Frequently asked questions

Stable Micro Systems have delivered instruments to 105 countries in the world via a distributor network of trained experts of our products. Find out where your nearest distributor is located.

You can find the distributor who is closest to you on our distributor page.

It’s natural to have a demonstration of our products to see typical results from the testing of your sample(s).  

For a quick video view and text summary to understand the basics why not try the following options:   

How a TA works

How a Volscan Profiler works

How a Ceramscan works

How a Powder Flow Analyser works

Once you’ve understood how the instrument you’re interested in works why not request a demonstration which can be arranged at your site or online.

Absolutely. Request a quote online or contact us with your product specifications.

By requesting a quote from us (or our distributors) you will be asked several questions. In order to assist you in the correct selection of probes and attachments we will need you to explain the intended types of tests you wish to perform or measurements (properties) you wish to obtain.

Orders can be placed via your local distributor who will take care of your specific requirements and advise on the best testing solution, keeping you in touch with your delivery time and installation and training needs.

Shipping time depends on the product and location. Standard orders are typically ready to ship within 30 days and small orders of attachments and accessories are typically stock items which can arrive within 1 week. Delivery of bespoke design items will depend on complexity, special material availability and manufacture times which will change according to time of year.

Most distributors offer on-site installation or virtual guidance.

Yes! We offer in-person training, online training sessions, user manuals and video tutorials to help you get started.

In order to establish whether your product can be successfully tested using one of our instruments it is usual to either send a few samples or have a Sales representative visit your site with the instrument.  When establishing the suitability of an instrument or method it is common practise to test a range of your samples including not only ‘perfect’ or ideal samples but also those that are considered not ideal which would fail your current quality control procedure.  The testing of a range of products like this will allow you to understand more easily how the instrument will work on your samples in order to separate samples that are different.

Unfortunately, Stable Micro Systems does not offer a testing service but in some parts of the world there are known sites who have purchased our instruments in order to offer this service.  Please get in touch with us as we may be able to recommend a suitable testing site near to you.

The answer to this and many other questions is explained on our Beginners Guide to Texture Analysis page.

Our instruments cater to various industries and testing needs. You can use our Product comparison chart or contact your distributor for guidance.

Everyone’s testing requirements are different and that is why we offer a range of instrument models, force capacities, software package options and hundreds of attachments for our instruments.  Some solutions are extremely simple and only require a simple test whilst other enquiries are looking at an instrument that not only solves their immediate wide sample testing needs but will allow the adaptability of future unknown sample testing needs.  No order (and therefore quotation) is likely to be the same as we are dedicated to only providing solutions that suit your needs rather the provision of sets of testing fixtures that include unnecessary items.

Note to consider when comparing quotes from instrument manufacturers:

The world of texture analysis is one of constant development, and scientific discovery. Always advancing into new and often unexpected fields of testing, it is an exciting and absorbing area of research, and one which is also of considerable commercial importance. Whatever your requirements, whether at the most complex end of the product development spectrum, or in the demanding if repetitive area of quality assurance, you need to think carefully about how you can achieve the best possible value for your budget. Bear in mind that the availability of in-depth education, specialised test design services and free testing advice is especially important as you start work on your early texture analysis projects. While there may be alternatives which are apparently cheaper, there is no real substitute for many years of scientific study, engineering development and ground-breaking software authoring. In short, Stable Micro Systems’ Plus Connect Texture Analysers and Exponent Connect software offer you a blend of capability, expandability and value for money which is quite simply unmatched anywhere in the world.

When it comes to choosing the right instrument for physical or mechanical property measurement there will be a list of considerations.  Top priorities will include the quality of the instrument, its reliability, ease of use and the repeatability/accuracy of its measurements.

Whilst cheaper instruments are available they may be at the expense of more flexibility and adaptability to provide additional measurements at a later date, future-proof software and quality of support.

The quality of the data will also be extremely important to you which is why we provide data acquisition rates of 2000 points per second. If you’re looking to test samples that fracture or have events that occur quickly during a test you’ll need to collect as much test detail as possible. Alternative Texture Analysers providing low data acquisition rates will not be able to measure fracture quickly enough. The same is true for the measurement of stickiness if this product property is important to you. This parameter will also require the ability to accurately control the force applied to the sample before pulling away. The lack of applied force control will make the measurement of adhesive characteristics impossible.

You’ll need to make sure that the instrument you have in mind is suited to the measurement application and provides the accuracy and repeatability that you require to make informed decisions regarding your product quality. No other instrument is as versatile or adaptable as ours – we measure so much more than force.

