~~1~ Designation: D 4212 -99
Standard Test Method for
Viscosity by Dip- Type Viscosity
Thi!õ !õtandardi!õi!õ!õuedunder lhe fixed de!õignationD 4212; lhe nurnber inunediately following the de!!ignation indicate.-;the year of
original oooption or, in lhe ca!õeof revi!õion,lhe year of Ia!õtrevi!õion.A nurnber in parenthe!õe!õ
!õuper!õCript
ep!õilon(~) indicate!õan editorial change !õincelhe Ia!õtrevi!õionor reapprovaL
1. Scope
1.1 This test methodcovers the detenninationof viscosity
of paints,varnishes,lacquers,inks, andrelatedliquid materials
by dip-type viscositycursoThis testmethodis recommended
for viscositycontrof work within one plant or laboratoryand
should be used to checkcompliancewith specificationson1y
when suflicient controls have been instituted to ensure ad-
Fate comparabilityof results.
12Viscosity cups are designedfor testing of Newtonian
and near-Newtonianliquids. If the test material is non-
Newtonian,for example,shear-thinningor thixotropic,another
method,suchas TestMethodsD 2196,shouldbe used.Under
controlled conditions, comparisonsof the viscosity of non-
newtonianmaterialsmay be helpfu1,but viscositydetennina-
tion methodsusing controlled shear cateor shearstressare
preferred.
1.3 This standarddtJesnot purport to addressalI (~f lhe
safety concerns,~f any, associatedwith its use. lt is lhe
responsibility of lhe user of this standardto establishappro-
priate s~fetyand healthpractices and determinelhe applica-
bility of regulatorylimitations prior to use.
2. ReferencedDocuments
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1200 TestMethod for Viscosity by Ford ViscosityCup2
D 2196 Test Methods for Rheo1ogicaIPro~rties of Non-
NewtonianMateriaIs by RotationaI (Bropkfie1d)Viscom-
eter~!
4287 TestMethod for High ShearViscosityUsingthe ICI
Cone/PlateViscometer
E 1 Specificationfor ASTM Thermometers3
3. Terminology
3.1 Definítíons:
3.1.1 near-Newtoníanlíquid-a liquid in which the varia-
tion of viscosity with shear late is small and the effect on
viscosityof mechanicaldisturbancessuchas stirring is negli-
gible.
.This test melhod is under lhe jurísdíction of A:)lM LomIl11UeeV-I on Pamt
and Related Coatings, Materiais, and Appiications and is lhe direct responsibility of
SubcomnútleeDOI.24 on Physical Properties of Liquid Painto;and Paint Materiais.
Cun-ent edition approved May 10, 1999. Published July 1999. Originally
published ao;D 4212- 82. Last previous edition D 4212- 93.
2Annual B(}()k(1] ASTM Standard.f,Vol ~.OI.
3Annual B(){)k(1] ASTM Standard.f,Vol 14.03.
Copyr~ht C) ASTM, 100 E!arr HarDor urlve, VVest LonsnonOCken, t'A ,~"""""""
Cups 1
indicate!õthe year of la!õtreapprovaL A
3.1.2 Newtonian liquid-a liquid in which the viscosity is
independentof the shearstress or shearrate. If the ralio of
shearstressto shearrate is not constant,the liquid is non-
Newtonian.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The cup is completelyimmersed in the material to be
tested,withdrawn,andthe time for the materialto flow through
a bole in the baseof the cup is measured.
5. Significanceand Use
5.1 Viscosity is a measure of the fluidity of a material.
Viscosity data are useful in the determinationof the easeof
stirring, pumping,dip coating,or otherflow-relatedproperties
of paints and re1atedfluids.
5.2 This type of cup is used to measureviscositybecauseit
is easyto use,robust,and mar be usedin tanks,reservoirs,and
reactocs.
5.3 There are other types of apparatilsfor measuringvis-
cosity in the laboratorythat provide betterprecisionand bias,
includingtheFord viscositycup(TestMethodD 1200),andthe
