Ford flow cup / International standard ASTM D1200, D333, and D365. Machine-manufactured, anodized aluminum with a replaceable stainless steel nozzle. Ford flow cups are used for the easy and quick measurement of liquids to determine their viscosity. However, it should be noted that this is only effective for less viscous liquids. Thick pastes and other high-viscosity substances are not suitable for measurement with a flow cup.

The design of a flow cup is standardized according to a DIN norm, ensuring consistency. It consists of a cylindrical hollow body that usually ends in a replaceable nozzle. The openings of the nozzles, like the cup itself, are subject to a specific DIN standard.

Measurement is carried out as follows: First, cover the nozzle at the bottom and fill the substance to be measured into the cup. It is important to ensure that the cup is filled to the top. An overflow channel prevents the measurement from being distorted by liquid running down the sides. Then, a glass plate is slid over the edge of the cup to remove any excess material. You can then open the nozzle again. The resulting negative pressure keeps the material in the cup. When you pull the glass plate horizontally away from the cup, you must start the stopwatch. As soon as the outflowing stream breaks for the first time, you need to stop the time and record it.

When using a flow cup, it is particularly important to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned after each measurement, as residues in the nozzle and cup can distort subsequent results. Additionally, deep scratches or multiple scratches in the cup can lead to measurement uncertainties, as the removed material alters the volume of the cup and thus does not comply with the specified DIN standard.