Brookfield CT3 Texture Analyzer User Manual download pdf (Page 29)

Brookeld Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 29 Manual No. M08-372-C0113

IV. TEST METHOD DEVELOPMENT

The measurement results provided by the CT3 Texture Analyzer will be dependent on several factors

relating to the sample, the test probe, and the test parameters. A variation on any of these elements

may result in a change in measurement results. For good test repeatability it is suggested that a

clear and complete test method be developed. The following sections describe these elements.

Brookeldsuggeststhatyourmethoddevelopmentincludesometrialanderrortestingtodetermine

thebesttestmethodforyoursamplematerial.Brookeldoffersatexturedaytrainingcoursefor

anyone wishing assistance with texture analysis methods.

IV.1 Sample Preparation

The measurement of texture using the CT3 Texture Analyzer requires contact between the test

probe and the sample. The shape and surface of the sample may affect the measurement results.

Considerforexampleanorange:thetestofapeeledorangewilllikelygiveadifferentresultfrom

the test of a single wedge from the same fruit. This is likely the same for any bulk material when

compared to a neatly prepared cube of material. Consideration should be given to the preparation

ofthesampletofacilitaterepeatabilityofthetest.Forexampleamaterialthathasaatsurface

offersaconsistentinterfacewiththeprobeevenifthematerialisnotcenteredinthetestxture.

If your test sample is uneven, part of the test method could be to cut / shape / modify the sample

suchthatthesampleisat;consider,forexample,thedifferencebetweenaloafofbreadversusa

slice of bread.

IV.2 Test Probe / Fixture

TheCT3TextureAnalyzermaybeusedwithawidevarietyofprobesandxtures.Brookeld

offers a set of standard items while also providing special design services. Each type of probe offers

benetsforcertainsampletypes.Thefollowingtableprovidessomebasicguidelines.Although

this table represents our general experience, it is important to note that there are few established

standardtestsforphysicalmeasurementsoftexture.Themainobjectiveistocharacterizeyour

material in a way that best represents its perception by human senses. This is the essence of texture

analysis.

Probe Type Typical Application

Cylinder well dened samples with uniform surfaces,

general purpose, TPA (texture prole analysis)

Sphere samples with small scale variations on surface,

general purpose

Cone samples with rigid outer layer. Also used for

penetrometry and spreadability

Wire used for cutting or slicing samples such as cheese

Magness Taylor used for puncturing, often used for determining

ripeness of fruit/vegetables

Extrusion Cell samples that can be made to ow, general purpose

Shear blades meat tenderness

Table IV.1

1 2 ... 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 ... 55 56

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Brookfield CT3 Texture Analyzer User Manual Page 29