Jihengpin ZGY-TA Computer-Controlled Texture Analyzer
| Brand | Jihengpin |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | ZGY-TA |
| Force Range | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg, or 50 kg (standard configuration: 20 kg) |
| Force Accuracy | ±0.5% of full scale |
| Displacement Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Position Accuracy | 0.001 mm |
| Test Speed Range | 0.1–10 mm/s (software-adjustable) |
| Speed Resolution | 0.1 mm/s (accuracy >99%) |
| Maximum Travel Distance | 320 mm |
| Data Acquisition Rate | >2000 samples/sec (4-channel simultaneous acquisition) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 500 × 500 × 1200 mm |
| Weight | 85 kg |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Standard Configuration | Main unit, proprietary control software, Lenovo PC, HP inkjet printer, three probes (5 mm cylinder, 20 mm cylinder, 25.4 mm flat plunger) |
Overview
The Jihengpin ZGY-TA Computer-Controlled Texture Analyzer is a precision electromechanical instrument engineered for objective, quantitative measurement of mechanical properties in soft-solid and semi-solid materials. Based on the principle of uniaxial compression, tension, puncture, extrusion, and shear deformation under controlled displacement or force conditions, the ZGY-TA applies programmable load profiles to samples while simultaneously recording high-fidelity force–displacement–time data. Its architecture follows standardized texture analysis methodology aligned with ASTM STP 1367, ISO 11357-3 (for thermoplastic behavior), and USP <721> guidelines for pharmaceutical solid dosage forms. Designed for reproducible inter-laboratory comparison, the system delivers traceable measurements critical for R&D validation, QC release testing, and regulatory documentation in food, pharma, cosmetic, and biomaterial applications.
Key Features
- High-stability mechanical frame with reinforced one-piece work surface and thickened upper crossbeam — minimizes vibration-induced noise and ensures long-term structural integrity during repeated cyclic loading.
- Precision ball-screw drive system coupled with a low-noise reduction motor and synchronous timing belt transmission — guarantees smooth, backlash-free vertical motion with sub-micron repeatability across the full 320 mm travel range.
- Multi-range interchangeable load cells (1–50 kg full-scale options) featuring temperature-compensated strain-gauge technology — calibrated to ±0.5% FS accuracy per ISO 376:2011 Class 0.5 requirements.
- Dual electromagnetic limit switches with adjustable upper/lower position settings — provides hardware-level overtravel protection independent of software control logic.
- Integrated emergency stop button compliant with IEC 60204-1 safety standards — enables immediate mechanical halt without reliance on controller firmware.
- Real-time dual-channel display of force (N or kgf), displacement (mm), and time (s) — synchronized at >2000 Hz sampling rate with four analog input channels for simultaneous multi-sensor operation (e.g., temperature, humidity, or auxiliary transducers).
- Windows-native control software supporting Win10/11 OS — offers preconfigured test methods (TPA, hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, gumminess), customizable parameter scripting, and automated pass/fail decision logic based on user-defined thresholds.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ZGY-TA accommodates diverse sample geometries and physical states via its modular probe and fixture interface — compatible with standard cylindrical, spherical, conical, wire-cut, Kramer shear, and Warner–Bratzler blade configurations. It supports routine testing of meat tenderness (per ASTM E1858), gel strength (per AOAC 977.21), cracker fracture energy (per AACC 74-09), tablet friability (per USP <1217>), and cosmetic spreadability (per ISO 16128-2). All hardware and firmware comply with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD), and software architecture supports audit trail generation, electronic signature capability, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data archiving when deployed in GLP/GMP environments.
Software & Data Management
The proprietary ZGY-TA Control Suite provides full lifecycle data handling: real-time curve overlay (force–displacement, force–time, stress–strain), statistical batch reporting (mean, SD, CV%, min/max), comparative analysis across multiple test runs, and export to CSV, TXT, or XML formats for integration with LIMS or ERP platforms. Raw datasets include timestamped metadata (operator ID, probe ID, calibration date, environmental conditions), enabling full traceability. Software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channel with version-controlled changelogs and backward-compatible file format support. Optional API modules allow programmatic access to test execution and result retrieval via Python or LabVIEW drivers.
Applications
This analyzer serves as a core instrumentation platform across sectors requiring objective texture quantification. In food science, it evaluates TPA parameters for bakery products, compressive yield stress in cheese, puncture resistance of fruits, and extrusion force of pastes. In pharmaceutical development, it measures tablet hardness, capsule shell elasticity, and hydrogel swelling kinetics. Cosmetic labs apply it to assess cream spreadability, lipstick breakage force, and mascara film flexibility. Biomedical researchers utilize it for characterizing hydrogel viscoelasticity, tissue-engineered scaffold stiffness, and wound dressing adhesion profiles. Educational institutions deploy it for hands-on teaching of material rheology, Hookean/non-Hookean behavior, and failure mode analysis.
FAQ
What force ranges are available, and how is calibration performed?
The ZGY-TA supports six interchangeable load cell options (1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 kg full scale), each factory-calibrated per ISO 376:2011 and supplied with NIST-traceable certificate. Users may switch cells without recalibration if within the same accuracy class.
Is the system compatible with third-party probes or fixtures?
Yes — the universal mounting interface conforms to ASTM F2150 standard dimensions and accepts ISO-standard threaded adapters (M6, M8, ¼”-20 UNC), enabling integration with commercial probes from Stable Micro Systems, TA Instruments, or custom-designed tooling.
Does the software support automated compliance reporting for FDA or EU audits?
When configured with optional Audit Trail and Electronic Signature modules, the software meets 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 requirements — including immutable log files, role-based access control, and timestamped operator authentication.
Can the ZGY-TA perform dynamic tests such as creep or stress relaxation?
Yes — using custom script mode, users can define multi-step protocols involving dwell periods, ramped loads, and variable hold times, enabling quasi-static creep, relaxation, and hysteresis loop characterization.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term measurement stability?
Annual verification against certified reference weights and displacement standards is recommended. Routine cleaning of the ball screw and lubrication per manufacturer schedule (every 6 months) maintains mechanical fidelity; no field sensor recalibration is needed between certifications.
