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Flow cup viscometers
+ infoDynamic viscosity measurement for laboratory and industrial applications
Dynamic viscosity measurement is essential for evaluating how liquids and semi-solid materials resist flow under applied force. Accurate viscosity data supports product development, quality control and process optimisation across a wide range of industries.
Fungilab provides complete dynamic viscosity measurement solutions based on precision rotational viscometers, temperature control systems and specialized accessories designed to deliver reliable, repeatable and traceable laboratory results.
Whether measuring low-viscosity liquids or highly viscous materials, Fungilab offers instruments adapted to routine laboratory testing as well as demanding research applications.
Our products
Viscolead Series
Viscolead ONE
Viscolead ADV
Accessories
LABORATORY DIVISION
Dynamic viscosity
Viscosity is part of the science of Rheology which quantifies the resistance materials give to changing shape.
Proper interpretation of viscosity data can reduce the rate of rejects while keeping production and formulation development costs to a minimum. Consistent product quality is ensured through proper viscosity measurements, either alone or in conjunction with compatible tests.
Dynamic viscosity testing can help with:
- Material characterization or “finger-printing”
- Standard testing methods to check for differences between batches
- Indirect way of measuring quality
- Product formulation
- Quality control
- Process control
- Design, optimization and operation of process equipment
Material characterization or “finger-printing”
Standard testing methods to check for differences between batches
Indirect way of measuring quality
Product formulation
Quality control
Process control
Design, optimization and operation of process equipment
Viscosity types
Dynamic viscosity
Centipoise (mPa*s)
Kinematic viscosity
Centistokes (mm2/sec)
Apparent viscosity
Centipoise (mPa*s)
Newton’s Law
According to Newton’s law, the viscosity of a fluid is constant. As shear rate changes, shear stress changes in proportion such that viscosity is constant. Common fluids that exhibit such behavior are:
Unfortunately for us, not all fluids follow Newton’s law. In fact, most fluids do not. For this reason, fluids are classified into two categories:
Rotational Viscometer
The viscosity is calculated from the measured torque and rotational speed, as well as the dimensions of the measuring geometry.
A fluid’s resistance to flow is measured by the torque it exerts on the rotating shaft of the viscometer.
Absolute viscosity: the measuring geometry fulfills certain requirements (which is the case of coaxial spindles).
Relative viscosity: the dimensions of the measuring geometry are not well defined.
Advantage
Flexibility in:
- Viscosity Range
- Temperature range
- Shear rate range
Application
For Newtonian and non-Newtonian substances and temperatures different from room temperature.
Professional flow cup viscometers for quality control
Flow cup viscometers, also known as viscosity cups, determine the apparent viscosity of a liquid by measuring its efflux time through a precisely calibrated orifice. This rapid testing method is widely used in manufacturing environments where fast process control is more important than obtaining absolute viscosity values.
Flow cup testing is particularly suitable for low to medium viscosity liquids and is commonly used for routine quality control to verify batch consistency and production stability.
Advantages of flow cup viscometers
- Simple and economical operation.
- Fast quality control measurements.
- Portable and easy to use.
- Ideal for production environments.
- Suitable for routine batch comparison.
Applications
Flow cup viscometers are widely used for measuring:
- Paints.
- Coatings.
- Varnishes.
- Printing inks.
- Resins.
- Industrial chemicals.
- Liquid coatings and finishes.
When to use a rotational viscometer
While flow cup viscometers provide rapid quality control, many laboratory applications require higher measurement accuracy, broader viscosity ranges and the ability to evaluate non-Newtonian behaviour. In these cases, rotational dynamic viscometers offer a more complete viscosity measurement solution.
Fungilab provides advanced laboratory instruments including the Viscolead Series and the V-Series, capable of measuring both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids with high precision.
Temperature influence on flow measurements
As viscosity varies with temperature, flow cup testing should always be performed under controlled thermal conditions. For laboratory measurements requiring greater precision, Fungilab also offers heating circulators and refrigerated circulators for accurate temperature control.
Instrument verification
For applications where measurement traceability is required, rotational viscometers can be routinely verified using certified viscosity standard oils, providing confidence in laboratory viscosity measurements.
Frequently asked questions about the Viscolead ADV
What is a flow cup viscometer?
A flow cup viscometer measures the time required for a liquid to flow through a calibrated orifice, providing a rapid indication of its viscosity.
Which industries use flow cup viscometers?
They are widely used in the paint, coating, varnish, ink, resin and chemical industries for routine production quality control.
Can a flow cup viscometer measure non-Newtonian fluids?
Flow cup viscometers are primarily intended for low to medium viscosity liquids and are less suitable for accurately characterising non-Newtonian materials. Rotational viscometers are recommended for these applications.
Why is temperature important during flow cup testing?
Viscosity changes with temperature, so maintaining consistent test conditions is essential for obtaining repeatable flow times.
When should a rotational viscometer be used instead of a flow cup?
A rotational viscometer should be used when higher accuracy, wider viscosity ranges or the evaluation of non-Newtonian behaviour is required.
Are flow cup viscometers suitable for laboratory quality control?
Yes. They provide a fast and practical method for routine quality control, especially when comparing product batches.
Can Fungilab provide more advanced viscosity measurement solutions?
Yes. Fungilab manufactures professional rotational viscometers that provide accurate dynamic viscosity measurements for laboratory and research applications.
How can viscosity measurement accuracy be verified?
Laboratory rotational viscometers can be routinely verified using certified viscosity standard oils to ensure accurate and traceable measurement performance.
