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iM16k GLASS BUBBLES

GLASS BUBBLE WITH SUPERIOR STRENGTH-TO-DENSITY RATIO FOR USE IN INJECTION MOLDING EXTRUSION AND SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND
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  • Product Type: Hollow Glass Bubble
  • Master Product Number: MITM00050
  • Product SKUs: ITM17606, ITM11582, ITM11583, ITM11643, ITM11706, ITM11710, ITM11718, ITM19298, ITM19340, ITM19945, ITM20299
  • CAS: 65997-17-3
  • Click here to send a request for this SDS
  • Click here to send a request for this TDS

Product Details

3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K will change the way you think about plastic parts. This product has a density of 0.46 g/cc and an excellent isostatic crush strength of 16,000 psi, providing an additive with a superior strength-to-density ratio for use in injection molding extrusion and sheet molding compounds. They can reduce final part weight by 15% or more without compromising the mechanical integrity.

Details

  • Reduce final part weight by 15% or more without compromising mechanical integrity of finished product
  • Extremely high strength-to-density ratio glass bubble survives high shear, high pressure processes like injection molding and extrusion
  • Faster cooling times of melt processed polymers (injection molding and extrusion), typically 15-25% cycle time improvement
  • Improved dimensional stability and reduced warpage and sink marks

iM16k Glass Bubbles Specifications

Application Cabin Components
Capabilities Assembly, Temperature Resistance
Color White
Color (unaided eye) White, powdery
Composition Soda-lime-borosilicate glass
Crush Strength 16,000
Density (g/cc) 0.46
Manufacturing Segment Exterior, Glass, Interior
Median Particle Diameter 20
Shape Hollow spheres with thin walls
Strength (MPa) 110.3

Typical Applications

  • Injection molded parts
  • Class A sheet molding compound
  • Automotive
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Heavy-duty trucks
  • Extrusion profiles
  • Electronics
  • Rubber parts
  • Sporting goods
  • Construction material
  • Concrete

Don't Wait, Reduce Part Weight
From start to finish, 3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K are about helping reduce weight while improving the production process and the quality of finished parts. Toward that end, weight reduction of 15% or more can be achieved in injection molded parts. Additionally, SMC manufacturers have created molded parts in the automotive industry with weight reductions up to 40% — a dramatic reduction that has revolutionized lightweighting in that industry. These substantial weight reductions don't come at the expense of quality. In fact, parts maintain strength, surface aesthetics and mechanical integrity with the use of 3M glass bubbles iM16K.

Improving Throughput
Reduce cycle time by 15-25% or more without compromising critical mechanical properties of finished parts. The secret? Faster cooling. Typically, cooling takes up most of a mold cycle. By using glass bubbles to reduce thermal mass, parts cool faster from the melt and cycle times can be considerably shortened. Fillers like talc and calcium carbonate may cost less but can actually increase part weight. A reduction in part temperature of approximately 1.1°C per each weight % of 3M glass bubbles iM16K added to the formulation can be realized. Cycle time improvements allow customers to make more parts per minute, per hour, per day and per year.

Do More for Sustainability
Importantly, our 3M glass bubbles iM16K contribute to environmental sustainability. With a high strength-to-weight ratio, glass bubbles are ideal for lightweighting materials like plastics and composites. According to a single-site carbon footprint study conducted by 3M on one class of glass bubble popular for use in plastic manufacturing, the addition of 3M™ Glass Bubbles to injection molded parts had a neutral impact on the carbon footprint of the finished part. Additionally, lightweighting has known advantages such as improved fuel economy, easier handling of hand-held plastic parts and reduced shipping costs.

What are 3M™ Glass Bubbles?
Our 3M glass bubbles are engineered hollow glass microspheres that are alternatives to conventional fillers and additives such as silica, calcium carbonate, talc and clay. These low-density particles are used in a wide range of industries for many demanding applications to reduce part weight, lower costs and enhance product properties.

Download 3M™ Glass Bubbles Brochure

About 3M Advanced Materials

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.

Learn more about 3M Advanced Materials >

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