Texture Analyzer, brand name or equal to TZ.XTPlusC, 650H with software, consumables and installation/training

Notice ID: 12905B21Q0096

Contract Award Number: 12905B21P0285

Description: Texture Analyzer, brand name or equal to TZ.XTPlusC, 650H with software, consumables and installation/training

The TA.XTPlusC texture analyzer 650 H with Exponent Software and 50 kg load cell is the latest model manufactured by Stable Micro Systems for the mechanical testing of food.

• Technical specification requirements: There needs to be a height no more than 650 mm, 30 kg load cell, load cell accuracy of 0.5% of reading down to 1% at load cell capacity, 0.1 g displayed force resolution, speed range of 0.01-40 mm/s, and sample testing area of 247x228 mm. The weight of the instrument should not exceed 15 kg.
• Measurement requirements: The texture analyzer needs to be portable (to be able to move it to storage easily when not in use) and measure up to 50 kg in force (to measure firmness of nectarines at all ripeness stages). The texture analyzer needs to be able to assess textural properties by capturing force, distance and time data at high and consistent speed. The probe must have the capability of speed control for accurate and consistent data. The texture analyzer needs to be able to use different probes and fixtures according to the required test method. In particular, the texture analyzer must be able to use a puncture probe with 2 mm diameter and 25 mm long. The arm of the texture analyzer containing the loadcell should move down to penetrate or compress the product, and then returns to its initial position.
• Safety requirement: There must be an emergency stop button.
• Software requirements: The data needs to be displayed and recorded by Exponent Connect software to optimize work efficiency. The primary purpose of the texture analyzer will be to measure firmness in large quantities of perishable nectarines which ripen quickly, so it is critical to have software for automatically recording and displaying the data. The measurements must be done at specific time steps after harvest, otherwise the firmness measurements will change, altering data quality. Therefore, the Exponent Connect software is required. The Exponent Connect software is compatible with the TA.XTPlusC texture analyzer. There must be a computer cable connection for software control and analysis, either through USB or ethernet. There must be the option for firmware upgrades from the manufacturer to stay up to date on the latest developments and improvements. There must be a touchscreen interface for calibration, test setup, and operation in a standalone mode.