For a more comprehensive overview, read our Texture Analyser Buying Guide: 7 questions you need to ask.

Yes. We offer custom probes, attachments, and macro writing requests (for your specific data analysis) to meet unique testing requirements.

The choice of probe or attachment depends on the product's texture and the specific property being measured. Flat plates are often used for products with a smooth, consistent texture, while specific probes like needles or blades might be used for products that require penetration or cutting tests. The decision may also be influenced by the test standard or protocol being followed, which often specifies the appropriate equipment to use for consistent, comparable results. Choosing the right testing attachments is something that we will help you with to optimise your testing solution.

The geometry and size of the probe used in testing can significantly influence the results, as different shapes and sizes interact uniquely with the sample. Selection depends on the test objective and the sample's physical properties to mimic real-world interactions accurately.

We can create one. With decades of experience in texture analysis, Stable Micro Systems offers the widest range of instruments, probes, and attachments — over 200 in total — to suit almost any application.

If your testing requires something unique, our in-house mechanical, electronic, and software engineers can design bespoke probes or attachments to meet your exact specifications. We work closely with customers to develop solutions that deliver precise, reliable results for both routine measurements and advanced research.

Our global distributor network and technical team are always available to discuss your requirements and help you find (or create) the perfect testing setup.

Typical texture analysis involves the collection and interpretation of Force, Distance and Time data. When you buy a Plus model of Texture Analyser from Stable Micro Systems you are purchasing the opportunity to measure so much more than force.

Our Plus models allow the connection of a wide range of additional optional devices which provide, for example, the synchronised measurement of acoustics, temperature, video capture, or weight change during your texture analysis/physical property measurement test which can be plotted via a second y-axis. In addition, the adaptation of your instrument to measure dough inflation properties, powder flow analysis, and penetrometry are also available at the initial purchase of your instrument or chosen as add-ons at a later date.

A Vernier (allowing linear distance measurements to be fed directly into Exponent Connect software as part of the test sequence) or Barcode Scanner (enabling a product barcode to be scanned to automatically select the correct project ready for testing, allowing automation and reducing user error) may both easily be connected to your PC and are able to communicate with Exponent to effectively perform their task. The ability to automate your testing, with an Automated Sample Indexing System to speed up your sample measurement throughput, may be a future efficiency decision. Later, you may wish to provide additional safety measures by performing your texture analysis within a Safety Interlock Cabinet.

Regular maintenance and calibration are essential for ensuring accurate and consistent results from a Texture Analyser. This typically involves checking for wear and tear on probes and attachments and verifying/calibrating the force measurements using certified weights.

Step by step instructions on how to calibrate force, height and frame stiffness are available within Exponent/ Connect Help files and the Getting Started Guide or Quick Start Guide that came with your instrument. PDF copies of our guides can be sent on request. 

While Texture Analysers are designed to be user-friendly, proper training is recommended to ensure operators understand how to select the correct test parameters, use different probes and attachment, and interpret the data accurately. We offer training courses (in person and online) and provide Manuals and Quick Start Guides for our products.

Yes – we provide everything you need to build confidence in texture analysis, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user expanding into new applications.

Our Education Zone offers a complete library of learning materials, including tutorials, animations, and video demonstrations to guide you step-by-step through instrument setup, test creation, and data analysis.

You’ll also have access to hundreds of Application Studies, data analysis guides, and references to published research using Stable Micro Systems instruments. These resources will help you understand testing principles, explore new techniques, and discover how others in your field are applying texture analysis.

No one knows more about texture analysis than we do - and we’re here to help you get the most out of your instrument.

Temperature can significantly impact the textural properties of a product, affecting its hardness, elasticity, and other parameters. A Texture Analyser can be equipped with Thermal Cabinets or Peltier Plates to assess how texture changes with temperature, crucial for products whose consumption temperature varies.

Consistent sample preparation is critical for reliable texture analysis. Variations in size, shape, or condition of the test sample can lead to inconsistent results. Standardising sample preparation ensures that the texture measurements are accurate and reproducible.

Heterogeneous samples can present challenges for texture analysis, as variations within the sample may lead to inconsistent results. Techniques such as averaging results from multiple tests, testing in ‘bulk’, or preparing homogeneous sample blends can help mitigate this issue.

The orientation of a sample during testing can significantly impact the measured textural properties, especially for anisotropic materials where texture varies in different directions. It's important to standardize sample orientation for consistent results.

Texture Analysers are equipped with a range of force capacities and probe options to handle samples of varying hardness, from very soft gels to hard candies. Adjusting the test speed, load cell, and probe type allows for accurate measurements across a broad spectrum of textures.

