|
January 2014 | To notify a colleague please click here | www.stablemicrosystems.com |
       |
 |
We have now introduced a new 500g loadcell to provide even more precision in low force applications. We have always advised on the importance of choosing the correct loadcell capacity to meet the needs of the typical force measuring range for each application. To support this advice, we have historically provided a range of loadcell capacities from 5kg to 750kg. For those users measuring low forces, such as in the testing of gels, dough and films, it is important to obtain a force measurement with high precision and minimal noise variation when the force range can be down at 10s of grams. This new loadcell provides a high resolution force output and noise reduced to at least ten times less than its 30kg counterpart. It also offers the setting of considerably lower trigger forces than is possible from other loadcell capacities, whilst also being a mechanically robust solution. The 500g loadcell features a unique fitting system using a single thumb-operated screw. The kit includes all necessary equipment and instructions for fitting, calibration and use. For more information on this, or on any of our range of loadcells, please email us. |
 |
Is it making a mess and proving to be a calibration frustration? In modern bakeries, it is increasingly important to have a precise and rapid method for the measurement of the volume of bread loaves, enabling control and monitoring of bread-making conditions and manufacturing operations. Traditionally, volume measurements have been obtained by the technique of seed displacement, in which the amount of rape seed or pearl barley packing around the loaf in a standard container is measured. However the following drawbacks which affect the efficiency, accuracy of the measurement and usability are commonly known in the baking industry: • Repeated calibration necessary The Volscan Profiler is a benchtop laser-based scanner that measures the volume of bread and bakery products. This non-contact measurement system offers considerable advantages over contact and displacement techniques which purely measure volume. The rapid 3-dimensional digitisation of products enables the automatic calculation of several detailed dimension related parameters, the results of which may be mathematically manipulated for immediate use or future retrieval in a variety of data formats. Manufacturers have a precise and fast method for the measurement of the volume of bakery products in order to be able to control and monitor the breadmaking conditions and ingredient performance. So let us sow a new seed for you - the VolScan Profiler. Non-contact, accurate, fast computer-controlled measurement of volume for baked products. Here's to a seedless lab floor! To find out more and receive a brochure click here. |
 |
Request our haircare product articles The science of texture analysis has numerous applications in the manufacture of haircare products and their packaging. Not only can the texture analyser apply specifically designed test methods to the development of these products and to the maintenance of high standards in production, but it can also be used to validate claims about product performance. Shampoos and conditioners must not only fulfil the claims manufacturers make about their effect on hair quality, but must be easy and pleasant to use. Recent market analysis paints a picture of contrast in today’s haircare and hair styling market. While global retail sales of haircare products increased by 5% in 2011, stagnation is the watchword for the UK, France and Germany – Europe’s major markets – particularly in basic products like shampoos, where market penetration has reached almost 100%. As a result, it is more important than ever for manufacturers to be able to differentiate their products and substantiate claims about them. Extensive work recently completed by International Specialty Products (ISP) has focused on quantifying the effectiveness of hair products not only by testing the products themselves – conditioning shampoos, conditioners, fixatives and so on – but also by testing treated hair samples.
Two articles highlighting the varied applications of texture analysis in this field have recently been published and are now available to you in PDF format. Click here or here to request either or both of these articles. |
   |
Measure more than force • Acoustic Envelope Detector The Acoustic Envelope Detector provides a means of measuring the acoustic energy release during a physical test. Acoustic emission in the audible range up to 12kHz is measured and transformed into an analogue voltage that represents the amount of acoustic energy release from the product as a function of time. This voltage is measured while the instrument simultaneously measures the mechanical response of the product in force, distance and time. Detailed analysis and research have allowed the design of an device that has high sensitivity to the frequencies emitted by such crispy or crunchy products but low sensitivity to any mechanical noise emitted by the Texture Analyser. Click here for more information on the Acoustic Envelope Detector... • Powder Flow Analyser The Powder Flow Analyser is an accurate and reliable method of measuring the flow characteristics of powders. It can be rapidly fitted to a Stable Micro Systems Texture Analyser and enables manufacturers to assess and avoid typical problems such as batch and source variation of ingredients, caking during storage/transportation and problems with discharging from hoppers or bins. During the test, axial force, time and distance are measured and sample results can be ranked and compared to assess the impact of external conditions including humidity and moisture content, surface properties, electrostatic charge and particle or granule size, shape and distribution. Click here for more information on the Powder Flow Analyser... • Measure Pressure and Volume The D/R Dough Inflation System measures dough extensional rheology under conditions of strain similar to those of baking expansion, and enables the rheological properties of both dough and gluten to be measured during biaxial stretching. The system combines ease of use with automatic data collection and rapid project based data analysis. The procedure requires minimum handling of the dough when preparing samples. Typical results include baking strength, tenacity, extensibility and elasticity. Click here for more information on the Dough Inflation System... • Measure Temperature and Humidity There are many products that are ‘temperature critical’ and which need testing at a specific non-ambient temperature or range of temperatures to provide