When it comes to measuring ink viscosity in print industry, the right viscometer makes all the difference in accuracy, consistency, and long-term performance. Let’s explore three popular types: Diaphragm, Vibration, and Falling Body Viscometers.
Diaphragm Viscometer
Diaphragm Viscometers operate by applying pressure across a diaphragm and measuring how much resistance the ink applies to a moving diaphragm. The pressure required to push the ink through a pipe is calculated as viscosity. While diaphragm viscometers are cheaper, they come with medium accuracy and a low life-span due to diaphragm wear. They are more suited for applications where cost is a bigger concern than precision.
Vibration Viscometer
In this method, a sensor vibrates at a known frequency within the ink. The change in vibration levels of the sensor caused by the ink’s viscosity is used to determine its viscosity. Although more modern and durable than diaphragm types, vibration viscometers are expensive because of their sensitive sensors. The accuracy is still medium, and the sensors require periodic replacement.
Falling Body Viscometer
Falling Body Viscometers offer a more straightforward and highly accurate method. By dropping a ball into the ink and measuring the time it takes to fall through the ink, viscosity is calculated using a simple physics principle. This method is less prone to wear, as the ball is the only moving part involved. With a medium price, high life-span, and superior accuracy, falling body viscometers offers the best value for long-term use.
Why Falling Body is Better ?
Compared to diaphragm and vibration types, the falling body viscometer offers higher accuracy, longer durability, and better cost-performance balance. It avoids wear-and-tear issues of diaphragms and costly maintenance of sensors, making it the smartest choice for reliable ink viscosity measurement.