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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.
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