The TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer delivers reliable results that correspond very closely with the results from traditional hand-panel testing methods. During the summit, emtec global marketing and business development manager Alexander Gruener will be onsite to provide a hands-on demonstration and explain the measuring principle behind the device.

The innovative device from Emtec Electronic will be on display at the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit from October 4-6. The TSA simulates the tactile perception of the human hand to arrive at an objective and reliable hand-feel value along the haptic parameters softness, smoothness, and in-plane stiffness, as well as measuring deformation within seconds.

“Similar to the human hand, the TSA is able to detect minuscule variations in a fabric’s surface and judge whether the object is soft or hard, smooth or rough, stiff or flexible,” explains Gruener. “But unlike the human hand, the TSA is also able to differentiate between haptic parameters and precisely measure these differences. Human perception is only able to arrive at an overall impression of softness, the so-called handfeel.”

The traditional method for determining softness has long been based on the results of hand-panel testing, in which touch experts rank samples and calculate an average over several rankings. This method is usually time-consuming, and the individual results often vary widely. In contrast, the TSA has proven its potential as a portable, reliable substitute in that its results consistently correlate with hand-panel results, yet it fits inside a suitcase, the company said in a press release. 

The AATCC Textile Discovery Summit is an annual, multi-day event featuring educational presentations from industry leaders and academic experts, interactive networking receptions, a showroom for innovative products and processes, information on the latest trends in textiles, and more. emtec Electronic will participate as exhibitor, and will give TSA insights during the boxed lunch-exhibitor summit session on 5 October at University/Glenwaters at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)