VISCOSITY

GARDCO STANDARD FORD VISCOSITY CUPS

VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT BY
A SERIES OF SIX GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUPS

IMPORTANT FEATURES
MEETS AND EXCEEDS ASTM D 1200
2% Production Tolerance
Close production tolerance permits replacement
and interchange of orifices without loss of
acceptable accuracy.
Save a considerable sum. Purchase only one cup
Fig. 1 with all six orifices instead of six complete cups.
Top view of cup New precision Snap-In Snap-Out orifices make
showing dripwell it easy to change cup orifice size.
All Gardco Ford cups are alodine finished machined
aluminum with removable brass orifice.
Six orifice sizes: No. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Series range extends from 2 to 1413 centistokes.
New seconds to centistokes conversion table
furnished with every cup.
Calibration traceable to the U.S. National Insti-
tute of Standards and Technology.
Qualifies under ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 or ISO/IEC
Fig. 2 17025:2005, ISO 9001:2008 as applicable.
Bottom view of cup Conforms to ISO 9000 when ordered with calibration
certification.
Cup No. 5 compatible to requirements of Federal
specification MMM-A-121 for Adhesives.

Ford cup in regular bracket

stand and scraper plate with
bubble level.

Standard Ford Viscosity Cup

with Tripod support.

Beaker NOT included

Beaker NOT included

Fig. 4
Fig. 3

Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478 1

VISCOSITY

n The flow formula for each cup in the series has been selected to provide results
which are as close as possible to an average of other similar Ford Cups.
n The flow formula as applied to the physical dimensions of each cup in the series
has been confirmed with the use of standard oils traceable to National Institute
of Standards and Technology and other liquids from essentially zero viscosity
to a viscosity proportional to 150 seconds flow time.
n Cup dimensions influencing flow time conform to those specified in ASTM D-1200
except for very minor adjustment of orifice diameter.
n Weight of the cup has been reduced by 20% to minimize influence of cup
temperature on the temperature of the material being measured.
n The top interior of the orifice has been shaped to provide a sharper break in the
stream as the cup empties. This design also provides for a better definable orifice
length with respect to theory.
n The taper fit of the orifice eliminates hard to clean areas.
n The orifice is readily removable with furnished wood dowel and inserted without
the use of tools.
n The design of the bottom of the cup gives increased protection to the orifice.
n The drip ring has been deepened to accommodate a greater amount of material.
n A specially designed tripod support is available to enhance the use of the cup.
PROCEDURE FOR USE
It is helpful and results will be more consistent if all viscosity determinations are
made in a room that is free from drafts or quick temperature change and is within
3 C ( 5 F ) of the viscosity measuring temperature of 25 C.

1. Adjust the sample to measuring temperature, usually 25C (77F)

2. Select the cup that will provide readings which are well within the cup range.
3. Make sure that the cup is clean and place it in its support.
4. Make sure that the cup is level.
5. Place a finger under the cup orifice and fill the cup with bubble free test
material. The cup is full when the meniscus disappears where the liquid joins
the sidewall of the cup. If the cup is overfilled, scrape the excess into the cup
well with a spatula or by passing the cover plate across the top of the cup.
Note that the finger can be removed from the orifice when the cover plate is
in place.
6. Start a timer as the cover plate is removed from the cup.
7. Determine the temperature of the efflux stream. If there is a significant
change during the test it should be repeated.
8. Stop the timer at the first break in the efflux stream, one or two inches below
the orifice.
9. Record the cup type and number, measured temperature and efflux time. For
best accuracy, average three or more readings.
10. Promptly clean the cup giving special care to the orifice.

2 Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478

 VISCOSITY
CUP EFFLUX TIME GRAPHS & FORMULAS
#0 FORD CUPS
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP #0
Centistokes, V= 0.133T - 313 T
Where T is in tenths of Seconds
or
Seconds, T= (V + V2 + 167) 0.266
Where V is in Centistokes

#1 FORD CUPS
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP #1
Centistokes, V= 0.372T - 600 T
Where T is in tenths of Seconds
or
Seconds, T= (V + V2 + 893) 0.744
Where V is in Centistokes

#2 FORD CUPS
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP #2
Centistokes, V= 1.24T - 770 T
Where T is in tenths of Seconds
or
Seconds, T= (V + V2 + 3819) 2.48
Where V is in Centistokes

