EXPLAINED: 3M MICROSPHERES

Microscopic glass spheres to make plastic parts lighter

Chevrolet is one manufacturer that has already injected 3M’s product into its vehicles. The 2016 Corvette uses plastic body panels that, thanks to the use of Microsphere technology, save about 10kg from the final kerb weight. Okay, this might not sound like much, but as more materials are developed to incorporate the tiny bubbles, far greater weight savings will be possible.