Brookfield viscometer(TestMethods D 2196).
5.4 Certain higher shear cate devices such as cone/plate
viscometerS(TestMethod D 4287) provide moreinformation
about sprayability, roll coatability, and other high-shearcate
relatedpropertiesof coatings.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Zahn ViscosityCup-No. i throughNo. 5 Zahnviscos-
ity cups made of corrosion- and soIvent-resistantmateriais.
The nominal capacityof the cup is 44 rnL, but may vary from
43 to 49 rnL, dependingon the manufacturer.A diagram of a
Zahncupis given in Fig. 1. The dimensions,including orifices,
are only approximatebecausethe cups are not made to a
uniform specification.Each manufacturerproducesa different
cup and considerablevariation betweenbatchesfrom some
manufacturershas been noted in the pastoThis is a major
reasonwhy Zahn cups should not be referencedin specifica-
tions betweenproducerand user only whencontrais sufficienl
to ensureadequatecup-to-cupand operator-to-operator COffi-
parisonare included. (See Appendix Xl for additional infor-
mationon Zahn Cups.)
NOTEl-The various cup numbers are for identification ofthe viscosity
range-~within the series only and should not be used for comparison
between different kinds of cups, that is, a No. 2 Zahn cup has no
unl1ea ::>lales.
 ~~I~D 4212
NOTEl-Dimensions are approximate only and may vary wilh lhe manufacturer and trom batch to batch
FIG. 1 Zahn Cup Nominal Dimensions
I'
rl.._~ionshipwhat.~oeverwith a No. 2 Shell cup-
6.1.1 Nominal Zahncuporifice diametersare listed in Table
X2.1. CupNo. 1 withthe smallestorifice is used for determin-
ing the viscosityof thin-bodiedmateriais.CupNo. 2 is for use
with clears, lacquers,enamels,and press-sideadjustmentof
flexographicinks; cups Nos. 3 and 4 are for usé with more
viscous paints and inks (No. 3 for manufacturingof flexo-
graphic inks); and cup No. 5 is used for silk screeninks.
6.2 Shell ViscosityCup4-No. I throughNo. 6 Shell vis-
cosity cups made of stainlesssteel with a capacity of 23 mL
anda I-in. (25-mm)long capillary in the bottomandconform-
ing to the dimensionsshownin Fig. 2.
.Shell cups mar be obtained Erom lhe Norcross Corp., 255 Newtonville Ave.,
Newton, MA 02158. This committee is not aware of any olher source for fiow cups
having properties similar enough to lhe Shell cup to be included in Ihis testmethod.
If you have knowledge of a cup that should be considered,plea.'ieprovide details to
ASTM Headquarters.Your commentswill receive careful consideration at a meeting
of lhe responsible technical committee,' which you mar attend.
0.8 (20)
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES
(MILLIMETERS IN PARENTHESES)
6.2.1 Nominal Shell cuporifice diametersare.listedin Table
X2.1. Cup Nos. I thrOUgh2V2are recommendedfor use with
reducedrotogravureinks; No. 2 is for use with flexographic
inks; Nos. 3 thrOUgh 4 are used for industrial enaloels,
lacquers,flexographic,andgravureinks; Nos. 5 and 6 areused
forheavy materials.
6.3 Calibration Thermometer-ASTM Saybolt Viscosit,y
Thermometer17Phaving a range of 66 to 800Pand subdivi-
sions of O,2°P,or 17C having a range of 19 to 27°C and
subdivisionsofO.1°C, both conformingto the requirementsof
SpecificationE I. Thermometershaving subdivisions other
than thesemay be used dependingon the sensitivit,yof the
materialto be tested,the demandsof the application,and the
agreementbetweenthe purchaserand seller.
6.4 Timer-Any timing device may be usedprovided that
the readingscan be taken with a discriminationof 0.1 s or
better.
 ~~r~ D 4212

.13 (3.3) DIA ."32 (0.8) DEEP

FLAT BOTTOMED HOLE

"""'

7. Test MateriaIs perature and due to difficuIr,y in obtaining adequatetemperature

7.1 The material to be testedshould be visibly homoge- controI with dip cups, calibration is a diflicult procedure that
neousand free from any foreign material or airbubbles. must be done with great Cale and knowIedge.

Procedure
8. Temperatureor Testing
10.1 Choosethe provercup so thatthe time of eftlux will be
8.1 Measurementsshould be made at 77°P (25°C) unless
between 20 and 80 s. SeeTable 1 for viscosityrangesfor the
otherwisespecified.Temperaturedrift during the testshouldbe
kept to a minimum. The viscosities of paints and related various curso
materiaisare highly dependenton temperature.Differencesin NOTE3-The formulas used in this test method to describe lhe
temperaturebetween measurementscan give substantia1ly conversionfrom Zahn second" to stokes are linear,lhe actual cup response
differentviscosities(up to 5 % per °P). Por careful work, the is not The range of 20 to 80 s covers lhe most linear portion of eachcup.
In addition, below 20 s, tUrbulent flow mar cause additional inconsisten-
temperatureshould be taken in the efilux stream, but for
cies. Above 80 s, factors mat mar impact on lhe precision include; loss of
!~ess contrai (such as monitoring a dip tank), this is not solvent (and therefore varying viscosity), "skinning" ofthe liquid ill lhe
n""essary. cup, intermittent flow.
8.2 A temperaturecorrectioncurve may be constructedfor
10.2 ImmerseLhecup in the container,which may be a can
eachliquid byplotting viscosity (seconds)againsttemperature or beaker,but is more likely to be a thinning or mixing tank or
over the expected temperaturerange. With this curve, a
even a resin reactor. Stir or agitarethe fluid well to give
viscosity determined at one measuredtemperat.uremay be
uniform temperatureand density. Allow the cup to remain in
convertedquickly to a viscosity at anothertemperature.
the fluid for 1 to 5 min to attainthermalequilibrium. (Because
NOTE2-When dip cups areused for original purposes,thatis thinning of their grearermass,Shell cups shouldremain in the fluid for
or monitoring of materials in tanks, coaters, etc., temperature is not the full 5 min.)
important This is becau...elhe key to good operation i... to maintain lhe
fluidwithin a ceJ1ainrange of dip cup-secondsregardlessof lhe tempera-
TABLE 1 Approximate Viscoslty Ranges, cST (mma/s) (Roughly
ture of lhe fluido Correspondingto 20 to 80,sFlow Time)
9. Checking and Calibration or l:ups
9.1 Cupsshould be checkedin accordancewith lhe proce-
duredescribedin AppendixX2. The frequencyoí this depends
upon lhe amount oí use and CaTethat lhe individual cup
receives,and lhe leveI oí precisionrequired. ~UU-l~UU
9.2 Cups mar be calibrated with standardfluids according 400-1800
to lhe procedure in Appendix X3. However, becauselhe
viscosity oí standardfluids can vary significantly with tem- "The Iower limlt for lhe zahn NO. 1 cup iS 35 S mlher than 2U S.

10.
 ~~J~D 4212

between-laboratoriescoefficient of variation was 11.5%.

NOTE4-Dip cups are not recommendedfor use with thixotropic (time
dependent)materiais but if used for them (such a.'igravure or fiexographic
Based on these coefficientsthe following criteria should be
ink.'i),more vigorous agitation will be necessaryto break up the strucrore
used for judging the acceptability of results at the 95 %
before the measurementis rnade.
confidenceleveI:
10.3 Lift the cup vertical1yout of the material in a quick, 13.1.1.1 Repeatability-Two results,eachthe mean of two
steadymotion. As the top edgeof the cup breaks-the surface, measurements,obtained by the same operator should_be
startthe timer. Durlng the time of flow,hoId the cup vertically consideredsuspectif they ditIer by more than 11 % of their
no morethan 15.2cm (6 in.) abovethe leveI afilie liquido Stbp meanvalue.
the timer at the first definitebreak in the streamat the baseof 13.1.1.2Reproducibility-Two results, each the mean of
the cup.The efilux time in secondsconstitutesthe viscosity.It two measurements, obtainedby operatorsin ditIerent labora-
is commontbmake only a single measurement, but forgreater tories shouldbe consideredsuspectif they ditIer by more than
precisionand accuracythe meanof two or more measurements 33 % of their meanvalue.
should be taken.
NOTE6-The values used to determine lhe precision were obtained
NOTE5- The cup should not be held by the loop handle during the under ideal condition.'i(a single serof cups), reproducibility in practice can
!nea.'iurementprocessoMost manufacrorers equip the cup with a ring bejust a.'igood, by employing strict contrais and good techniques.
throUghthe loop handle. Holding the cup by this ring will help to ensure
that the cup hangsvenically. 13.1.1.3Bias-Bias doesnot applyto this testmethodasno
acceptablestandardsexisto
p-- Careor Cups
NOTE7-Since lhe precision values were obtained under ideal condi-
:.1 Following each determination,clean the cup with a tions (a single ser of cups), reproducibility in practice probably is poorer
suitablesolventand a softbrush.Useno metaltooIs in contact than that given (perhaps a.'ibad a.'i50 %).
with the instrumentasnicks or wearof the drilled orifice affect
13.1.2 Shell Cups-Precision was determinedon the basis
the accuracyof the cup. of an interlaboratorytest in which four laboratoriestested
12. Report seven paints covering a broad range of viscosities. The
within-laboratorycoefficient of variation was 3.2 % and the
12.1 Reportthe eftlux time to lhe nearestO.2s for Zahn or
between-laboratories coefficientof variationwas6.3 %. Based
Shell cup No. -, manufacturedby -, (in lhe case of
on thesecoefficientsthe following criteria shouldbe used for
Zahn cups)the temperatureof the fluid (wheremeasured),and
judging the acceptability of results at the 95 % confidence
whetherlhe resultis fram a single measurementor the meanof
two of more measurements.
leveI:
13.1.2.1 Repeatability-Two results,eachthe meanof two
13. Precision and Bias measurements,obtained by the same operator should be
13.1 The most satisfactory resu1tswhen using dip cups are consideredsuspectif they ditIer by more than 9 % of their
obtained when viscosity is being controlled at a single location meanvalue.
only. However, when comparisons between locations are made, 13.1.2.2Reproducibility-Two results, each the mean of
cups from lhe same manufacturer must be used acolher action two measurements, obtainedby operatorsin ditIerent labora-
taken to ensure compatibi1ity of resu1ts.The followingcriteria toriesshould be-consideredsuspectif they ditIerby morethan
can be used for judging lhe acceptability of results at lhe 95 % 18 % of their meanvalue.
r'fidence leveI: 13.1.2.3 Bias-Bias doesnot applyto this testmethodasno
).1.1 Zahn Cups'--Precision was determined on lhe basis acceptablestandardsexisto
of an interlaboratory test in which six 1aboratories used new
Zahn cups (all from lhe same ser from lhe same manufacturer) 14. Keywords
to test eight paints covering a broad range of viscosities. The 14.1 dip cup(s); flow cup(s); Shell cup(s); viscosity; Zahn
within-Iaboratory coefficient of variation was 3.7 % and lhe cup(s)

4
 ~~I~D 4212

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Jnformation)

Xl. ZAHN CUP DESIGN, MANUFACTURE,AND USE

Xl.l Zahn cups were designed (and manufactured by
General Electric) as simple flow property devices for use in dip
tanks, flow coar reservoirs, etc. They were not designed to be
viscometers or to be used as such. Zahn cup use usually
involves thinning or maintaining a coating, adhesive, or ink at
a certain consistency (so many Zahn-seconds) regardless of
temperature. This is the beauty of dip cups. The operator
knows that bis or heI tank, bath, or coareI runs well over a
certain range of Zahn"seconds whether the plant temperature is
50°F or 100°F.The operator does whatever is necessary to keep
the fluid within the range. ln such an application the viscosity
at 25.0°C (77.0°F) is not important
,,-~
Xl.2 Zahn cup patentshave expired and Zahn-typecups
are available from severa!sources:Each manufacturermates
cups that are somewhatdifferent from thosemadeby others.
Considerablebatch-to-batchdifferencehas beennoted in lhe
past from some manufacturers.Cup variations are not a
problem for consistentcontrai of a bath or tank as Iong as
appropriatecomparisonsaremadewith old cups,if required,to
maintain continuity of data. However, cup differencescan
cause great difficulty if cups are used to ser producer-user
specifications.Comparisons under such conditions require
considerableattentionto detail and practicedexpertise.

Xl. DIP CUP CHECKING PROCEDURES

X2.l The viscosityversuseft1uxtime fonnulas published TABLE X2.1 Viscosity Standards Recommended for Checking
here are in wide use, however, not alI Zahn-typecups are Cups
designed to comply with these fonnulas. Techniques for Cup Number Approximate Oi! Viscosity
Nominal Orifice Diameter.
at 77°F (25°C), cST
ensuring continued calibration of cups that do not claim (mm)
(mm2/s)
compliancewith thesefonnulasinclude; comparisonof current Zahn
flow times for a standardfluid againstthe original flow time, 1 2.0 20
and comparisonagainsta verified standardcup. The saroe 2 2.7 120
3 3.8 480
calibration verification methodsof comparinga cup against 4 4.3 480
one in known conditionappliedto Zahn-typecupscanbe used 5 5.3 900, 1600
with Shellcups.
X2.2 Monitoring Cup Characteristics-A useful checki.'1g ,
SheJl

2
1.8
2.4
9
9, 20
technique is to measure lhe efilux time for a new cup with a 2'12 2.7 35
given standard fluid, then check lhe cup periodically with lhe 3 3.1 35, 120
3Vo 3.5 120
same oil atthe same temperature to determine if lhe emux time
4 3.8 120
has changed. If lhe time changes more than 20 % (or more than 5 4.6 120, 480
I'. process toleranc~ permits), lhe cup should be replaced. If 6 5.8 480
tht; change is small, it mar be appropriateto use lhe cup as is,
or by applying a correction factor to subsequent efilux times,
depending on lhe degree of precision required. The correction have a rendency to contaminarecups and containers and to change lhe
factor is equal to original standard-fluidefilux time divided by dminage characreristics of cups (especially cups with capillaries).
lhe current one. Recommended viscosities for standard fluids
for such tests are given in Table X2.I. X2.4 Comparing Cups-It sometimes is necessaryto
compareone Zahn-type cup with anotherin order to settle a
X2.3 The viscosity of many standard fluids is very sensitive dispute,determinewhethera new cupwillgive similar timesto
to temperature variations, therefore, the temperaUlre of the an old one,etc. The most usualtechniqueis to dip both cups
fluid must.be controlled c1ose1yduring calibration testing. It is into lhe samecontainerof standardfluid at lhe sametime and
recornrnended that the fluid (and the cup) be he1d at the test oncelhe temperatureof bothcupshas stabilized,pull themout
temperaUlre for at 1east 15 mio prior to testing. together,timing both of them. The efilux times are compared
NOTEX2.1-Silicone fiuid viscosicy standardsare not recommended. and a correction factor can be calculated.Sometimespaiot or
Although they exhibic very licde viscosicy change with remperacure,they anothermaterial is substitutedfor lhe oil.

5
 ~~J~D 4212

X3. CALmRAllON OF DIP CUPS

X3.I Selectlhe appropriatestandardoil for lhe cup to be TABLE X3;1 ConstantsA for Use with Viscosity Formulas
checked(seeTable X2.I). Cup K c
X3.2 Bring lhe cup and lhe standardfluid to a constant Zahn
1 1.1 29
temperatureas close as possible to 77.0oP(25.0°C). Some 2 3.5 14
fluids soId as viscositystandardscan vary in viscosity by 2 to 3 11.7 7.5
4 14.8 5
18% perde~ee centigrade,higherviscositiestypicalIy having 5 23 O
lhe highercateof change.Determinelhe time of efilux to lhe Shell
nearest0.2 s usinglhe proceduredetailedin Section10.Record 1 0.226 13
lhe temperatureof lhe efilux stream.If it is not 77°P,correctlhe 2 0.576 5
21/2 0.925 3
viscosity of lhe standard fluid to lhe actual temperature. 3 1.51 2
Temperatureversus viscosity data is available from most. 31/2 2.17 1.5
4 3.45 1
suppliersof viscosity standards. 5 6.5 1
X3.3 Convert lhe time of flow in secondsto kinematic 6 16.2 0.5

viscosity as follows: Acup constants from Patton. T. C., Paint Flow and Pigment Dispe/Sion,second
edition. John Wiley & Sons, New Vori<. 1979, p. 82.
V= K(t -c) (X3.1)

where:
V = kinematic viscosity,cST (rnrn2/s)
t = eft1uxtime, s, and,
K, c = appropriateconstants(from TableX3.1).
X3.3.1 Theseequationsrepresentlinear or relatively linear
portionsof the overall viscosity-timecurvesfor the cups.The
linear equationshave been chosenbecauseit is much more
straightforward to rnake time corrections based on linear
equationsthan on nonlinear ones and they are adequatefor
mostapplications.Zahn cup nonlinearequationsthat better fit
viscosity curves for some cups better may be found in the
literature.5,6
No equationsfor Shellcupshave beenpublished.
X3.4 Calculatelhe correction factor by dividing lhe true
kinematic viscosity of lhe standardfiuid by lhe kinematic
viscositycalculatedfrom lhe eftlux time. This factor n1aYthen
be used to correct viscosityreadingstaken with lhe cup. The
product of lhe factor and an eftlux time gives a corrected
viscosity in Zahn or Shell seconds.
SEuverard, M.. ASTM BuLletin. Vo1 162, No. 67, Oclober 1950.
6 Pien:e, P. E., JoumaL (if Paint Technou)g)'.Vo142. Ko. 533. 1969,p. 383.

TheAmerican Society for Testíngand Materiais takes no positíon respecting me validity of anypatent rights asselted in connectíon
with any item mentioned in mís standard UselS of thís standard are expressiyadvised that determinatíon of lhe validity of any such
patent lights, and lhe risk of inflingement of such lights, are entírely their own responsibility;

This standard is subject to revision at any time by lhe responsible technica/ committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not reviseo; either reapproved or withdtawn. Yourcomments are invited either for revision of!his standard or for additiona/ stal1dards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headqualters. Yourcomments will receive careful consideration at a meeting oflhe responsible
technical committee, whidl you mayattend Ifyou feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shou!d make your
views known to lhe ASTM Committee on Standards, 100 BaIT HaJtJorOrive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.

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fi