#3 FORD CUPS
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP #3
Centistokes, V= 2.31T - 550 T
Where T is in tenths of Seconds
or
Seconds, T= (V + V2 + 5082) 4.62
Where V is in Centistokes

Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478 3

VISCOSITY
CUP DRAIN TIME GRAPHS & FORMULAS (continued)

#4 FORD CUPS
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP #4
Centistokes, V= 3.70T - 400 T
Where T is in tenths of Seconds
or
Seconds, T= (V + V2 + 5920) 7.40
Where V is in Centistokes

#5 FORD CUPS
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP #5
Centistokes, V= 11.80T - 408 T
Where T is in tenths of Seconds
or
Seconds, T= (V + V2 + 19258) 23.60
Where V is in Centistokes

The #5 Gardco Standard Ford Viscosity Cup has essentially the same cup dimensions and
provides results that are compatible with those obtained with the cup fitted with a 1/4 inch diam-
eter, 1/2 inch long orifice as specified in Federal Specification MMM-A-121 for adhesives.

In each of the former ASTM graphs the curve starts at zero viscosity. At very low levels,
however, much of the measured efflux time is due to turbulence at the orifice. It is therefore
good practice to avoid viscosity measurements which are less than 150% of the discharge
time shown at zero viscosity in the preceding graphs or less than ten seconds. The "0" cup
is an exception, which, due to the relative long length of the orifice provides valid viscosity
readings as low as 115% of the efflux time shown at zero viscosity. Drain time readings
lower than ten seconds should be avoided due to increased error in time measurement below
this level.
It is good practice to choose the Standard Ford cup which provides a discharge time of less than
120 seconds on the measured material in the Gardco Standard Cup. Longer drain time may
magnify errors due to temperature change or on materials which deviate from true liquids.

All viscosity cups produced and sold by Gardco qualify for Calibration Certification under ANSI/
NCSL Z540-1 or UISO/IEC 17025:2005, ISO 9001:2008, as applicable.

4 Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478

 VISCOSITY
GARDCO STANDARD FORD CUP DIMENSIONS
The dimensions of the Gardco Standard Cup are shown in Figure 6 below. The internal
dimensions conform to those specified in the ASTM Method D-1200 except for the
diameter of the orifice. Even here
there is close agreement, but the
diameter of the orifice is adjusted to
bring the cup into conformity with
the flow formula.
Most of the Ford cups produced
by others to date have an external
cup diameter that extends below the
level of the orifice. This results in a
large amount of metal adjacent to
the orifice which can adversely affect
the accuracy of the reading if the
cup and material being measured
are not at the same temperature at
the time the measurement is started.
Most of this mass of metal has been
FIG. 6 removed in the new design.

The bottom of the cup is designed to extend below the orifice. This design not only provides
adequate stability for the cup when resting upright on a surface, but it also protects the orifice
from damage. This protection is also closer to the orifice than in other designs.
The drip ring surrounding the top of the cup has been increased in volume to accommodate
a greater amount of material. This change can minimize the frequency of cleaning or reduce
spillage in long series of tests.
Figure 7 at right is a cross section of the orifice used in
both the Gardco Standard and the Gardco Ford Dip Cups.
Note that the upper interior portion, following the conversion
from the slope of the cup interior is spherical in shape rather
than conical. It has been found that this shape provides a
cleaner break of the stream as the cup empties. In addi-
tion, the length of the orifice is better defined in accordance
with theory. The 0 orifice does not have this feature as it
is longer and has less need of this shape. FIG. 7
In the new design the exterior of the brass orifice is a truncated cone, sized to match a conical
section in the body of the cup. This design insures close fit with no gaps between the body
and the orifice either at the top or bottom. This design also eliminates the hard to clean areas
that exist in most other designs.
ORIFICE REMOVAL: To remove the orifice, simply place the cup upside down on a solid
surface, place the wood dowel rod furnished with each cup against the orifice and tap the
dowel rod with an object such as a paper weight. To insert the orifice, place the cup on a
solid surface right side up, drop the orifice in place, place the dowel rod into the spherical
section of the orifice and tap the dowel rod with a heavy object.

Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478 5

VISCOSITY
CONVERSION TABLE

An 8-1/2" x 11" copyrighted table

is furnished with each cup. It is
printed in reduced form at left. On
the reverse side are instructions for
cup use and conversion formulas
between efflux time in seconds and
centistokes.
Use the table as follows:
Assume an efflux time of 84.6 sec-
onds. Read down the left column
to the 84.0 line and then to the right
on this line to the 0.6 column. The
value at the intersection is 308.3
centistokes. The tables may be read
in reverse to find efflux seconds from
a known centistoke value.

Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc.

All Rights Reserved

ORIFICE INTERCHANGE
Orifice interchange is not applicable to certified cups. Production tolerance on the standard
cup, the dip cup and the orifice whether it be #0, #1, #2, #3, #4 or #5, is sufficiently close to
permit interchange of orifices in either cup or between cups. For convenience and for best pos-
sible results, however, it is recommended that such interchanges be held to a minimum.

*
Long Double Single Single Single No
Orifice Shoulder Shoulder Shoulder Shoulder Shoulder
Under 0.10" ID *Punch Mark Over 0.15"ID

6 Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478

 VISCOSITY
CALIBRATION STANDARDS
A mathematical formula developed for each Standard Ford Cup in the series, relating
time in seconds to centistoke viscosity defines cup flow characteristics with respect
to standard oils traceable to U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The resulting formulas have been solved for each tenth of a second within the rec-
ommended cup range. A table with this information as well as the cup formula is
furnished free with each cup.

The range of each of the six cups making up the GARDCO STANDARD FORD
CUP SERIES is shown in centistokes in the following table:

FORD CONVERSION CHART CONVERSION CHART

CUP NO. SECONDS RANGE CENTISTOKES VISCOSITY RANGE
0 57 to 120 2 to 14
1 60 to 120 12 to 40
2 37 to 120 25 to 120
3 23 to 120 29 to 273
4 16 to 120 34 to 441
5 10 to 120 77 to 1413

Viscosity Standards Recommended For Calibration of Ford Viscosity Cups

Catalog No. Calibration Liquid For Use with
Description Cup Number
VI-3801 G-6 0
VI-3803 G-10 1
VI-3810 G-35 2
VI-3815 G-60 3
VI-3815 G-60 4
VI-3821 G-200 5

These standard oils prepared expressly by the Cannon Instrument Company

for the Paul N. Gardner Company are produced in accordance with ISO/IEC
17025:2005, ISO/IEC GUIDE 34:2009, ISO 9001:2008.

CAUTION: Silicone fluids should not be used to calibrate viscosity cups. These materials
change the interface between the cup surface and the test material and therefore change
the cup calibration. The following is taken from ASTM D 445: Viscometers used for
silicone fluids should be reserved for the exclusive use of such fluids. Solvent washings
from these viscometers should not be used for cleaning other viscometers.
The information contained herein, or supplied by us or on our behalf in any other manner is based on data obtained by
our own research and is considered accurate. However, NO WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED REGARDING THE
ACCURACY OF THESE DATA, THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE USE THEREOF, OR THAT ANY SUCH USE WILL
NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT. This information is furnished upon the condition that the person receiving it shall make his
own tests to determine the suitability thereof for his particular purpose.

Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478 7

VISCOSITY
Cleaning Viscosity Cups After Use
Guide for removing the G-series calibrating oil from Gardco viscosity cups.

Any remaining material in the cup must be removed by flushing with a suitable solvent.
Light naphtha, heptane, octane, highly aromatic solvents, and or any other petroleum-
derived hydrocarbon solvent can be used. Varsol is a commercial solvent that works very
well for this purpose.

Completely dry the viscosity cup with a lint free cloth. Use a highly volatile solvent for a
second cleaning as since any remaining hydrocarbon solvents from the first process will
evaporate quickly after the sample has been flushed from the cup. Hypersolve, MEK and
Alcohol can be used in aluminum cups and Hypersolve and Alcohol for the stainless steel
cups. Acetone is commonly used as the second solvent because of its high volatility and
its ability to dissolve traces of petroleum solvents and water.

In the third process a low velocity stream of clean air will be sufficient to evaporate remain-
ing traces of any volatile solvent. Be aware, avoid rapid evaporation of these solvents as
this can cool the surface to such an extent that humid air may be brought below the dew
point, causing a film of water to form on the cup.

