What test sequence should I choose?

September 2024

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:

This window will also appear if you have just re-opened your Exponent Connect software and click on the TA Settings icon or menu item.

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.

When you’ve decided on which test sequence you want to use then click on OK. The explanation for that test will stay in the right-hand panel and the relevant TA Settings will appear for you to choose.

You can place your mouse over any parameter to see what it does – so you can understand if you need to change any parameter settings.

Clicking on a parameter will take you to advice on that parameter in the right-hand panel if there is any.

The Education Zone has also been updated with an explanation of each of the main library tests that are provided along with animations of how the tests work: