Texture measurement using Texture Pro CT for CT3 texturometer

The purpose of this tutorial is to provide a basic understanding of how the CT3 Texture Analyzer works using Texture Pro CT software. It should be used in conjunction with the much more comprehensive help file and the CT3 user manual, several references are made to the information contained in the CT3 manual. After reading this tutorial, you should be able to: Configure test parameters and run tests Manage examples of data organization Save and retrieve data files Prepare and print reports with statistical data analysis This tutorial is not not intended to be a food science course in texture analysis, but only as an overview of the mechanical operation of the CT3 instrument and Texture Pro CT software.

Settings

Configure communication with the CT3 texturometer, test options and units

The USB cable must be connected between the computer and the CT3. Turn on the computer first, then the CT3. The CT3 will recognize the cable is connected and prompt the operator to select either REMOTE OPERATION or STANDALONE MODE Rotate the Select / Scroll knob to REMOTE OPERATION, then press Select / Scroll. Once in remote operation, the CT3 can only be used by the computer. The front panel controls are disabled. The emergency stop button still works. communication can be established with the CT3 by selecting the search button in communication. This may be necessary the first time the software is run or when the USB cable is plugged into another computer port. TexturePro CT software will search for CT3 on all available computer ports. Once communication is established: The port number and type will be identified The green light will turn on. The CT3 display turns black and then resets.

Test options

Pre-test speed is the speed at which the probe moves before reaching the sample surface. The test starts when the trigger load is exceeded, indicating that the sample area has been reached.

Post-test speed is the speed at which the probe returns to the starting position after reaching the test target value.

Sample rate defines how often data points are taken during a test. The range is from 10 points / sec minimum to 100 points / sec maximum. This setting will be automatically reduced by the software when running at very low test speeds to prevent data collection above 100 points / mm.

Units of measure

The units of Load, Distance, Time, Temperature, Work, Stress and Speed can be selected from the drop-down lists.

Texture Pro CT must be restarted for the changes to take effect. Previously saved data files can then be viewed using the new units.

Probe descriptions

Lists all available probe descriptions and part numbers

Device descriptions

Lists all available test fixtures examples and part numbers

Load range

The software automatically identifies your CT3's load cell when communications are established

Data files

The process can be either: Export to Excel Export to ADTG format Archive a database or Back up a database Managing data files

Setting up a test method

Type of test

Select the type of test to perform. The probe will travel either upwards during a Voltage test, or downwards for Compression, TPA and Breakage. TPA is a unique type of compression test in which the sample, usually a food product, is compressed twice. Several parameters related to “mouth feel” can be derived from the two compression peaks. Rupture is a special type of compression test in which the sample is compressed until it breaks, at which point the test is complete and the probe returns to position.

Test target

For all test types, a target value at which the probe moves after meeting the sample surface and exceeding the trigger load. The target can be either a load force or a deformation in mm. % strain is a special type of target in which the length of the sample (its vertical dimension) is measured by the CT3 during testing, and then the sample is compressed to the percentage of its length specified in the Target Value field. Any value between 1% and 100% can be entered. In a final distance test the length of the sample will be measured during the test (similar to a deformation test in%) If, for example, 5 mm is entered as the target value, then the sample will be compressed until there is a 5 mm gap between the probe and the base. A Hold Time can be entered if the probe is to pause on the target for a specified amount of time.

General test parameters

When a test is started, the probe moves at the pretest rate (see the Setup page) until it reaches the sample.

The trigger load is the force value indicating that the sample has been reached. Instructions for setting trigger values are given on page 9 of the CT3 user manual. When the trigger is reached, the probe speed changes to Test Speed. The allowed speed range is 0.01 to 10 mm / s When the target value is reached, the probe returns to its starting position either at the same Test speed or the Post test speed, which is selected in the tab Configuration. If the choice of lead and fixation are entered, these values will be recorded as part of each data file. These entries do not affect the data or the results, but are recorded in the header of each data file.

Multiple cycle tests

Compression and tensile testing can perform multiple test cycles. From 1 to 255 cycles are possible. If a break is desired between cycles, you can enter the time in seconds as the recovery time

Registration of a test method

Once all the parameters of the test method are configured as desired, the method itself can be saved by entering any text you want as the new method name. Be sure to click the record icon SAMPLE ENTRY Enter Sample Identification. The information creates the database structure for storing your test results. The Product Name is the top level of the database. Below the product name, the Lot Name forms the second level of the database. Samples will be numbered incrementally automatically at the third level of the database, or can be manually defined for each test. For example, Joe's Bakery might enter Bread as the product name and italian as the batch name. Two samples were tested and the database would appear as follows:

Perform texture measurements

Once a test is defined and sample information entered, the Perform Test button lights up. Click on it to start the test. While the test is running, a “live graph” of the measurements appears. Axis scales will automatically adjust to display the entire curve

When the test is complete, the Data tab will display the data in tabular form.

During a test, the data is stored as the Current Data Set and appears in the leftmost columns. The data is not recorded, but stored in memory. You can choose to save this dataset now by clicking on the Save icon. If you do not save the data at this point, you will be reminded to do so just before running another test.

Details of the data file can be viewed by clicking the Details button

The measurements can be exported in Excel or ADTG format.

Use the ADTG format to extract a file from the database. This extracted file can then be imported into the TexturePro CT database on another computer. This is also a good format for emailing a data file to a colleague who also has TexturePro CT software.

Compare results

The results of multiple measurements can be compared by opening the corresponding measurements in the database.

Curves

Texture Proc CT software can compare up to 5 curves simultaneously and modify the axes, colors of curves, scales, etc.

Measurement analysis

Texture Pro CT software allows you to do many calculations according to your needs

Only the results applicable to the test performed will be activated. For example for a single-cycle compression test, all calculations related to a second compression cycle are disabled.

Automatic test report

Texture Pro CT allows you to generate automatic test reports linked to a measurement or a series of measurements:

Example report for a measure:

Example of a statistical report

For more information, do not hesitate to contact Labomat Essor