While directly measuring juiciness or moistness is challenging, Texture Analysers can assess related properties such as water release under compression, which can serve as an indirect measure of these qualities in products like fruits or meat.

Yes, Texture Analysers can be set up to mimic the conditions under which a product is consumed or used including the force, speed, and direction of the test probe's movement. This allows manufacturers to understand how the product will behave in real-life scenarios like when you break a biscuit in half or when you peel off an adhesive, ensuring it meets consumer expectations and is fit for purpose.

Texture analysis can provide valuable data on how a product's texture changes over time, which can be used to estimate its shelf-life. By simulating storage conditions and measuring textural changes, manufacturers can predict how long a product will retain its desired qualities.

Texture Analysers are versatile instruments that can measure the texture of a wide range of products, from solid foods like bread and cheese to semi-solid products like creams and gels, as well as liquid emulsions. Different attachments and probes are used to accommodate various textures and consistencies, but liquid samples often result in the measurement of extremely low forces, making precise texture measurement and sample differentiation by sensitive load cells challenging.

A Texture Analyser can test liquid samples in specific cases, such as:

• Gels and semi-liquids (e.g., sauces, creams, yoghurt) where it can measure firmness, adhesiveness, and consistency.
• Penetration and adhesion tests on highly viscous liquids or gels where a probe can create resistance.
• Back extrusion tests to evaluate flow resistance in semi-liquid products.

A Texture Analyser is commonly accepted as an instrument used to measure physical properties of a material related to its texture, such as hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and elasticity whereas a Materials Testing machine is more traditionally associated with the measurement of properties such as strength, toughness, stiffness of materials.  As such a Texture Analyser is more commonly found in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as well as in materials science research whereas Materials Testers are more commonly found in industries such as aerospace, automotive and construction due to their requirement to operate in a higher force range.

Both instruments employ a Load Cell which is moved upwards and downwards (providing tensile and compressive actions) to apply controlled forces to the material and measure the response of the material to those forces and can therefore be applied in all industries with varying degrees of measurement expertise and fixture specialities available.

The best test of instrument suitability is to assess what application and property measurement the instrument needs to satisfy, over what force range and whether a specific attachment or analysis is required for the testing of the sample.

The speed at which a test is conducted can affect the measurement of textural properties. Different products may require different test speeds to accurately simulate the conditions under which the product is consumed or used, making speed an important variable to control.

Exponent Connect software has data sharing, sending, comparing and displaying as fundamental issues of its use. We allow you to design projects, macros, result spreadsheets and reports to suit your requirements and always assume that at some point you will want to share, distribute and overlay your historical data for comparison purposes. We’ve inserted ‘Mail To’ buttons wherever possible and provided a wide range of file formats for curves (.jpg, .bmp) spreadsheets (.xml, .html, .tab) and reports (.pdf, .rtf) so that recipients, who maybe don’t have Exponent Connect software, have other options available to view your data.

Comparing your data with others, or data you obtained months ago, by overlaying curves, is of key importance to your analytical use of the software – that’s why the number of curves you can fit onto one axes is endless (and not limited to the viewing of one curve at a time like alternative texture analysis software) and you’ll always be able to read your data – no matter how old it is.

We have long recognised the need to constantly expand the wealth of possibilities of testing, presentation formats and analytical solutions in our Exponent Connect software.

However, we also recognise that a considerable percentage of users require a simple test and data analysis solution, that users may be testing in a high-throughput production environment at varying skill levels, or that users require a quick, easy-to-operate method on an infrequent basis. For this reason, we offer two software options: Exponent Connect (offers sophistication and flexibility) or Exponent Connect Lite (offers simplicity, while permitting an upgrade to Exponent Connect at a later date if required).

Regardless of what package you initially choose, we can assure you of unmatched, continuously-enhanced software – with updates available to download free of charge from our website. If you’re on our newsletter mailing list, we’ll email you automatically to tell you there’s a new version available to download. Updates include new features that have been suggested by our users, additional application studies written for your interest, sample project files included for your use and extension of our abstracts that highlight the use of the Texture Analyser in scientific research.

Stable Micro Systems can guarantee that Exponent Connect software is operational in the latest Windows operating systems. This is important to consider as, when your laboratory computer goes down and a new one is installed, you’re likely to have a newer Windows operating system. As far as we know, alternative texture analysis software does not operate with Windows 7 and higher – but we’re checking the future is fully-functional for you all of the time.

Yes, our software is LIMS-compatible and supports data export for external analysis.

