A new line of standard and custom metal-coated ceramic microspheres is now available from Accumet Materials, Co. Accumet’s coated microspheres are hollow ceramic spheres (ranging in particle size and type of coating) that enable design engineers to manufacture high-strength, lightweight parts and improve buoyancy and thermal and acoustical insulation. Because of their properties and enhanced attributes, Accumet’s coated microspheres often replace traditional fillers like silica, talc and calcium carbonate.

Accumet’s standard coatings include aluminum, magnesium and nickel, and other coatings, such as iron and tungsten, are also available. Complete coverage and adhesion is guaranteed, and the coatings are stable in air at room temperature.

Coated microspheres can be pressed or forged into lightweight structures or substrates. For example, lightweight magnesium-coated hollow ceramic spheres can be used to produce structures that are 20-40% lighter than beryllium and 40-50% lighter than aluminum. Parts formed using these microspheres are durable and machinable.

The company’s website is located at www.accumetmaterials.com.