Large Glass Beads for Grinding, Mixing & Stirring – Molded GSM
Our large molded glass beads are high-quality industrial glass spheres designed for grinding, stirring, mixing, dispersion and aerosol applications.
Unlike smaller rounded glass beads, GSM beads are precision molded to produce controlled diameters, particularly in larger sizes where conventional bead-forming methods become less practical.
These hardened soda-lime glass beads provide excellent roundness, smooth surfaces, high purity and tight dimensional tolerances.
Industrial Large Glass Beads
GSM molded glass beads are used when an application requires a larger, consistently sized glass sphere.
Common applications include:
- Grinding
- Industrial mixing
- Stirring
- Paint and pigment processing
- Chemical processing
- Pharmaceutical processing
- Cosmetic manufacturing
- Ink and dye processing
- Coatings
- Agrochemical processing
- Aerosol spray mixing
- Bottle valve closures
- Mechanical and galvanized plating
Large Glass Beads for Mixing & Aerosol Applications
GSM beads are particularly useful as stirring and mixing media where a durable, chemically stable spherical glass component is required.
Sizes from approximately 1.5 mm upward are commonly used in industrial mixing and aerosol systems.
Their smooth surface, consistent geometry and high purity make them suitable for applications where irregular aggregate or metallic mixing media would be undesirable.
Molded Glass Bead Sizes
| GSM Size | Diameter / Tolerance |
|---|---|
| GSM-15 | 1.5 mm ±0.2 mm |
| GSM-20 | 2.0 mm ±0.2 mm |
| GSM-25 | 2.5 mm ±0.2 mm |
| GSM-30 | 3.0 mm ±0.2 mm |
| GSM-35 | 3.5 mm ±0.3 mm |
| GSM-40 | 4.0 mm ±0.3 mm |
| GSM-45 | 4.5 mm ±0.3 mm |
| GSM-50 | 5.0 mm ±0.3 mm |
| GSM-60 | 6.0 mm ±0.3 mm |
| GSM-70 | 7.0 mm ±0.3 mm |
| GSM-80 | 8.0 mm ±0.4 mm |
| GSM-90 | 9.0 mm ±0.4 mm |
Additional larger sizes may be available depending on requirements.
GSM vs. GSR Glass Beads
Need help deciding between our Medium GSR and Large GSM product lines?
GSR beads are generally better suited for smaller-size wet grinding, milling and liquid-dispersion applications.
GSM beads provide larger precision-molded diameters with tighter control in the larger size ranges and are commonly selected for grinding, stirring, mixing and aerosol applications.
Physical Properties
- Material: Hardened glass
- Specific weight: approximately 2.50 g/cc
- Bulk weight: approximately 1.50 kg/L
- Mohs hardness: approximately 6
- Refractive index: approximately 1.52
- Elastic modulus: approximately 63 GPa
- Sphericity: >95%
- Smooth molded surface
- Controlled diameter and tolerance
Packaging & Commercial Orders
GSM large glass beads are packaged in 44 lb units.
Standard industrial pallet quantities are approximately 50 bags / 2,200 lbs per pallet.
