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Glass Bubbles for sheet molding composites

3M™ Glass Bubbles for sheet molding composites

CONTACT A 3M EXPERT
Sheet molding composites (SMCs) are well known for being more light weight than metals or other types of composite materials. Now, compounders and resin suppliers can produce SMC parts that are up to 40% lighter, enabling ultralightweight sheet molding composites that replace heavier steel and aluminum body panels, hoods, trunk lids and more. That’s because 3M™ Glass Bubbles – tiny, hollow glass microspheres added to resins in SMC production – are engineered to withstand the requirements of the sheet molding process despite their low density. Best of all, they help enable your parts to meet OEM requirements for Class A paintable surfaces.
glass bubbles interior and exterior applications

  • 1. Trunk bed

    2. Trunk lid

    3. Sunroof frame

    4. Sunroof curtain

    5. Glove box and interior compartments

  • 6. Engine hood

    7. Front trunk bed

    8. Noise reduction parts

    9. Headlight assembly

  • 10. Front end module

    11. EV battery housing

    12. Door panels

    13. Structural SMC

    14. Side body molding

3M™ Glass Bubbles for sheet molding composites (SMCs) – inside and out

Browse Application Area  

    • lightweight panel made with 3M™ Glass Bubbles

      Exterior components

      Weight reduction: 3M™ Glass Bubbles can enable densities below 1.0 g/cc and a total SMC component weight reduction of 45%, making ultralightweight SMC parts a replacement for metal in more places on the vehicle.

      Class A paintable finishes: While fillers can sometimes affect the final part surface, compounders and resin suppliers can still produce lightweight SMCs with a Class A Paintable finish – making SMCs/BMCs a replacement in many more places on the vehicle.

      Recommended products:
       

    • Lightweight SMC panels made with 3M Glass Bubbles.

      Interior components

      Weight reduction: 3M™ Glass Bubbles can enable densities below 1.0 g/cc and a total SMC component weight reduction of 40%, making SMC parts a replacement for metal in more places on the vehicle.

      Recommended products:
       

      Pictured: Lightweight SMC panels made with 3M Glass Bubbles.

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3M Glass Bubbles are supported by global sales, technical and customer service resources. Contact us for more information, including formulation assistance or questions about a specific application.

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