reproducible comparative texture analysis results. Stable Micro Systems solve these temperature associated problems by offering a range of temperature control solutions to suit various temperature range and testing dimension requirements. Humidity Temperature Module This module adds to the versatility of the Texture Analysers by providing the facility to capture temperature and humidity data during a test. Peltier Systems The Temperature Controlled Peltier Cabinet and Temperature Controlled Peltier Plate provide a highly stable and accurate testing environment for many products. The temperature controllers comprise the Peltier Plate or Cabinet coupled to a separate Peltier Control Unit (PCU). The temperature controllers will also interface with the Exponent software package so you can set and record temperature data. Thermal Cabinets Thermal cabinets solve the problems usually associated with the testing of hot and cold products such as molten cheese, ice cream, adhesives or waxes. Thermal cabinets with liquid nitrogen cooling and electric heating provide an accurately controlled temperature environment over the temperature range of -40°C to +180°C. Temperature Probe A PT100 thermocouple probe that plugs into the PT100 connector on the Texture Analyser and gives direct measurement over the temperature range -50°C to 250°C. Two probes can be connected via the PT100 ports to log data simultaneously from separate locations. Click here for more information on Temperature and Humidity Measurement and Control... • Measure Resistance: Resistance Conversion Unit The Resistance Conversion Unit enables the characterisation of Electro-mechanical products by measuring and analysing the force-distance and resistance-distance properties co-incidentally. Typical applications include: measuring the change of resistance of push button and membrane micro-switches; characterisation of conductive gaskets in compression; measurement of the peel strength of printed circuit board track; and the strength of crimp joints. Click here for more information on the Resistance Conversion Unit... • Synchronise Captured Video: Video Capture and Synchronisation System Some Texture Analysis tests occur either very quickly or contain transient events which are easily missed. Such characteristics can be due to the brittle or ‘crunchy’ nature of the product or to the test protocol, such as rapid probe withdrawal during the adhesive ‘tack’ test. In such cases, test features may be missed visually and therefore video capture of the test that allows for replay will be useful. Click here for more information on the Video Capture and Synchronisation System... |
 |
We have made all of our product manuals available in .pdf format, free upon request to our users. Please ensure that your e-mail account quota is not exceeded by the manual(s) you have requested, as this is the most common delivery failure. To request any of these documents, please select your requirements on the Product Manual Request page of www.stablemicrosystems.com |
There is a range of application area specific videos on Stable Micro Systems’ YouTube Channel, accessible from www.stablemicrosystems.com Use the Video Channel > Texture Channel link from the left menu panel of our website to find the YouTube TextureAnalysis’s Channel screen. If you click on the Videos by Industry option on the right of the page, you'll be able to view a selection of our videos, giving you some insight into how Texture Analysis can have a positive impact on your testing regime, and how Stable Micro Systems in particular can help you maintain the highest standards in both research and development and quality control. Whether your speciality is adhesives, baked products, cosmetics, fruit and vegetables, meat, packaging or powders, we are confident that we can help you achieve better products. |
Download our screensaver, which highlights many of the uses of a TA.XTplus Texture Analyser.
Just as any normal screensaver, this activates when your PC is inactive for a specified period of time (with optional sound) to display a video guiding you through many texture analysis possibilities.
You can either download this free screensaver from the Software Download section of our website, click on the link in the Exponent splashscreen that is displayed when you open your software, or find the file: Install_StableMicroSystemsGen_SCR.exe on our latest DVD (for versions 5,1,1,0 and higher).
Our representatives will be available at each of these events. Please visit us on our stand to discuss your texture analysis problems and requirements – we will be only too pleased to help you! |
Stable Micro Systems will be appearing at the following events in the first few months of 2014: • Nutraformulate • Food Structure & Functionality Symposium • 9th PBP World Meeting • In-Cosmetics |
 |
Our one day user training courses are designed for anyone wishing to obtain the maximum benefit from the use of our texture analysis equipment and software. Places on UK Training Courses are now available for booking throughout 2014: • Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Book your place today – email: sales@stablemicrosystems.com |
 |
All of the software packages below are available for download from our website within the Software Download section: • Exponent/Exponent Lite – 6.1.5.0 You may also download our free Texture Analysis Screensaver from this page. |
To notify a colleague please click here | Back to top
Products | Applications | About us | Contact us | News | Brochure request | Manual request | Upgrades | Testing Advice | Training
Vienna Court, Lammas Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1YL, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 1483 427345 | Facsimile: +44 (0) 1483 427600
E-mail: sales@stablemicrosystems.com | Website: www.stablemicrosystems.com
Registered at Cardiff No. 1702660 | Registered Office as above.
©2014 Stable Micro Systems Ltd. All rights reserved. Products and specifications subject to change without notice.
Volscan Profiler, TA.XTplus, TA.HDplus, TA.XT2i, Exponent, Texture Expert and Texture Expert Exceed are trademarks of Stable Micro Systems.
Stable Micro Systems are not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.
Privacy Statement: When you subscribe to the Stable Micro Systems User Newsletter, you can be assured that your email address will not be sold, exchanged, or in any way shared with third parties. Your privacy is important to us. We keep your personal information private, and will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you requested. You can unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time.
UNSUBSCRIBE | NOTIFY A COLLEAGUE | CONTACT US | BACK TO TOP