Viscosity

Viscosity

Viscosity measurement covers methods for determining the flow behaviour and processing stability of paints, resins and coating materials. These include flow cups according to ISO 2431, DIN 53211 and ASTM D1200 as well as rotational and cone-plate viscometers according to ISO 2884, ISO 3219 and ASTM D2196. For high-shear applications, additional KU and ICI methods are used. In addition, there are nozzles and cups, spindles, thermostats, reference oils and digital reporting functions.

Applications & benefits

Viscosity measuring instruments are used in liquid and industrial paint production, by adhesive and resin manufacturers, in plastics processing, in the automotive sector and in laboratories and quality control. Correctly adjusted viscosity ensures processability, influences gloss, levelling and film thickness and guarantees reproducibility from batch to batch. This creates audit-proof evidence from incoming goods inspection through to line release.

Measurement tasks & set configuration

Flow cups (ISO 2431 / DIN 53211 / ASTM D1200): Determination of efflux time at a defined temperature and with a standardised cup orifice. The measured flow time is converted to dynamic viscosity (mPa·s) using reference tables. This method is particularly suitable for quick in-process checks and incoming goods control.

Rotational and cone-plate viscometers (ISO 2884 / ISO 3219 / ASTM D2196): Selection of suitable spindles and measurement geometries depending on product viscosity and shear behaviour. Specification of rotation speed and shear rate to determine flow curves and to test thixotropy or structure viscosity. This method delivers precise, reproducible laboratory results for liquids and pastes.

KU and ICI methods: Assessment of viscosity in Krebs Units (KU) or mPa·s under high shear conditions – ideal for printing inks, paints and high-shear processes. These methods are used for process control in continuous coating and production lines.

Documentation: Use of reference oils and calibration records for quality assurance and traceability. Measurement results are clearly identified via labels or QR codes, automatically exported as PDF or CSV files and documented in the QA system with serial number and user management.

Product areas & integration

The range includes flow cups (according to ISO/DIN/ASTM), rotational and cone-plate viscometers, thermostatic baths, temperature probes, reference oils, stopwatches and cleaning sets. In addition, there are app and cloud solutions with interfaces for digital data transfer. We define scope of testing, reference standards (ISO 2431, ISO 2884, ISO 3219, ASTM D2196) and measurement plans and integrate the instruments into QA workflows, report archiving and audit processes. Result: consistent process viscosity with traceable documentation and compliance with standards.

Benefits at a glance

• Standards-compliant – ISO 2431/2884/3219 & ASTM D1200/D2196/D562/D4287
• Practical – cups for the line, rotational systems for the lab
• Digital documentation – labels/QR, statistics, PDF/CSV & traceability
• Stable processes – temperature control, reference oils & calibration

Leading manufacturers – viscosity

• BYK-Gardner – flow cups, KU/ICI & accessories.
• DeFelsko – Instruments & accessories for measuring viscosity, coatings, and surface conditions.
• TQC Sheen – ISO/DIN/ASTM cups, stopwatches & cleaning sets.
• Ametek Brookfield – rotational/cone-plate viscometers & reference oils.
• Rhopoint – test equipment & visual assessment.
• Neurtek – viscosity & laboratory accessories.
• PCE Instruments – measuring instruments & data loggers.
• Phoenix Instrument – thermostats/temperature control.
• Elcometer – process/QC accessories.
• KSJ – portable inspection instruments.
• Mahr – precision and calibration technology.
• OMEGA – sensors, probes & data acquisition.
• Testo – temperature/climate for stable measurement conditions.
• Extech – field and electrical measuring instruments.
• Rotronic – climate/temperature monitoring.
• Grant – temperature and data loggers.
• 3M – labels/sample accessories & PPE.
• SIS Verlag – standards/guidelines & training.
• SATA – accessory components for compressed air.
• beschicht. – QA templates, QR/label sets & customised sets.

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