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How to measure and analyse the texture of food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and adhesives.

Thursday 4 September 2014

Texture Analysis in action: The Adhesive Loop Test



Adhesive loop test using the TA.XTplus Texture Analyser The ADHESIVE LOOP TEST (A/LTS) provides a means of assessing probably the most important and yet the hardest to measure property of pressure sensitive materials, the tack. 

The test performs a loop tape method according to FINAT method no. 9. This allows the end user to compare the “initial grab” or “application tack” of different laminates and can be extremely useful to those working with automatic labelling equipment where this property is of particular importance.


Loop peel test in accordance with FINAT Method no. 9
Loop peel test in accordance with
FINAT Method no. 9
Click to view application video 

The ‘Quick-stick’ tack value of a pressure sensitive material is expressed as the force required to separate, at a specified speed, a loop of material (adhesive outermost) which has been brought into contact with a specified area of a standard surface.

Some more information on this fixture

The ‘Loop’ tack value of a pressure sensitive material is expressed as the force required to separate, at a specified speed, a loop of material (adhesive outermost) which has been brought into contact with a specified area of a standard surface.

The tack force is the maximum force measured at the moment just prior to the tape loop being completely separated from the glass slide. The force exerted by two peel fronts and the centre joint is measured. ‘Quick-Stick’ tack is expressed as the average maximum value (ignoring any initial peaks), tested in Newtons.

Note: FINAT 9 can also be performed under the conditions of FINAT 5 (at elevated temperatures) and FINAT 6 (under ultra violet light).



We can design and manufacture probes or fixtures for the TA.XTplus texture analyser that are bespoke to your sample and its specific measurement.

Once your measurement is performed, our expertise in its graphical interpretation is unparalleled. Not only can we develop the most suitable and accurate method for the testing of your sample, but we can also prepare analysis procedures that obtain the desired parameters from your curve and drop them into a spreadsheet or report designed around your requirements.

For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

TA.XTplus texture analyser with bloom jar The
TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

To discuss your specific test requirements click here...

 Adhesive testing video

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