Yes, our Texture Analysers are capable of automation, allowing for high-throughput testing and reducing human error. Automation is particularly beneficial in industrial settings where large numbers of samples need to be analysed efficiently. Various probe adapters are also available for quick changing to speed up testing by avoiding the need to clean probes for each test in a batch.

Yes, texture analysis data can often be correlated with sensory panel evaluations to establish objective criteria for textural properties that align with consumer perceptions. This correlation helps in developing products that meet specific sensory profiles. Correlation and transfer of sensory panel data is outside of the scope of our services as each company has different setups and requirements.

Texture analysis is crucial in competitive product analysis for benchmarking against industry standards or competitors' products. It provides objective, quantifiable data on how a product compares in terms of texture, aiding in strategic product positioning and development.

Results from texture analysis guide formulation optimisation by identifying how variations in ingredients, concentrations, or processing conditions affect the product's textural properties. This iterative process helps in refining the product to meet specific texture goals.

The appropriate force range depends on the expected strength of the sample. It's important to choose a range that is sensitive enough to detect meaningful differences in texture without exceeding the instrument's maximum force capacity.

Texture analysis data provides objective, quantitative measurements that can be used to set quality standards and benchmarks for production. Regular testing of products against these benchmarks helps identify deviations early, ensuring consistent product quality.

In product development, texture analysis is used to evaluate prototypes, compare with competitor products, and ensure that new formulations meet the desired textural properties. It's an essential tool for R&D teams to innovate and refine products before market launch.

The Volscan Profiler and Ceramscan were originally developed as a non-contact laser-based means of measuring volume of solid materials for use in quality control or research and development environments. During the measurement of the compound calculation of volume, product length, height and width are simply derived alongside other dimensions of the sample. The instrument’s Load Cell allows the basic weight measurement which along with volume then ultimately allows the calculations of Specific Volume and Density. All of these measured parameters are useful in the assessment of samples at various stages of their production or growth cycle or as a quality indicator of the finished product. All products are likely to have an optimum volume, density etc. which acts as a benchmark of for a particular product and any deviations of these values are likely to affect customer satisfaction or the structural integrity of the product.

The price of a Volscan Profiler or Ceramscan can vary depending on the specific model, the requirement for additional accessories and various constantly changing factors such as location, currency exchange rate and specific supplier import duty tariffs.  It is best to request a quote via our online form and receive up-to-date pricing information from your local distributor.

Top priorities will include the quality of the instrument, its reliability, ease of use, and the repeatability/accuracy and ability to verify its measurements.

Whilst cheaper methods to the measurement of volume/density are available they may be at the expense of more flexibility and adaptability to provide additional measurements at a later date, future-proof software and quality of support.

You might like to read our '7 Tough Questions to ask before purchasing a Volume Measuring Instrument' to give you advice when buying.

It offers a non-contact, laser-based alternative to displacement or manual measurement methods, providing higher accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency.

When making any kind of measurement you’ll want it to be as repeatable and accurate as possible and without any operator dependence. After all, what’s the point of measuring if your variation in results are so high? Likewise, your testing should not be dependent on who is performing the measurement or rely solely on visual and manual recording.

In 2015 the Volscan Profiler was awarded the certificate of approval as an AACCI Standard Method with reference 10.16.01. The Method was taken through a collaborative study with 9 other laboratories in 4 countries who followed the procedure and reported their results from the measurement of the same samples. The Volscan Profiler has also reported results that are more accurate and repeatable than any other commercially available volume measuring instrument in this field. What’s more, this accuracy can be further improved by reducing the step size for each measurement (optional from 0.05 – 50mm). The Volscan Profiler software is able to display the duration that each test will take (based on its length) and the operator can then adjust the test time according to their choice of speed or accuracy. Whilst a typical test can take 28 seconds, the accuracy can be increased further by scanning at smaller increments – the choice is yours.

View a video of the Standard Method for Volscan use.

For comparison of the mercury immersion method for density measurement vs, the Ceramscan, you can read the third-party summary of validation here.

All displacement methods have volume measuring limitations. Porous materials cannot be displaced by fluid. Mercury displacement is forbidden in many nations because it is toxic. Gas displacement methods are expensive or measure small samples. Seed displacement, which measures the amount of rape seed or pearl barley surrounding the bread in a standard container, is now regarded rudimentary, imprecise, and difficult and the baking business is aware of the limitations that reduce efficiency, measurement accuracy, and usability. But with all of these displacement techniques you may also need to ask yourself: Why settle with one-value measurement?

