SMS TA.XTplusC Connect Universal Texture Analyzer
| Brand | SMS |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | TA.XTplusC Connect / TA.HDplusC Connect |
| Force Range | 0.5–50 kgf |
| Force Resolution | 0.1 g |
| Test Speed Range | 0.01–40 mm/s |
| Maximum Travel Distance | 370 mm |
| Position Resolution | 0.001 mm |
| Data Acquisition Rate | >2,000 samples/sec (4-channel simultaneous capture) |
Overview
The SMS TA.XTplusC Connect is a high-precision universal texture analyzer engineered for objective, quantitative mechanical property assessment of soft solids and semi-solids across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and adhesive industries. Based on controlled-force compression, tension, extrusion, and penetration principles—consistent with ASTM STP 1489 and ISO 11357-3 methodologies—the instrument delivers reproducible measurements of hardness, fracturability, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, chewiness, and viscoelastic recovery. Its modular load cell architecture and closed-loop motorized drive system ensure compliance with GLP and GMP laboratory requirements, supporting audit-ready traceability for QC/QA workflows in regulated environments.
Key Features
- High-resolution force transduction with ±0.1 g repeatability, calibrated per ISO 376 and traceable to UKAS-accredited standards
- Programmable crosshead velocity from 0.01 to 40 mm/s, enabling precise simulation of chewing, spreading, or packaging-induced deformation
- Sub-micron positional accuracy (0.001 mm resolution) over 370 mm vertical travel, accommodating both small-scale gel probes and large-format packaged product testing
- Real-time 4-channel synchronized data acquisition at >2,000 Hz—capturing force, displacement, time, and auxiliary sensor inputs (e.g., temperature or torque) without aliasing
- Barcode-triggered test execution via integrated USB scanner interface, eliminating manual protocol selection and reducing operator-induced variability
- Remote operation capability via iOS/Android mobile app and web-based dashboard, supporting secure cloud sync and automated email report delivery upon test completion
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TA.XTplusC Connect accommodates diverse sample geometries—from 2 mm diameter gels to 150 mm × 150 mm retail-packaged confectionery—using interchangeable fixtures (e.g., Kramer shear cells, Warner-Bratzler blades, back-extrusion plates, and spherical probes). All hardware conforms to CE, UKCA, and IEC 61000-6-3 EMC directives. Software complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including full audit trail logging, user role-based access control, and immutable data archiving. Instrument validation documentation supports IQ/OQ/PQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and USP .
Software & Data Management
Texture Exponent Connect software provides ISO-compliant test method scripting, customizable pass/fail criteria, and statistical process control (SPC) charting. Preloaded methods include AACC 74-09 (bread firmness), ASTM F3050 (chewing gum resilience), and ISO 11357-3 (polymer melt elasticity). Users may define multi-stage sequences (e.g., pre-test equilibration → compression → hold → relaxation → retraction) with conditional branching logic. Raw data exports to CSV, Excel, and HDF5 formats; processed metrics comply with ASTM E1847 for inter-laboratory reproducibility reporting. Integrated literature library includes 400+ peer-reviewed application notes and video SOPs—indexed by material class and measured parameter—for rapid method development.
Applications
- Food R&D: Quantifying textural evolution during thermal processing (e.g., starch gelatinization, protein denaturation), shelf-life stability monitoring, and sensory correlation modeling (e.g., linking fracture energy to consumer “crunch” perception)
- Pharmaceutical QA: Tablet hardness, capsule shell brittleness, ointment spreadability, and hydrogel swelling kinetics per USP
- Cosmetic formulation: Cream viscosity profiling under shear ramp, lipstick break strength, and mascara film flexibility assessment
- Adhesive performance: Peel adhesion energy, tack force hysteresis, and cohesive failure threshold determination per PSTC-101
- Academic research: Biomaterial viscoelasticity mapping, 3D-printed food structure–function relationships, and plant tissue mechanical phenotyping
FAQ
What standards does the TA.XTplusC Connect support for regulatory compliance?
It meets ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability requirements, supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record integrity, and enables validation against ASTM, ISO, and USP monographs.
Can the instrument be integrated into an existing LIMS or MES environment?
Yes—via RESTful API and OPC UA connectivity, allowing bidirectional data exchange with LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, and Siemens Opcenter platforms.
Is technical training provided for method development and instrument qualification?
SMS offers on-site IQ/OQ support, certified operator training workshops, and remote mentoring through its global application scientist network—complemented by 24/7 access to the Texture Exponent Knowledge Base.
How is force calibration maintained over long-term use?
The system features auto-zeroing before each test cycle and optional NIST-traceable deadweight verification kits for periodic in-house recalibration—documented per ISO 9001 clause 7.1.5.2.
Does the software support multilingual user interfaces?
Yes—English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese UI options are available, with context-sensitive help localized to regional regulatory terminology.
