KARLSRUHE, Germany – Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has announced its support of training and professional development efforts at the Central College of the German Confectionery Industry (ZDS) in Solingen, Germany, through its donation of a Thermo Scientific HAAKE Viscotester 550 rotational viscometer.
 
Rheological measurements are essential in optimizing the production and properties of confectioneries. The HAAKE Viscotester 550 is used to determine the flow behavior and yield point of chocolate melts according to the guidelines of the expert commission of the Office International du Cacao, du Chocolat et de la Confiserie (OICCC), therefore influencing product characteristics such as melt and setting behavior. Thermo Fisher Scientific provided the college with a new HAAKE Viscotester 550 on which students will learn how to interpret measurement data and different parameters influencing the quality of the chocolate.
 
“The donation of the rotational viscosimeter enables the ZDS to present the important topic of rheology in a modern and professional setting for training and career development. Using the provided software, students can also graphically visualize the measuring data,” said Andreas Bertram, Managing Director of the ZDS. “This cooperation between Thermo Fisher Scientific and the ZDS is an excellent example of how synergies can be created between science, industry and education.”