| Benefit |
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Cost Savings
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SPHERIGLASS® solid glass spheres are less expensive than most resins. Adding spheres to a formulation extends the resin and results in Cost Savings.
Moreover, because SPHERIGLASS® solid glass spheres are nonporous, they do not absorb resin as porous fillers do.
In two ways, consequently, glass spheres enable the formulator to utilize resin more efficiently. |
Improved
Dimensional
Stability
|
Fiber-filled resins exhibit less shrinkage along the fiber and more shrinkage perpendicular to it. Because fibers tend to become oriented in the direction of flow, warpage results.
Irregularly shaped particles cause non-uniform shrinkage, which can cause part disrotation. By contrast, spherical particles respond evenly to shrinkage, so the part does not warp.
Spheres help reduce undesirable orientation of fibers and flakes by disrupting their tendency to become oriented during molding. A mixture of spheres with reinforcing fiberglass can be used, therefore, to reduce warpage and improve dimensional stability. For example, a mixture of 10% spheres and 20% fibers (by weight) controlled warpage and yielded acceptable physical properties. |
Improved
Mold
Flow
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Because most fillers are irregularly shaped, they increase viscosity when added to a resin. The spherical shape of SPHERIGLASS® solid glass and SPHERICEL® hollow glass microspheres reduces shear between particles. The result is better flow. |
Enhanced
Surface
Finish |
Small particle size and good mold flow combine to produce smoother finished surfaces.
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