iM30K GLASS BUBBLES

GLASS BUBBLE WITH A SUPERIOR STRENGTH-TO-DENSITY RATIO FOR USE IN INJECTION MOLDING EXTRUSION AND SHEET MOLDING COMPOUNDS.
  • Product Type: Hollow Glass Bubble
  • Master Product Number: MITM00052
  • Product SKUs: ITM16225, ITM11524, ITM11525, ITM11577, ITM11670, ITM11698, ITM11684, ITM11697, ITM11699, ITM11700, ITM11707, ITM19346, ITM20038, ITM21117
  • CAS: 65997-17-3

Product Details

3M™ Glass Bubbles iM30K will change the way you think about plastic parts. This product has a density of 0.60 g/cc and an excellent isostatic crush strength of 27,000 psi, providing an additive with a superior strength-to-density ratio for use in injection molding extrusion and sheet molding compounds.

Details

  • Reduce final part weight by 15% or more without compromising mechanical integrity of finished product
  • 3M’s highest 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

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

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. 

The spherical shape of 3M glass bubbles offers a number of important benefits, including: higher filler loading, lower viscosity/improved flow, and reduced shrinkage and warpage. Additionally, the spherical shape helps the glass bubbles readily blend into compounds, making them adaptable to a variety of production processes, including spraying, casting and molding. They also offer greater survivability under demanding processing conditions, such as extrusion, injection molding and other high shear mixing processes.

The chemically stable soda-lime-borosilicate glass composition of 3M glass bubbles provides excellent water resistance. These bubbles are non-combustible and non-porous, so they do not absorb resin; and their low alkalinity gives 3M glass bubbles compatibility with most resins, stable viscosity and long shelf life.

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 >

Related Products

  • DYNAMAR FX 5920A

    FREE-FLOWING FLUROPOLYMER BASED PROCESSING ADDITIVE

    • Principal: 3M Advanced Materials

  • DYNAMAR FX 5911

    POLYMER PROCESSING ADDITIVE

    • Principal: 3M Advanced Materials

  • S42XHS GLASS BUBBLES

    3M™ Glass Bubbles S42XHS are hollow glass spheres with a typical density of 0.42 g/cc and an isostatic crush strength of 8,000 psi. These glass bubbles are designed for buoyancy and insulation in ultra-deep water applications in oil and gas drilling. The bubbles produce strong, stable voids and low thermal conductivity, helping coatings achieve the necessary compressive strength.

    • Principal: 3M Advanced Materials