The tabletop laser-based Volscan Profiler/Ceramscan examines solid product volume, density, and dimensions. This non-contact measurement technology outperforms volumetric contact and displacement methods. Rapid 3-dimensional digitisation of products allows the automatic determination of multiple detailed dimension-related parameters, which can be quantitatively adjusted for immediate use or future retrieval in various data formats. The software permits test parameters input, displays test results as 2D and 3D profiles, archives test data in spreadsheets, and provides an optional report. Laser-based volume measurement can measure items that displacement methods cannot owing to texture, porosity, or size. Support options allow soft, thin, or brittle objects with sensitive structures to be mounted in the instrument. You may also consider X-rays as a possible solution but they are expensive, dangerous, and require expert operators. The Volscan Profiler's/Ceramscan's eye-safe laser makes density measurement the safest. It offers the most dimension-based parameters and the widest measuring envelope in its class.

Laboratory time is valuable, thus operators will want to collect the fastest and most comprehensive readings from any testing rather than put together measurements from numerous equipment. Digital measuring systems can replace contact or displacement methods that measure one parameter with procedures that measure a larger variety of direct measurement parameters and can transform these parameters into additional measures, providing more decision-making tools for product quality.

Digital volume measurement includes product length, height, and width since volume is derived from these dimensions. The instrument's Load Cell allows for basic weight measurements and Specific Volume and Density measurements, which are also useful. We added surface area measuring by customer request, showing that the programme is always growing to meet users' needs. User-defined parameters and calculations are also possible. The instrument's unique calculations increase its usefulness and provide production decision tools not accessible from any other volume measuring approach. In fast-paced industries, rapid product measurement and provision of automatically calculated quality control pass or fail benchmarks is key to manufacturing intelligence and success. Our tool definitely measures so much more than volume.

An instrument of this nature is a long-term investment. You’ll therefore want to make sure that its application is as universal as possible. Whilst your initial application requirements might be obvious you’ll want to make sure that your instrument can be applied to as wide a range of products as possible. Make sure you get the most value-added, feature rich instrument for your money to take your laboratory needs well into the future!

As the Volscan Profiler/Ceramscan provides the largest sample testing envelope in comparison to other laser volume measuring instruments, the scope of potential test samples extends much wider. The choice and configuration of spikes and skewers for product support depend on the dimensions and texture (e.g. brittleness, softness), weight, centre of gravity and contact area with the base. The aim is to provide vertical stability without damaging the sample structure and thereby allowing an accurate measurement of its dimensions and volume to be recorded during the test. For customers who are looking for ways to support solid materials, or types of products, that cannot be supported by an array of spikes they can choose to have an additional alternative product support which accommodates circular disposable inserts magnetically. These provide the means to ‘adhere’ their sample to the insert and allow for quick removal and replacement between tests. Disposable inserts are provided in batches of 50 and may or may not be reusable, according to the chosen adhesive for sample anchoring.

Volscan Profiler software has data sharing, sending, comparing and displaying as fundamental issues of its use. We always assume that at some point you will want to share and distribute your historical data for comparison purposes.

We’ve inserted ‘Mail To’ buttons wherever possible and provided a wide range of file formats for data (.jpg, .bmp), spreadsheets (.xml, .html, .tab) and reports (.pdf, .rtf) so that others who may not have Volscan Profiler software have other options available to view your data. 

From the moment your instrument arrives, we’re here to help you get started and achieve reliable results quickly.

Each system comes with a Getting Started Guide for easy installation, calibration, and sample setup, plus a full user manual and built-in Help files within the software. These resources walk you through every feature and include practical examples to help you develop repeatable methods and interpret your results with confidence.

Best of all, we offer FREE technical support for the lifetime of your instrument. Our expert team and trained global distributors are always available to assist with setup, troubleshooting, and method development — even years after your purchase.

If you ever need advice on testing a new product or refining your method, our Test Advice Service connects you directly with our in-house applications laboratory for confidential, expert guidance.

While minimal preparation is needed, ensuring that samples are clean and properly positioned can enhance measurement accuracy. The device's software typically includes guidelines for optimal sample preparation.

In some cases, highly reflective or absorptive surfaces may affect laser scanning. However, the device is generally well-equipped to handle a wide range of product colours and surfaces through calibration and setting adjustments.

Regular cleaning and occasional calibration checks are recommended to maintain accuracy. The manufacturer provides specific guidelines for maintenance.

Yes, it can measure frozen products, provided they fit within the scanning chamber and their surfaces are suitable for laser scanning.

The measurement of a pizza mounted on its diameter and a fresh fish are typical examples of when freezing the sample will provide the necessary rigidity to be mounted successfully without sample sag.