Food Testing Fixtures
Texture Profile Analysis is the physical study of foods and consumer goods. The science is used to evaluate how consumers will respond to certain physical properties of food products. Terms such as "Gumminess" and "Fracturability" actually have a mathematical formula associated with them that can be tested for.
Typically, a food testing procedure will involve the use of a compression probe which moves down and punctures the sample. A force curve that measures position vs. load can be generated and analyzed. This simulated chewing data is studied and used to predict desirable qualities in the food product. Other similar procedures are used to help improve the manufacturability and automation of a food production process.
