Enhancing Safety and Style: Toughened Glass Windows
Toughened Glass Safety Standards
For safety reasons, glass fitted in 'critical locations' must meet safety standards and requires toughened glass to be installed.
Toughened glass is used wherever additional safety is required, and that includes any area where there is a risk of serious injury should the glass break. Large glass partitions, glass doors, in bathrooms, tables and shelves are just some of the applications for toughened glass.
What Is Toughened Glass?
Toughened glass – also known as tempered glass – is up to five times stronger than regular glass. This is achieved by heating regular glass at high temperatures (650°C) and then cooling very quickly. This process makes it tougher (hence the name) and up to 400% or 500% more resistant to heat and shock than ordinary glass.
The aim of the toughening process is to primarily improve the structural durability and thermal strength of the glass, in turn increasing its resilience and ability to withstand heat. It’s worth noting that this type of glass cannot be re-cut after it has been toughened; it must be cut prior to the toughening process.
Toughened glass is specially treated so that it will break into small, blunt pieces under pressure, making it much safer than shards of normal glass.
Toughened Glass Benefits
The thermal or chemical methods used during the toughening process increases strength, resilience and the ability to withstand high temperatures.
It is at least five times as strong as normal glass, meaning a huge amount of force is required for it to break.
If broken, it will shatter evenly into small pieces so there are no shards or splinters of glass.
Structurally and thermally better than standard glass.
During the toughening process, the colour, clarity, composition, light transmission and hardness do not change.
Where is Toughened Glass Used?
The properties of toughened glass make it a suitable material for many applications; the most common being shower screens in bathrooms, splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms, balustrade and pool fencing. Some other uses that are possible with toughened glass include car windscreens, canopies, roofs, framed glass doors and windows to buildings and signage outside of shops or businesses.
The true strength of toughened or tempered safety glass is in its resilience and ability to absorb impact energy before fracturing. It can be used anywhere that a traditional, annealed glass cannot be used for safety reasons.
Toughened Glass FAQ
How can you tell if glass is tempered?
Toughened glass will usually have a printed label near the edge of the glass with details of the glass standard as relevant to the Country’s specific glass standards. This is usually ceramic ink applied to the glass via a silk screen prior to furnacing. This printed label then fuses and becomes part of the glass during the toughening/heating process.
Is Tempered glass breakable?
Yes, although it is far safer than annealed glass when broken. The impact energy is dispersed over a larger area and the chance of injury is greatly reduced compared to standard plate glass.
Can I cut tempered glass?
No not with a glass cutter. Toughened glass cannot be cut with a normal glass cutter, it will shatter during the process.
Can tempered glass be recycled?
Yes. Although it should be kept separate to normal glass. Toughened glass cannot be recycled together with standard glass as their properties and melting temperatures are different.
Is Tempered Glass more expensive than regular plate glass?
Yes, toughening is an extra process that is applied to standard glass to make it stronger.
Why does the toughened glass will incur self-explosion?
1, One of the most common reasons is that the NIS caused spontaneous breakage.
2, Moreover, if the toughened glass is not installed correctly, or if it’s subject to physical shocks or vibrations, it may also shatter and explode.
3, In some cases, the toughened glass may also explode as a result of thermal stress or human impact.
How to avoid the self-explosion of toughened glass?
1, Using quality float glass or extra clear glass substrates.
2, Leaving suitable space when installing the glass panels.
3, Avoid such stresses like direct impact to the glass product.
How to maintain clear toughened glass after installation?
1, It should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner or a solution of water and ammonia.
2, It is important to clean the surface regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the toughened glass.
3, A simple mixture of water and soap can be used.
ROPO is a custom aluminum windows and uPVC windows manufacturer with 16 years of experience. Our main products aluminum windows & doors and uPVC windows & doors are with toughened glass. We provide customized services and work with you to create fashionable products and improve your home environment. From initial design consultation to fabrication and installation, our team of experts takes care of the entire process.
