Exponent is a fabulous software program. Among its advantages:
- Reload all settings & analysis & reports by clicking of single project button.
- Long file name support: make files easier to locate and understand
- Copy & paste directly into any Windows-based program (eg Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Dockable and customisable toolbars: allow the user to configure their own shortcuts and tools menu
- Graphs: windows are tabulated so that all information relating to the graphs, such as test settings, parameters and results, are filed together in a user-friendly, accessible manner.
- Projects, results and macros have all been enhanced
- Reports have been redesigned to use a more familiar word processing environment
- Test Maker utility program to assist user to write custom sequences
- Thumbnails: allow the user to preview the file before it is opened.
The TA.XT Plus can operate on any Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP-home, XP-pro) so it can migrate to new computers as you upgrade your computers. It communicates with your computer via the serial port, so it can be used with any desktop, laptop, or other extremely small computers.
Multi-channel Data Acquisition
The ability to plug-in peripheral instruments has been incorporated into the design to provide multi-channel data acquisition. This allows for many other measuring devices to be used in conjunction with the TA.XTplus and their data simultaneously collected, such as temperature and humidity monitors.
Totally Programmable Multi-stage Testing
Multi-stage test programming facilities so the user can define individual arm movement sequences at various speeds and distances. This unique control feature enables the most complex test protocols to be established. As a result, the Texture Analyser is no longer limited to fixed library tests. However, all the TA.XT2 tests are provided for your convenience and can be accessed with just a few mouse clicks.
No Keyboard is required and data acquisition is direct to computer
No Keyboard is required and the instrument conducts the data acquisition in real time and simultaneously transfers the data to your computer.
Force Calibration: Only a single point Force calibration of Exponent and the Texture Analyser are required. Calibration can be performed with any weight up to the capacity of the load cell installed in the instrument. This offers convenience and maximes accuracy.
Probe Calibration: Direct probe position calibration from any reference surface.
Calibrate Frame Stiffness: Single and Multiple point frame stiffness compensation is an optional calibration procedure.
Probe Control: Allows movement of the probe to an Absolute or Incremental distance or force at a specified speed. Five probe positions/forces can be programmed and directly recalled. Live force and position information is also displayed.
Programmable Sequencing: This allows total flexibility in the programming of the Texture Analyser arm movement. The Texture Analyser is no longer limited to fixed library tests.
Test Library: A series of industry standard methods and historical Texture Analyser tests are included along with 'enhanced' versions of these tests. These projects and sequences can be loaded and used with a single click.
Project Window: A Project combines all of the components required to initiate a complete Analysis procedure. This window is dockable and hideable with multiple panels to group related data.
Run a Test Window: This window establishes the test options and post-test parameters, e.g. file name, probe used etc. Details about the sample and attachments can also be specified for further analysis. Long file names provide the ability to insert more detailed information which is useful when locating the test file for future viewing.
Graph Window: Displays the real-time data acquired during the test. Tabbed graph windows for easy access to all relevant archive file information are present. Graphs can also be exported as .bmp or .jpg.
Data Collection Rate: This is the speed at which data is collected during the test. This aspect is particularly important when testing products that fracture or require high speed separation such as during the testing of adhesives. The data buffer is limited only by free memory.
Axes: The graph axes can be changed to display the data in different X and Y combinations. Logarithmic axes are an additional option.
Data Analysis Icons: Icons for the calculations of such parameters as Area, Gradient, Time Difference, Mean, Count Force peaks, Maxima/Minima etc. are quickly accessible on the tool bar or minimised to only those required by the user via the Customisable Toolbar option.
Macro Window: A Macro simplifies repetitive analysis and display. A set of instructions are listed and executed which automatically collect data from the graph. Tests can be automated with either simple or intricate macros which is ideally suited to a production environment. Tabbed windows for groups of commands provides simplified listings.
Macro Samples: An extensive library of macro samples are included which provided quick analysis of recommended application methods.
Results Window: This window tabulates results in a customised spreadsheet format. Rows and columns can be added to manipulate data using either your own or stored Formulae e.g. Standard Deviation, Average. Multiple worksheets are available to separate product parameters from results
Chart Window: A chart gives a visual representation of the data from the Results window. Select from 27 chart types (2D and 3D) and define rotation, position, 3D lighting properties, legend styles, base and wall styles, and axes type (stacked, normal or %).
Help: This section includes information on operation, data analysis, application studies, recommended probes for testing, abstract of published papers, an Introduction to Texture Analysis and animations.
Exporting Data: Spreadsheets, text or images can be exported to other Windows applications for further specific manipulation/presentation.
Sample Files: For ease of testing more than 150 product projects have been included - these projects can also be launched automatically from an application study of your choice within the Help file section.
Special Features
BASIC Macro Language: Full Debug facilities including Breakpoints, single step, step over etc. Access to advanced Texture Exponent data and commands
Force Filtering: 10Hz, 40Hz, 100 Hz, 400 Hz filters for flexibility. This allows 'Advanced' users to customise their bandwidth of measurement.
PID 3 term (Proportional, Integral, Differential) control for improved tracking performance.
User Configurable Shortcut Keys
User Configurable Tools Menu
Workspaces for saving window layouts in your preferred configuration.
Dockable & Customisable Toolbars
Built-in Advice & Assistance
Thumbnails: These graphics allow you to see the previously saved file it is opened.
Language Editor: One software version has all language options. Choose the language you prefer at the User window.
Computer Requirements
500+MHz Pentium 3 or AMD Athlon
128+Mb RAM
40Mb of free hard disc space
SVGA Graphics (800x600x256 colours)
Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000 or XP Home or XP Pro
Mouse
RS232 port @ 115,200 Baud port (only if connected to instrument)
Sound card (optional)
CD-ROM (or better)
Internet access for updating purposes (optional)
Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP (all registered trademarks of Microsoft)