3M™ Glass Bubbles K11

What are 3M™ Glass Bubbles?
Our 3M™ Glass Bubbles K11 are engineered hollow glass spheres made from water-resistant and chemically stable soda-lime borosilicate glass. Like all 3M™ Glass Bubbles, our K11 product is water and oil resistant, providing better utility in oil and gas applications. Additionally, they are non-combustible and non-porous, so they do not absorb resin; and their low alkalinity makes this product compatible with most resins while providing a stable viscosity and a long shelf life.

Learn more about 3M™ Glass Bubbles (PDF, 1.2 Mb)

The problem: some additives add unnecessary weight to the finished product. The solution: 3M glass bubbles are a lightweight additive, solving this common manufacturing problem. 3M glass bubbles are a superior alternative to many conventional fillers and additives such as silica, calcium carbonate, talc, clay and other materials used in demanding applications. The small but strong hollow glass spheres decrease density without compromising the strength and overall quality of finished pieces. Toward that end, our low-density spheres are used in a wide range of industries to reduce part weight, lower costs and enhance product properties — making them more reliable and affordable. Additionally, this product replaces resin and fillers while maintaining dimensional stability.

Improving Sporting Goods
3M glass bubbles K11 (PDF, 82.47 Kb) can be used for a number of applications. 3M glass bubbles K11 can be used as an additive to enhancing features in sporting goods. By adding our K11 glass bubbles to sporting goods — such as bowling balls — manufacturers get an additive that can be used to reduce, or control, density without compromising the strength of the finished product. Imagine a lighter bowling ball, or fishing lure, that retains or improves characteristic features like strength and surface finish or dynamic action in the water.

Typical Applications

• Bowling balls
• Paints and coatings
• Cast polyester
• Caulk
• Explosives
• Polyester putty
• Sealants
• Adhesives
• Potting compounds
• Tooling boards
• Spackling compound