3316. New High Strength Glass Bubbles Survive Injection Molding Conditions

Paper

Abstract

Glass bubble microspheres have been successfully used as fillers/additives for various kinds of polymeric compounds since the mid-1960s. Their ability to reduce the weight of finished parts, reduce resin demand, and provide other useful properties has helped end-users meet strict weight targets and reduce waste of a variety of products. Until recently, however, glass bubbles were not often considered for injection-molded parts, due to the belief that the pressures involved would break the bubbles. This concern is no longer an issue. As a result of new technical developments at 3M, a breakthrough in glass bubble manufacturing technology has led to the introduction of a new high strength glass bubble that has demonstrated its ability to withstand plastics compounding and injection molding. 3M markets this new glass bubble and all former glass bubbles under the trade name, 3M? brand Scotchlite? brand Glass Bubbles.