Food Texture Analyser Compression Fixtures

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Compression Fixtures


 

The FTC compression fixtures are large diameter, flat-bottomed cylinders, plates, or platens, used to deform solid or self-supporting samples. It is important that the surface area of the probe is greater than that of the sample throughout the test if true compressive forces are to be maintained.

Compression test methods involve compressing a sample in one direction while leaving it unrestrained in the other two. Pure compression requires that the fully deformed sample is of smaller diameter than the fixture contact surface.

These fixtures can also be used apply local compressive forces which may result in penetration or puncture of the sample. Correlation to consumer interactions which gently squeeze the product (finger feel, for example) can thus be performed.

Compression-fixtures-loadcell

 


 

Typical Products Tested

  • Cakes and breads during development and manufacture
  • Cheeses, butter and dairy spreads - as a quality indicator
  • Eggs - to measure shell strength
  • Extruded snacks - to improve sensory profile
  • Fruits and vegetables in the field and factory
  • Gelatin and gels - to quantify concentration strength, Bloom
  • Low fat sausages - to quantify benefits of fat replacers
  • Packaging - to measure functional strength
  • Sugar confectionery - to optimize formulation
  • Tablets - to quantify consistency for drug release

 

Texture Characteristics

  • Bite Strength
  • Consistency
  • Cook Quality
  • Resistance
  • Rigidity
  • Shear Force
  • Skin Break
  • Softness
  • Tenderness
  • Toughness