THE BUSINESS OF VISCOSITY BLOG

In Part II of this series, we continued our discussion on viscosity by tackling the topic of thixotropy.  With this defined, we can now circle back to bring it all together and show how different measurement methods produce different results and how our measurement choices can actually work against us.

Topics: Zahn cups, Efflux Cups, fluid process control, viscometers, viscometry, non-newtonian fluids

In Part I of this series, we examined some of the issues with the viscosity cup measurement process and started to look at the fundamentals of fluid viscosity as a means of explaining the source of those problems.  In this installment, we pick up the discussion with a somewhat difficult topic:  thixotropy.

Topics: Zahn cups, Efflux Cups, fluid process control, viscometers, viscometry, non-newtonian fluids

Manufacturers who dispense fluids in their process (i.e. – paints and coatings, sealers and adhesives, potting compounds and encapsulants, etc.) all understand that the viscosity of that fluid is fundamental to the process out

Topics: Zahn cups, Efflux Cups, fluid process control, viscometers, viscometry, non-newtonian fluids

Viscometers are essential when it comes to managing the viscosity of fluids in your industrial processes. Without managing viscosity, you may run into any number of problems with your product, ranging from inconsistent color and various finish and/or texture imperfections to too much ink or solvent usage.

Topics: Viscosity, viscometers, Viscometer Series, buying a viscometer

Kinematic, dynamic, relative, apparent, absolute — when dealing with viscosity measurements using a viscometer, you will likely come across these words. They refer to the different types (or coefficient values) of viscosity that can be measured in a fluid.

Topics: Viscosity, viscometers, Viscometer Series

Not every fluid behaves like water. This might seem like a commonsense idea, but there’s quite a bit of physics behind it — it sums up the difference between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.

Topics: Viscosity, viscometers, Viscometer Series, newtonian fluids, non-newtonian fluids

When you’re looking to purchase a viscometer to help you maintain proper viscosity in your printing, coating, or painting processes, you may come across another category of viscosity measuring devices known as rheometers. Rheometers are similar in principle to viscometers, but they tend to be more expensive. Part of the reason for this is that they have a much broader range of applications.

Topics: Viscosity, viscometers, Viscometer Series, rheometry, viscometry, rheology

In our last Viscometer Series blog, we reviewed some of the most common printing applications and why viscometers are so important to their success. In this article, we’ll be going over another area of applications where viscosity control is key: coating.

Topics: Viscosity, coating, viscometers, Viscometer Series, can coating, gelatin capsule coating, wood furniture coating, silicone needle coating

Monitoring viscosity is critical across a range of industries. Any time you have a process that requires a fluid to be used in the finishing of a product, it’s incredibly important to be regularly measuring and taking note of the viscosity of that fluid.

Topics: Viscosity, Printing, viscometers, Viscometer Series, monitoring viscosity in printing applications, print applications, flexographic printing, gravure printing, offset printing, corrugated printing, pad printing

In our first Viscometer Series blog, we discussed the “what” and “why” of viscometers — what they are and why they’re useful. In this blog, we’ll be going over the “how” — that is, how six different types of viscometers work. This list is by no means exhaustive; there are other types of viscometers out there, but not all of them are useful for industrial processes.

Topics: Viscosity, paint and coating, painting, coating, viscometers, Viscometer Series