3M has introduced Glass Bubbles S32HS sheet molded composites (SMCs) to help OEMs achieve up to a 40% weight reduction of composite parts, at a density below 1.0 g/cc, while still enabling a class A paintable finish. This innovation makes SMCs an attractive option in automotive design for OEMs, the company suggested.

3M glass bubbles are an established lightweighting technology used in enabling lightweight sealants, injection molded parts and SMCs.

3M has partnered with the automotive industry for years to enable weight reductions for major automotive manufacturers. By replacing conventional fillers, these hollow glass microspheres can reduce the weight of molded parts without sacrificing strength or aesthetics. For the first time, 3M has been able to break the density barrier, making ultra lightweight SMCs more competitive to steel and aluminum, opening up new possibilities for the material mix in automotive applications.