Ingredients testing software

Lloyd Instruments, the UK specialist in food ingredients testing, has launched its Nexygen v4.5 materials testing software.

Like its predecessor, this powerful Windows-based programme holds a library of international standard tests, whether testing raw ingredients or finishedproducts in food manufacture. The primary features of this new versioninclude security and data audit tracking, video capture andplayback and extended instrument interfaces.

The new security and audit trail features were developed specifically toensure the data security and traceability. The supervisor can setthe desired level of access for operators, who must login at all times.Safeguards have also been introduced to prevent the unauthorised use ofpasswords.

The software now records details of all logins and logouts, andwhen each test is created, changed, deleted or aborted. These audit trails are time stamped to provide an accurate history of data.Automatic saving and archiving ensures no data is ever lost, and reportprint-outs now include the data, time, user ID, system ID, location ID orother supervisor defined parameter.

Video capture and playback is a new visual aid feature, ideal for trainingand research and detailed examination of a product under test. Here, userscan video record live tests in action then play them back simultaneouslyduring results analysis.

Food industry applications include test set-ups for analysingthe extensibility and firmness of dough; the softness, crumb strength andshelf life of finished products; the cutting forces of various foodproducts, the fracture properties of biscuits and confectionery, even the'scoopability' of ice-cream. Package tests include measuring the strengthof testing cans, cartons, ring pulls, boxes, wrapping film and binding tape.

Nexygen MT V4.5 has been developed by Lloyd Instruments, based in Fareham, UK, which together withChatillon and Davenport, is part of the Ametek Material Test Business Unitheadquartered in Largo, Florida, US. Ametek itself is a leading globalmanufacturer of electrical and electromechanical products with a worldwidedistribution network and annual sales exceeding $1 billion.