Texture analysis software

Exponent Connect is the dedicated software platform for Stable Micro Systems’ TA.XTplusC, TA.XTplus100C, TA.HDplusC and TA.XTExpressC Texture Analysers and Materials Testers for the measurement of texture and physical properties. Developed in-house at our headquarters in Godalming, Surrey, UK, it combines instrument control, data acquisition, data analysis, reporting and automation in a single Windows-based environment.

• High-speed data capture – collect up to 2000 points per second for fracture, adhesion and other rapid events

• Over 400 sample projects – pre-configured methods, macros, spreadsheets and reports for common tests 

• Flexible analysis tools – from single peak values to advanced curve analysis, macros and spreadsheets 

• Multi-channel data – synchronise force, distance and time with temperature, acoustic emission, humidity, Powder Flow Analyser and other additional measurement options

• Free software updates – all licensed users receive updates at no additional cost for the life of the instrument 

Exponent Connect is industry-leading software for texture analysis and physical property measurement, used by research and quality teams worldwide. It offers:

• Intuitive instrument control and method setup

• Guided workflows for calibration and verification

• Rich data visualisation and reporting options

• Extensive automation and integration tools

We offer two versions:

The following presents a few additional highlights of the software which can only be fully appreciated by a demonstration from one of our Texture Experts. Not available in Exponent Connect Lite. 

Making measurements with any analytical method or instrument requires calibration to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. Calibration of both force and distance is carried out in-house at the end of the manufacturing process. Customers can easily re-calibrate the instrument in their laboratories depending upon their good laboratory practice. The accuracy of all of our instruments can easily be checked in terms of speed, distance and force measurements to meet the more demanding regulations of certain industries.

Within the software, you can:

Testing starts with your choice of settings. This will depend on the type of test you wish to perform and the properties which you wish to investigate. There are several options for specifying the way in which the Texture Analyser is to test a sample.

2. Specify your own settings and make your own project

• Start from classic library tests (e.g. compression, penetration, TPA, tensile), each with full explanations and animations. 

• Use the TA Settings window to define speeds, distances, triggers and other parameters, with helpful captions for each setting.

• Save your customised method as a project for future use or for deployment to other sites.

What test sequence should I choose?

When starting out with the Texture Analyser, you may be using a pre-configured project or one you’ve developed that contains everything needed for testing, data analysis, and reporting, saved in a specific location. That’s great – you’re ready to begin testing your samples and gathering the required data.

Alternatively, if you are developing a new project or need to configure specific settings for the Texture Analyser (e.g., test speeds, distances, etc.), simply click on the TA Settings icon or menu option. This will open the following window:

You are asked to choose from a Library test - these are a set of pre-defined test sequences that have been provided with typical ways you will want to instruct your Texture Analyser to move in order to perform a test. A Return to Start test is the most popular test - the Texture Analyser moves down or up to a chosen distance (or strain or force) and then returns to the start position.

By clicking on a test in the list of options you are now able to see a description of that test in the right-hand panel and how it has been setup for your use.

3. Completely configure your Texture Analyser movements - Testmaker

• Testmaker (included with Exponent Connect) allows you to compile your own sequences from drag-and-drop arm movement commands. 

• Ideal for advanced users who need multi-stage tests, complex dwell/movement patterns or custom conditioning cycles.

• Use the Run a Test window to define file names, batch IDs, operator names, probe attachments, and sample dimensions. 

• Collect high-speed data (up to 2000 points per second) for fracture events, adhesive testing or other rapid phenomena. 

• Capture multi-channel inputs from additional measurement devices such as:

  • Acoustic Envelope Detector (synchronised sound)

  • Temperature and humidity sensors

  • Powder Flow Analyser and other devices

Real-time force-distance/time curves, with additional channels, are displayed in a live Graph window that supports annotations, axis changes, log scales and dual axes where needed.

The ability to plug-in additional measurement instruments is present in the instrument design to provide multi-channel data acquisition. This allows for many other measuring devices to be connected to the Texture Analyser and their data simultaneously collected, such as acoustic emission, temperature, humidity via Exponent Connect software.

The Graph can be annotated to highlight the areas of interest and its axes can be changed to display the data in different X and Y combinations. Logarithmic and second Y axes are also available to allow synchronous display of additionally collected data such as temperature.

Graph files can include photos of the sample tested, and can also be exported as .bmp or .jpg.

Once data is collected, Exponent Connect offers:

• Quick calculations - rapid extraction of common parameters such as peak force, area under the curve, gradient, time differences and more. 

• Advanced analysis - smoothing, inflection point detection and complex calculations for more demanding research.

• Customisable toolbars - keep only the calculations and icons you need for your day-to-day work.

Macros

Macros allow you to:

• Automate repetitive analysis and display steps.

• Standardise data processing across instruments, sites and operators.

• Annotate important regions on each curve automatically. 

Operators can focus on sample placement and starting the next test while macros handle analysis in the background.

Results spreadsheets

• Results are displayed in a customisable spreadsheet window, with multiple worksheets to separate parameters, results and user data. 

• Add extra calculation columns using your own or pre-stored formulae (e.g. standard deviation, averages, derived indices).

• Export spreadsheets, text and images to other Windows applications for further manipulation or integration. 

Exporting data

Spreadsheets, text or images can be exported to other Windows applications for further specific manipulation/presentation if required. Once your range of tests are performed the collection of parameters you have obtained can be collated into a 'fingerprint' of each sample.

Charts

• Build charts directly from results to compare batches, products or conditions.

• Use the Chart Designer to define chart types, axes, legends and styling.

• Create professional reports combining graphs, tables, images, logos, test settings, batch information and more - ideal for internal stakeholders, customers and auditors.

Education Zone

Within the Help menu, Exponent Connect gives you access to the Education Zone, which includes:

• Information on each probe and attachment

• Guidance on measuring different textural properties

• Data analysis tutorials and method development advice

• Instant access to product manuals

Sample graphs

• Around 300 sample graphs illustrating different curve shapes, test types and product behaviours.

• Dough inflation examples and ~200 Powder Flow Analyser curves for your reference, helping new users recognise typical profiles and troubleshoot unusual results.

We release Exponent Connect updates frequently to add new features, improve usability and support emerging applications. All updates are free for licensed users for the life of their instrument.

Visit our Software Updates page