Precision tool specifically developed to measure the viscosity of a fluid and so – in ceramic – of a slurry or a ceramic mixture.

It is usually in aluminum and it consists of a suspended and funnel-shaped cup that ends with a very small hole. Its operation is relatively simple: you just need to pour the liquid to be tested in the cup and to measure with a timer how long the liquid takes to flow through the hole.

In general, slurry’s viscosity parameters are correct when the CUP FORD 04’s data range between 30” and 40” seconds.

What does that mean?

It means that the time required by the slurry to pass through the 4mm hole of the Cup (diameter that can change according to the lab's needs) should be in that time frame.

If it takes more time, the slurry could be too viscous. If it's quicker than requested, the slurry could be too watery and it could easily undergo to sedimentation phenomena or critical issues during the grinding phase.