Which Brookfield Texture Analyzer Probe Should You Use?

The performance of a texture analyzer heavily depends on using the correct probe. The probe interacts directly with your sample — so choosing the right one ensures meaningful, repeatable results.

CTX
CTX Texture Analyzer

🔧 Common Probe Types & Their Applications

🥄 Cylinder Probes (TA4, TA5, TA11, etc.)

Brookfield Cylindrical

Use: Compression tests

Best For: Gels, puddings, butter, creams

Why: Simple shape distributes force evenly — ideal for firmness, spreadability, and consistency

💡 Cone Probes

Brookfield Cone Probe

Use: Penetration & extrusion

Best For: Margarine, wax, lip balm, cheese

Why: Concentrates force at a point — great for resistance and hardness testing

💎 Spherical Probes

Brookfield Spherical Probe

Use: Elasticity, springiness

Best For: Sponge cakes, bread, marshmallows

Why: Simulates finger press — helps evaluate bounce, resilience

⚖️ Flat Plate (TA25)

Brookfield Flat Probe

Use: Compression of uniform samples

Best For: Soaps, tablets, foam

Why: Uniform contact — good for hardness and compressibility

🍪 Wire Cutting & Blade Probes

Brookfield Wire Cutting & Blade Probe

Use: Shear & fracture testing

Best For: Cheese, gummies, soap, plastic

Why: Measures resistance to cutting — ideal for chewiness, bite force

🎯 How to Choose?

Probe Type

Main Use

Key Applications

Cylinder

Compression

Yogurt, butter, creams

Cone

Penetration

Waxes, cosmetics, margarine

Spherical

Springiness/Elasticity

Bakery, marshmallow, sponge cake

Flat Plate

Hardness/Crushability

Soap bars, compact samples

Blade/Cutting

Fracture/Chewiness

Cheese, gels, solidified materials

CTX General Probe

🧪 Pro Tip: Pair the right probe with matching test mode (e.g., compression, tension, TPA) and set a trigger force suitable for the sample’s sensitivity.

📎 Brookfield provides full probe & fixture details in their official accessory catalog and application notes.

🔍 Key Insights & Test Tips

  • Know your test mode: Cylinder for compression, cone for penetration, blade for fracture, etc.
  • Select the right trigger force for delicate vs. robust materials.
  • Use TexturePro CT software for repeatable methods, graphing, and data collection.labomat.eu+3Adhesives Magazine+3mecomb.com+3

🎯 Why It Matters

Using the wrong probe is like using a hammer to cut cake — results may be inconsistent or misleading. Match probe type to sample (and test goal) to ensure publishable, repeatable data.