Glass Grinding Beads
The economical, proven route into
bead milling.
Glass remains the most accessible medium in the range and the natural starting point for high-volume, less-demanding dispersion where premium ceramics are not warranted. Each bead is manufactured to a near-perfect spherical geometry with closely controlled diameters, then thermally and chemically polished to a high surface finish that maximises impact and wear resistance while causing minimal wear to mill internals, all in a fully lead-free soda-lime composition. Its moderate specific weight of 2.5 g/cm³ makes it particularly well suited to low- and medium-viscosity mill bases, delivering stable, repeatable pigment grinding across both vertical and horizontal bead mills at the lowest cost per litre of any medium we supply.
- Material Lead-free soda-lime glass
- Composition SiO₂ 61–67% · Na₂O 10–18% · CaO 5–10%
- Secondary oxides Al₂O₃ 3–8% · B₂O₃ 1–5% · MgO 0.5–3%
- True density 2.50 g/cm³ (2500 ± 40 kg/m³)
- Bulk density ≈ 1.49 kg/L
- Hardness 5.5 – 6 Moh
- Young's modulus (E) 78 – 85 GPa
- Softening point (Littleton) 670 ± 10 °C
- Thermal expansion (9.2 ± 0.4) × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹
- Bead size range Ø 1.5 – 10 mm
- Shape Polished spherical, controlled Ø
- Colour Clear / colourless
- Hydrolytic class HGB 3 (Class III)
- Acid resistance Class A-1 (DIN 12116)
- Mill type Vertical & horizontal bead mills
Where Glass earns its plac
Compare the range
Zirconox
Zircosil
Duralox
Mill Lining
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are your glass grinding beads made of?
Lead-free soda-lime glass with a true density of 2.50 g/cm³, bulk density of about 1.49 kg/L and hardness of 5.5–6 Moh, thermally and chemically polished and supplied from Ø 1.5 to 10 mm.
When should I use glass beads instead of ceramic media?
Glass is the most economical medium for high-volume, low- to medium-viscosity dispersion where premium ceramics are not warranted. For finer grinds or longer media life, step up to Zircosil or Zirconox.
Which mills can use glass beads?
Vertical and horizontal bead mills. The polished surface keeps wear on mill internals low.
Can I buy glass grinding beads in Australia or New Zealand?
Yes. Email sales@kpm.com.au or call (02) 9672 3222 with your mill type, chamber volume, material and current media and we will recommend the right grade, size and charge with Australia/New Zealand pricing.