The Ford flow cups are viscosity cups used to determine the flow time of paints, inks, enamels, resins and other liquids compatible with this measurement method. The test is based on the time required for the fluid to flow through the cup orifice, providing a simple and rapid viscosity check in the laboratory, during production or while preparing material for application.
The Ford cup is intended for Newtonian fluids or liquids with similar behaviour. A Newtonian fluid maintains substantially constant viscosity during the test, without changing significantly as flow velocity varies. For this reason, flow-time measurement is suitable for liquids that flow in a regular and repeatable way, such as many paints, inks, enamels and compatible technical liquids.
Ford cup measurement is widely used in paint control because it makes it possible to check whether the material has been prepared correctly before application. A flow time that is too short may indicate a liquid that is too fluid, while an excessively long time may indicate viscosity higher than expected by the internal procedure or inspection specification.
Ford flow cups are also used in the ceramic sector to check ceramic mixes and glazes, as well as in other applications where the behaviour of liquids compatible with flow-time measurement must be verified, including oils, glycerine, honey, milk and similar products.
The range includes different versions, selected according to the expected viscosity range and the flow time required by the procedure. Ford cups with different orifices are available, including Ford 2, Ford 3, Ford 4 and Ford 5 versions. Selection of the correct cup depends on the liquid to be checked, expected viscosity and applicable reference method.
For bench Ford flow cups, the test is carried out using a flow cup stand, required to keep the cup in the correct position during filling and flow-time measurement. The stand keeps the cup stable and correctly positioned, reducing variables associated with manual handling.
The SAFC125/4P version is designed for hand-held use. It is a Ford 4 cup used directly by hand, suitable when the procedure or operating conditions require a practical and rapid check without a bench stand.
Where the procedure requires a different method, ISO flow cups or DIN flow cups can also be considered. These are likewise based on flow-time measurement but follow different geometries and reference standards. For rapid dip checks, Zahn cups are available; they are used differently from bench Ford flow cups.
SAFC125 Ford flow cups are used for testing in accordance with ASTM D1200, ASTM D333 and ASTM D365. The correct method must be selected according to the liquid to be checked, application sector and required test procedure.
A calibration report is available on request, useful when the cup must be included in a quality-control system with documented metrological checks.
Ford flow cups therefore provide a practical solution for checking viscosity by flow time, allowing rapid verification of material consistency before application or during process control.
Applications
- Viscosity measurement by flow time
- Viscosity control of paints, enamels and resins
- Checking inks and compatible technical liquids
- Control of ceramic mixes and glazes
- Measurement on oils, glycerine, honey, milk and liquids with compatible behaviour
- Laboratory and production checks
- Material verification before application
- Use with a stand for bench Ford flow cups
- Hand-held checks with the manual Ford 4 version
- Testing in accordance with ASTM D1200, ASTM D333 and ASTM D365
FAQ – Ford flow cups
What is a Ford flow cup used for?
It is used to measure the viscosity of a liquid by flow time, meaning the time required for the fluid to flow through the cup orifice.
How does measurement with a Ford flow cup work?
The cup is filled with the liquid to be checked and the time required for it to flow through the orifice is measured. The result is compared with the procedure or requirement specified for the inspection.
Which liquids can be tested with Ford flow cups?
Ford flow cups are used with paints, enamels, inks, resins, ceramic mixes, oils, glycerine, honey, milk and other liquids compatible with flow-time measurement.
Does a Ford flow cup measure viscosity directly in cSt?
The test primarily measures flow time. The result can be related to the measuring range of the cup and the procedure applied when the liquid is compatible with this type of control.
What is the difference between Ford 2, Ford 3, Ford 4 and Ford 5?
The different versions have different orifices and measuring ranges. Selection depends on the expected viscosity of the liquid and the required test method.
When is a Ford 4 cup used?
The Ford 4 cup is one of the most common versions for checking the viscosity of paints and compatible liquids. It should be selected when its measuring range and the required method are consistent with this configuration.
Must Ford flow cups be used with a stand?
Bench Ford flow cups are used with a flow cup stand, which keeps the cup in the correct position during filling and flow-time measurement.
Is the SAFC125/4P version used with a stand?
No. SAFC125/4P is a hand-held Ford 4 cup designed to be used directly by hand.
What is the difference between Ford, ISO and DIN flow cups?
They are all flow cups used to measure viscosity by flow time, but they follow different geometries and reference standards. Selection depends on the method required by the inspection procedure.
Are Zahn cups the same as Ford flow cups?
No. Zahn cups are dip-type flow cups and are used differently from bench Ford flow cups.
Which standards do SAFC125 Ford flow cups refer to?
SAFC125 Ford flow cups are used for testing in accordance with ASTM D1200, ASTM D333 and ASTM D365.
Is a calibration report available?
Yes. A calibration report is available on request.
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