Brookfield CT3 Texture Analyzer - Manual (Page 30)

Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 30 Manual No. M08-372-C0113
Within a probe category, variations of geometry can be significant. It may require a larger force to
drive a cone of shallow angle as compared to a cone of steep angle. Similarly, a cylinder of large
diameter may require a larger force than a cylinder of small diameter. The selection of the probe
(type and size) will affect the test result.
Keep hands, fingers and other body parts clear of moving test probes when
operating instrument.
IV.3 Test Parameters
The CT3 Texture Analyzer will require the setting of several parameters depending upon the test
method selected (see Table III.1). In general, the following relationships will hold true for Speed
and Distance.
1) The measured load tends to increase as the test speed increases.
2) The measured load tends to increase as the compression distance increases. An exception
to this could be a material with an outer layer such as an apple, or one that fractures.
The Trigger Point establishes the minimum load required to begin the test. This is how the CT3
knows when the probe is touching the sample. This parameter should be set to a low value for a
material with a very delicate outer layer. Trigger value depends upon you load cell. Minimum
recommendations are shown in Table II.2.
The Hold Time allows for monitoring the response of a material as it is held compressed. Normally,
an increase in the Hold Time will result in a lower measured value, as the sample relaxes.
The Cycle Count provides a way of working a sample by compressing it repeatedly and monitoring
its response.
IV.4 Recommendations
The test results of a texture measurement are very dependent on both sample preparation and the
test method. When developing a method, Brookfield recommends that each parameter be varied
in turn to determine its effect on the results. (Note
: vary only one parameter at a time.) Once this
information is considered and a method established, the method should be documented in significant
detail. This will ensure good repeatability of results and good comparison with others who attempt
to duplicate your method.