3M™ GLASS BUBBLES
iM16K
High-strength polymer additives made from chemically-stable soda-lime borosilicate glass[cite: 3]. Ideal low-density filler for plastic and rubber parts created from injection molding and extrusion processes, reducing weight by 15% or more[cite: 3].
Ultra-High Strength Injection Molding & Extrusion Additive
3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K are high-strength polymer additives made from water-resistant and chemically-stable soda-lime borosilicate glass[cite: 3]. Designed specifically as a low-density filler material for plastic and rubber parts, iM16K withstands rigorous manufacturing equipment including high-pressure injection molding, twin-screw extrusion, and Banbury mixers[cite: 3]. Featuring an extraordinary isostatic crush strength of 16,000 psi (90% survival by volume) and a true density of 0.46 g/cc, these hollow glass spheres reduce final part weight by 15% or more without compromising mechanical structural integrity[cite: 3]. In addition to weight reduction, iM16K improves dimensional stability, minimizes post-mold shrinkage and sink marks, enhances nail-ability in wood/polymer composites, and yields significant material and processing cost savings across automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction markets[cite: 3].
3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K is engineered for high-pressure polymer processing where extreme crush resistance (16,000 psi) is required to maintain spherical integrity during molding[cite: 3].
3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K Performance Metrics
Review key physical parameters and typical material specifications for 3M™ Glass Bubbles Grade iM16K below (Data source: 3M TDS)[cite: 3].
0.46 g/cc
Provides balanced density reduction while supporting high wall thickness for extreme pressure survival[cite: 3].
16,000 psi
Industry-leading strength capable of surviving high-pressure injection molding and Banbury mixing[cite: 3].
20 microns (µm)
Ultra-fine particle size ensuring excellent aesthetic surface finish and high packing efficiency[cite: 3].
3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K combines high crush resistance with effective polymer light-weighting and dimensional control[cite: 3].
16,000 psi Crush Strength
90% survival by volume at 16,000 psi allows survival in high-shear molding and extrusion processes[cite: 3].
15%+ Weight Reduction
Reduces final plastic and rubber part weight by 15% or more without compromising mechanical integrity[cite: 3].
Dimensional Stability & Reduced Sink
Minimizes part shrinkage, warping, and sink marks in thick-walled molded components[cite: 3].
Enhanced Composite Mechanicals
Improves nail-ability and machining performance in wood-polymer composites and siding[cite: 3].
Chemically Inert & Water-Resistant
Made from soda-lime-borosilicate glass that resists moisture and chemical attack across thermoplastic matrix resins[cite: 3].
Cost & Cycle Time Savings
Lowers cooling cycles in molding operations and reduces volumetric resin consumption per part[cite: 3].
Broad adoption across automotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer durables, and building products[cite: 3].
Automotive & Heavy Truck Components
Injection molded under-the-hood components, interior trim, and structural brackets requiring high strength and low density[cite: 3].
Aerospace, Electrical & Electronics
Enclosures, housing components, and electrical connectors demanding dimensional accuracy and lightweight insulation[cite: 3].
Polymer/Wood Composites & Siding
Extruded composite decking, siding, and building products requiring improved dimensional stability and easy nail-ability[cite: 3].
Sports, Leisure & Appliance Durable Goods
Helps reduce weight and enhance impact energy absorption in sporting goods, power tools, and household appliance housings[cite: 3].
| Property Name | Technical Specification Value | Testing / Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Material Shape | Hollow spheres with thin walls[cite: 3] | Morphology[cite: 3] |
| Chemical Composition | Soda-lime-borosilicate glass[cite: 3] | Inorganic Glass[cite: 3] |
| Color (Unaided Eye) | Off-white, powdery[cite: 3] | Visual Inspection[cite: 3] |
| Crush Strength (90% Survival) | 16,000 psi[cite: 3] | Isostatic Test[cite: 3] |
| True Density | 0.46 g/cc[cite: 3] | Pycnometer[cite: 3] |
| Packing Factor | 60%[cite: 3] | Bulk to True Particle Density[cite: 3] |
| pH Value | 9.5[cite: 3] | At 5 wt% loading in water[cite: 3] |
| Average Diameter | 20 microns (µm)[cite: 3] | Particle Analysis[cite: 3] |
| Softening Point | 600 °C[cite: 3] | Thermal Limit[cite: 3] |
| Flotation (Density < 1.0 g/cc) | 96%[cite: 3] | Float Test[cite: 3] |
| Volatile Content | 0.5% (by weight)[cite: 3] | Loss on Drying[cite: 3] |
When adding iM16K to an extrusion process, add downstream of the feed hopper via a side stuffer or top feeder (similar to glass fiber) to minimize breakage[cite: 3].
Packaging Sizes Available
• Gallon: 1.8 lb / 0.82 kg[cite: 3]
• Small box: 99 lb / 45 kg[cite: 3]
• Large box: 781 lb / 354 kg[cite: 3]
• Bulk bag: 798 lb / 362 kg[cite: 3]
• Bulk trailer: 32,000 lb / 14,515 kg[cite: 3]
Dusting & Handling Precautions
Use local exhaust ventilation, suction wands, and static eliminators during transfer[cite: 3]. Store unopened cartons in a dry, temperature-controlled warehouse[cite: 3].
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)
Get quick, technically vetted answers regarding 3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K density, crush strength, extrusion feeding, and molding performance[cite: 3].
Geocon Group — 3M Specialty Glass Bubbles Division
Geocon Group supplies 3M™ Glass Bubbles K1, K15, K15HSN, K20, K25, K37, and high-strength iM series microspheres (including iM16K and iM30K) across India[cite: 2, 3]. We offer extrusion side-feeder trial assistance, density calculations, and sample dispatch from our corporate hub in Navi Mumbai and R&D lab in Bhandup.
3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K Target Applications at a Glance
Discover how 3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K enables 16,000 psi survival, weight reduction, and dimensional stability across major industrial sectors[cite: 3].
Automotive & Heavy Truck Parts
Surviving injection molding pressures up to 16,000 psi to achieve 15%+ part weight savings[cite: 3].
Polymer/Wood Composites & Siding
Improving nail-ability, reducing extrusion density, and controlling shrinkage in siding[cite: 3].
Aerospace & Electrical Housings
Eliminating sink marks and warping in precision molded electrical enclosures and appliances[cite: 3].
3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K
Connect with our Navi Mumbai technical sales desk to request evaluation sample kits, Technical Data Sheets (TDS), or pricing for 3M™ Glass Bubbles Grade iM16K[cite: 3].
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