Downloads (2)

Safety Datasheet (SDS)123 KB
Technical Datasheet (TDS)112 KB

Specification

Product Data
ColourWhite
FormatPowder
Brand3M
Compatible With
Compatible WithEpoxyYes
Compatible WithPolyesterYes
Compatible WithVinylesterYes
Compatible WithPolyurethaneYes
General Properties
Gross Weight0.155kg

Shipping Information

Restrictions

This product is not classed as dangerous goods for transport and can be shipped to all destinations without restriction.

Shipping to EU countries is now done through our European subsidiary based in the Netherlands. All EU customers should use www.easycomposites.eu.

Package Size

There are no package size restrictions or surcharges for this product.

Delivery Cost

To find the delivery cost of this item to your address, add it to your basket and then use the instant shipping calculator on the basket page.

Glass Bubbles (Microspheres)

3M K20 microballoons/microspheres can be added to resins and gelcoats to reduce their density and make them more sandable. Add smaller quantities to resin make a sandable 'primer' or in higher quantities, combined with fumed silica, to make a lightweight filler. Glass bubbles can also be added to casting resins to adjust their density, such as when casting fishing lures.

Available to buy online in 100g (1L), 500g (5L) and 1kg (10L) packs.


PRODUCT VERSIONS

Pack Size

AVAILABILITY:More than 10 availablefor immediate shipping


PRICE
£4.75ex. VAT
(£47.50 /KG)
More than 10 availablefor immediate shipping
QTY
PACKS
PACKS
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Glass Bubbles, also known as glass microspheres or microballoons are used to bulk-out or thicken resin systems including epoxy, polyurethane and polyester, reducing their density and making them easier to sand. Added to laminates they can provide a smoother finish whilst in castings they improve dimension stability, whilst reducing the weight and cost of the finished part.

Combined with epoxy, microspheres make a very lightweight yet strong filler. Combined with polyester or epoxy they make a coating that can be easily sanded.

Our glass bubbles are genuine 3M K series bubbles and are the K20 specification which have a relative density of 0.2g/cc.

Typical Uses

Glass Bubbles filler can be added to most resin systems (including epoxy, polyester and polyurethane) up to a maximum percentage of approximately 15-20% by weight.

How to Buy

Our Glass Bubbles are sold by weight and are available in 100g (1 litre container), 500g (5 litre container) and 1kg (10 litre container) pack sizes. Please choose the pack size you require from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss larger quantities.

Further Information

Guidelines for Use

When adding Glass Bubbles to casting resin or fast epoxies it is recommended that you add the bubbles to just part A and mix thoroughly before adding part B. Never count the weight of the bubbles in the mix ratio.

Safety

This product is made up of particles that are incredibly small and light and will become airborne as soon as the material is scooped, moved or mixed. Always wear protective gloves and a dust mask when handling this product in its raw state.

Glass Bubbles, also known as glass microspheres or microballoons are used to bulk-out or thicken resin systems including epoxy, polyurethane and polyester, reducing their density and making them easier to sand. Added to laminates they can provide a smoother finish whilst in castings they improve dimension stability, whilst reducing the weight and cost of the finished part.

Combined with epoxy, microspheres make a very lightweight yet strong filler. Combined with polyester or epoxy they make a coating that can be easily sanded.

Our glass bubbles are genuine 3M K series bubbles and are the K20 specification which have a relative density of 0.2g/cc.

Typical Uses

Glass Bubbles filler can be added to most resin systems (including epoxy, polyester and polyurethane) up to a maximum percentage of approximately 15-20% by weight.

How to Buy

Our Glass Bubbles are sold by weight and are available in 100g (1 litre container), 500g (5 litre container) and 1kg (10 litre container) pack sizes. Please choose the pack size you require from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss larger quantities.

Further Information

Guidelines for Use

When adding Glass Bubbles to casting resin or fast epoxies it is recommended that you add the bubbles to just part A and mix thoroughly before adding part B. Never count the weight of the bubbles in the mix ratio.

Safety

This product is made up of particles that are incredibly small and light and will become airborne as soon as the material is scooped, moved or mixed. Always wear protective gloves and a dust mask when handling this product in its raw state.

Downloads (2)

Safety Datasheet (SDS)123 KB
Technical Datasheet (TDS)112 KB

Specification

Product Data
ColourWhite
FormatPowder
Brand3M
Compatible With
Compatible WithEpoxyYes
Compatible WithPolyesterYes
Compatible WithVinylesterYes
Compatible WithPolyurethaneYes
General Properties
Gross Weight0.155kg
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?Ask our technical team a question.

Yes. There is no problem with adding both glass bubbles (micro balloons) and fumed silica to a resin at the same time. In fact, this is quite common for creating a thixotropic filler for applications like filling and fairing on radio controlled planes/boats.

Yes in functional terms they are used for the same reasons as Phenolic Microbeads/Microspheres.

Adding the micro-spheres will reduce the clarity of the resin, so we do not recommend it for applications where optical clarity is essential for your part.

Adding Glass bubbles to a resin will certainly help bulk it out by reducing its density and hence can be used to help reduce weight.



Milled carbon fibre is a good product to add to a resin to make a far stronger material with increased tensile strength (snap/breaking strength) and durability.



Adding glass bubbles will reduce the strength of the underlying resin matrix, but conversely the Milled carbon fibre will improve it. Exactly how much of an effect each component makes would need to be measured by experimentation to find out the best balance to suit your needs.

We supply the K20 specification Microspheres.

To prevent galvanic corrosion, any physical barrier will work, such as a layer of resin, layer of woven fibreglass etc. so yes, glass bubbles mixed in with resin would work (as would resin on its own). It would not work to just mix bubbles into the resin and then use the resin to laminate (wet-out) carbon fibre because you're not creating a proper barrier.

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Shipping Information

Restrictions

This product is not classed as dangerous goods for transport and can be shipped to all destinations without restriction.

Shipping to EU countries is now done through our European subsidiary based in the Netherlands. All EU customers should use www.easycomposites.eu.

Package Size

There are no package size restrictions or surcharges for this product.

Delivery Cost

To find the delivery cost of this item to your address, add it to your basket and then use the instant shipping calculator on the basket page.

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