K42HS GLASS BUBBLES

3M™ Glass Bubbles K42HS have a density of 0.42 g/cc and an isostatic crush strength of 7,500 psi.
  • Product Type: Hollow Glass Bubble
  • Master Product Number: MITM00063
  • Product SKUs: ITM11548, ITM11549
  • CAS: 65997-17-3

Details

  • Reduces thermal expansion and may contribute to cost savings
  • Reduces noise and vibration for improved acoustics
  • Improved dimensional stability through improved mold filling
  • Broad applications in diverse markets for versatile use
  • Improves processing throughput for increased, and more, efficient production
  • Reduces final part weight without compromising mechanical integrity of the finished product

3M™ Glass Bubbles K42HS is a high-strength polymer additive made from a water-resistant and chemically stable soda-lime borosilicate glass. Our hollow glass microspheres can be used as a low-density filler material and are ideal for plastic and rubber parts created from injection molding, extrusion processes and other vigorous processing equipment. Injection molding is the most common method of producing parts out of plastic material. The process involves injecting molten plastic at high pressure into a part-shaped mold shaped in the form of a part. Once this plastic cools and solidifies, the mold opens and the part is ejected. 3M™ Glass Bubbles K42HS (PDF, 107.92 Kb) can be used in a number of other applications and markets including: automotive, construction, electronics, marine, paints and coatings — anywhere a strong additive is needed to reduce part weight without compromising strength. 

Streamlining and Improving Injection Molding 

Importantly, glass bubbles improve the injection molding process because they allow the plastic to fill the mold better than with other additives. The glass bubbles do not shrink, so users can make materials that fit the mold dimensions more precisely, thereby improving dimensional stability. Lastly, manufactures may observe warpage prevention because 3M™ Glass Bubbles K42HS help create an isotropic filling of the resin. Here's how it works: because the glass bubble is spherical, it has an aspect ratio of 1 meaning it does not align in the flow direction. Unlike other fillers, it doesn't cause anti-isotropy and shrinkage in one direction and filling in the other, which causes warpage. As we see, 3M glass bubbles K42HS deliver a number of benefits — dimensional stability, reduced warpage, increased cycle time and, most importantly, weight reduction in finished parts. 

Applications

  • Automotive
  • Construction materials
  • Compounding
  • Electronics
  • Marine
  • Paints
  • Coatings

About 3M Advanced Materials

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