Varsol is a registered trademark of the Exxon Company

8 Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478

 VISCOSITY
RECOMMENDED OUTFITS
VI-333 + (orifice #) 1 each, Standard Ford Cup (specify #0, #1, #2, #3, #4 or #5
orifice) furnished with support stand (specify Bracket or Tripod ),
and Cover Plate/Circular Level....................................................... $440.00
With Certification .................................................................................................. $605.00
Catalog No. Description Price
VI-3300 Gardco Standard #0 Ford Viscosity Cup......................................... $218.00
VI-3300C Certified Gardco Standard #0 Ford Viscosity Cup.............................. 383.00
VI-3301 Gardco Standard #1 Ford Viscosity Cup........................................... 218.00
VI-3301C Certified Gardco Standard #1 Ford Viscosity Cup.............................. 383.00
VI-3302 Gardco Standard #2 Ford Viscosity Cup........................................... 218.00
VI-3302C Certified Gardco Standard #2 Ford Viscosity Cup.............................. 383.00
VI-3303 Gardco Standard #3 Ford Viscosity Cup........................................... 218.00
VI-3303C Certified Gardco Standard #3 Ford Viscosity Cup.............................. 383.00
VI-3304 Gardco Standard #4 Ford Viscosity Cup........................................... 218.00
VI-3304C Certified Gardco Standard #4 Ford Viscosity Cup.............................. 383.00
VI-3305 Gardco Standard #5 Ford Viscosity Cup........................................... 218.00
VI-3305C Certified Gardco Standard #5 Ford Viscosity Cup.............................. 383.00
VI-3030 Regular Support Stand with Bracket to Retain Cup............................. 199.00
VI-3338 Tripod Support for Standard Series Cups.......................................... 209.00
VI-3329 ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 or MIL STD 45662A, as applicable,
Calibration Certification only for Single Cup-Orifice
Combination (Conforms to ISO 9000)............................................. 160.00
SS-80125 Receiving Beaker #14, Stainless Steel, 125ml.................................... 52.00
SS-80250 Receiving Beaker #14, Stainless Steel, 250ml.................................... 41.00
VI-3035 Glass Cover Plate with Circular Level................................................. 28.00
TH-0482 Thermometer, Glass, blue spirit filled, 20-30C................................. 52.00
TM-AX705 Ultimate Stopwatch,1/100th Second.................................................. 32.00
TM-AX705/C Certified Ultimate Stopwatch, 1/100th Second, Traceable to N.I.S.T....... 54.00
PU-G211 Replacement Instruction Manual....................................................... 20.00

Calibration Oils
VI-3801 Calibration Oil, G-6 (for cup #0).....................................................$87.00
VI-3803 Calibration Oil, G-10 (for cup #1).....................................................87.00
VI-3810 Calibration Oil, G-35 (for cup #2).....................................................87.00
VI-3815 Calibration Oil, G-60 (for cup #3 and #4)..........................................87.00
Vi-3821 Calibration Oil, G-200 (for cup #5)...................................................87.00
Replacement Orifices
These orifices will fit both our Standard Series and Dip Series Ford Cups.
VI-3310 Replacement Orifice #0 (Snap in Type)............................................. 60.00
VI-3311 Replacement Orifice #1 (Snap in Type).............................................. 60.00
VI-3312 Replacement Orifice #2 (Snap in Type).............................................. 60.00
VI-3313 Replacement Orifice #3 (Snap in Type).............................................. 60.00
VI-3314 Replacement Orifice #4 (Snap in Type).............................................. 60.00
VI-3315 Replacement Orifice #5 (Snap in Type).............................................. 60.00
Gardco Viscosity Cup Equivalent Chart
VI-VCC GARDCO VISCOSITY CUP EQUIVALENT CHART.......................................FREE
ASTM Mercury In Glass Thermometers
TH-02232 Celsius Thermometer 17C..............................................................$ 43.00
TH-02233 Fahrenheit Thermometer 17F............................................................ 43.00
TH-02272 Celsius Thermometer 45C.............................................................. 161.00
TH-02273 Fahrenheit Thermometer 45F.......................................................... 161.00

Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc. www.gardco.com (954) 946-9454 1-800-762-2478 9