Documentation:Standard Operating Procedures for Texture Analyzer TA-XTPlus

Please obtain proper training from the FNH teaching lab technician Imelda Cheung (Imelda.Cheung@ubc.ca) prior to using the texture analyzer.
- A video at https://youtu.be/WUc5yFqAkVA is also provided for review purpose and can be viewed as needed.
For available probes/accessories, please visit LFS Probes and Fixtures.
Turn on the instrument by flipping the switch located at the left rear corner.
Turn on the computer, click “User” to log on to the computer, then initiate the software “Exponent.”
In the “Select a User Screen,” choose “FNH 325”, then click “OK”.
A warning page will pop up, click “Yes” to continue.
The “Tip of the day” box will also pop up, click “OK” to continue.
Close the “Application Guide” screen, unless you are unsure what application to use for your products, in which case you should go through the guide.
To calibrate Force:
- Install the appropriate probe of interest
- Go to the “T.A.” tab, click “Calibrate” then select “Calibrate Force.”
- Follow the instructions to place the appropriate calibration weight (2 kg) on the calibration platform, ensure that the calibration weight was also set to 2000 g, then click “next.”
- When the calibration is complete, click “finish” and remove the weight off the platform.
To calibrate Height:
- Go to the “T.A.” tab, click “Calibrate” then select “Calibrate Height.”
- Follow the instructions to ensure (i) the aluminum plate is installed on the platform; (ii) the base is clear of samples; and (iii) position of probe is close to base; then click “ok.”
- The probe will be lowered until it touches the plate and returns.
- When the calibration is complete, click “ok.”
- You can change your probe to cater to your needs but make sure to repeat height calibration after probe change.
To set the profile for texture analysis:
- Go to the “T.A.” tab, click “T.A. Settings.”
- Click on the “Library” button and choose a T.A. Sequence appropriate for your experiment.
- For a simple compression test, select “1. Return to start” then click “OK.”
- Adjust the T.A. settings to match your reference methodology and click “OK.”
- If you wish to perform a puncture test, make sure you change the platform to one with an opening.
To run a test:
- Place your sample on the platform, go to the “T.A.” tab and click “Run a Test.”
- If you have to move the probe up and down to fit your samples, toggle the up or down arrow button.
For fine adjust, use the single up/down arrow.

For medium speed adjust, use the double up/down arrow.

For fast adjust, hold on to both the single and double up/down arrow.
- Name your file and choose an appropriate folder to save.
For FNH 325, use Desktop\FNH 325
- Then click “Start Test.”
- After the test is complete, a result graph will display.
- Remove the sample from the platform.
To analyze a graph:
- Go to the “Process Data” tab and select “Quick Calculation.”
- Check off any parameters of interest then click “OK.”
- The results will automatically appear.
In the “Test” tab, you will see the graph. To change the display unit, click button on left “graph preference,” then under y-axis for Force, change to N or g then click “OK.”

In the “Result” tab, you will see the data. To change the display unit, right click on the column of interest, select Modify, then change unit to N or g and click “OK.”
- To save the results, go to the “File” tab and click “Save As” then type in a file name and save in a folder.
For FNH 325, use Desktop\FNH325\

Be sure to save each tab separately. If you want the graph, click on the “test” tab and save; if you want the data, click on the “result” tab and save.
- If you wish to utilize the data or graph in excel or report, click the tab you want to export, go to “File,” then “Export” and select the appropriate file type.
Continue with sample measurement.
When finished, please ensure you clean the platform area, the nearby bench area, copy your data files to a USB, turn off the computer and turn off the instrument.