step, step over etc. Access to advanced Exponent
Language Editor
OLE Automation
This offers an interface for easy integration into many programming
Workspaces
Test Maker
CONNECTION OPTIONS
This chart gives examples of the peripherals which may
be used with the TA.XTplus or TA.HDplus Texture Analyser
for additional data capture or instrument control when
used in conjunction with Exponent.
Connected to:
PT 100 1 & 2
PT100 Temperature
Probes
(Order Code: XT/TPR):
Up to 2 (if 2 are connected then
Auxiliary port is not available).
This is a PT100 thermocouple
probe that gives direct
measurement over the
temperature range 50 to
+250C. Accuracy +/-0.5C.
Additional
Data Collection
Options
Connected to:
Temperature Module
Reference
Milliohmeter
Balance
Sample weight can be fed directly into Exponent as part of a test sequence.
Indexing System
Vernier *
Allows linear distance
measurements to be directly fed
into Exponent as part of the test
sequence. It would be attached
via the USB port on the PC.
Typically a Sax Basic script would
collect a single value which would
be stored within the Product Data
of the test.
Barcode Scanner *
With the aid of a BASIC script, a
product barcode can be scanned
to automatically select the correct
project ready for testing, allowing
even more automation and
reducing user error.
Connected to:
Loadcell
Dough Inflation
System
(Order Code: DR/DISPL)
Complete system for the
measurement of bi-axial
extension properties of dough.
Force, Distance and Speeds are
converted to Pressure, Volume
and Flow Rates.
Operational
Safety Options
Safety Interlock
Cabinet
CALogix *
Extensometer *
Relay Module
EXPONENT LITE
The Exponent Lite version of Exponent is well suited for simple texture analysis by offering flexibility and simplicity of use without loss of accuracy
or performance.
At Stable Micro Systems we do not just make texture analysers; we strive to provide you with the complete service. Through our continued co-operation with
universities and research establishments involved in texture analysis, and our in-house applications laboratory and software department, we aim to provide you with
the most up to date applications information and to offer you the most comprehensive range of attachments and analytical techniques available.
Operationally, it is almost the same as Exponent but the complexity required by advanced users or necessary for sophisticated operation has been
Users at all levels will appreciate that minimum learning and training is required whilst providing all of the general capabilities to run tests quickly
This section includes information on operation, data analysis, application studies, recommended probes
for testing, abstracts of published papers, an Introduction to Texture Analysis, test animations and an
HELP
PROBE GUIDE
We would like to help you get the most from your Texture Analyser by enabling direct contact to our
application laboratory from which useful testing advice can be given free of charge. To enable us to
optimise testing guidelines specific to your product, fill in all of the fields on our Testing Advice Service
website form (within the User Support section) and click on Proceed. Questions about product testing
Software Troubleshooting
Often customers have a requirement to train new staff and, coupled with the fast advancement in
computers and their operating systems, customers find the need to call Stable Micro Systems for
technical advice. Our team of Software Development and Support engineers are available to troubleshoot
APPLICATION STUDIES
software problems, provide registration codes and assist customers in the development of their required
A comprehensive
test sequences and analysis macros. If you wish to contact the software department by email they will
to automatically download.
collection of video
VIDEO CLIPS
clips demonstrating
TUTORIALS
fixture arrangements.
If you would like us to help you write a macro for Texture Expert Exceed or Exponent or a special
sequence for your TA.XTplus/TA.HDplus texture analyser then just fill in all of the fields on our website
form (within the User Support section) and click on Proceed. It would be useful if you could fax us a print
of the curves you would like to analyse with the points of interest marked on. Ideally you should attach
.ARC files sing your standard e-mail package and send them to tech.support@stablemicrosystems.com
The following software packages have updates available for download from our website within the
Software Download section:
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We may e-mail you for more details and finally we will return a .MAC (macro) or .seq (sequence) file by
SAMPLE FILES
Exponent
launched automatically
PUBLISHED PAPERS
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
TA.XTplus
TA.HDplus
Force Capacity
50kg.f (500N)
750kg.f (7.5kN)
Force Resolution
0.1g
0.1g
Loadcells
1, 30, 50kg.f
Speed Range
Speed Accuracy
Range Setting
1 - 295mm
1 524mm
1 - 545mm
Range Resolution
0.001mm
0.001mm
Net weight
16.2 kg
37kg
Dimensions
665x440x280mm
980x390x300mm
300mm
Loadcells
Directly interchangeable by the user. Loadcells store Factory calibration and identification information in onboard non-volatile memory
Loadcell Accuracy
Data Channels
Filtered Force
Oversampled at 8000 samples per second and digitally filtered to 500pps. at 20 bit resolution
Operating Temperature
0 40C
Operating Environment
PC Interface
Power supply
Firmware updates
Fax:
Email: sales@stablemicrosystems.com
app.support@stablemicrosystems.com
tech.support@stablemicrosystems.com
Web: http://www.stablemicrosystems.com
SMS/PLUS12/0807