Texture analyzer, as the name suggests, is to measure the texture and structure of the sample. It obtains the physical properties, stress and strain of the sample through the three data measurement, Time, Force and Distance. These three are used as the basis to draw the texture curve for the acquirement of  the corresponding value after numerical calculation.

Measurement of Force

Force is measured through a loadcell. The electronic components inside the loadcell can convert the curvature into an analog electronic signal, and then convert it into digital data through the circuit and internal program. Digital signals can facilitate subsequent processing. The resolution of the loadcell is mainly determined by the circuit and program of this part. The quality of the loadcell itself also plays a decisive role, and is very important for the stability and accuracy of subsequent data.

Distance (Displacement) measurement

Distance measurement also plays an important role. Common high-accuracy motors include stepper motors and servo motors. Both motors can accurately control displacement and transmit displacement parameters in real time. Through the program inside the instrument, it is used as a component to control the movement of the probe. This type of motor needs to meet the characteristics of high precision, low vibration (to reduce the impact on the loadcell), and low noise (high quality of the instrument).

High precision ball screw

When the motor rotates, the high-precision ball screw drives the arm to move up and down. The movement of the arm drives the probe or fixture to move, and finally the displacement is transmitted to the sample.

Draw curves from three data: Time, Force and Distance

By continuously collecting the three data of force, time and displacement mentioned above, a series of raw data can be obtained. The number of raw data is determined according to the experimental requirements. In principle, the more the number of raw data per unit time, the more precise the curve can be obtained, and It can also respond to stress changes in the sample more immediately. However, a larger number also means that more noise is collected at the same time, and it also puts a burden on related hardware equipment.

Raw Data Format

Time (s)	Distance(mm)	Force(gf)
1	0	0
2	1	10
3	2	30
4	3	60
5	4	100
6	5	150
7	4	95
8	3	55
9	2	32
10	1	8
11	0	2

1. Force Vs. Time:

Force vs. Time plotting is the most important mode. Users can clearly see the changes in force generated by the sample as it changes over time.

2. Force Vs. Distance:

Force vs. Distance plotting is also a common plotting method, but compared to the first plotting method, it is less commonly used. This curve can directly show the force change when the distance changes, and can also see the elastic condition of the sample.

3. Distance Vs. Time:

This curve is relatively rare. It is mainly used to confirm whether the speed and distance settings are correct. It is only used in a few cases.