Toughened glass (also known as tempered glass) is a type of safety glass that undergoes controlled thermal or chemical treatments to enhance its strength and durability compared to standard glass.
Toughened glass: where strength, safety, and design excellence redefine architecture.
Key characteristics and features of toughened glass:
Strength
Toughened glass is significantly stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness and can withstand higher impact forces, making it less likely to break upon impact.
Safety
When toughened glass does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless fragments instead of large, sharp pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
Heat resistance
Toughened glass has higher thermal resistance compared to regular glass. It can withstand rapid temperature changes without breaking, making it suitable for applications where temperature variations are common.
Applications
Toughened glass is widely used in various applications, including windows, doors, glass partitions, shower enclosures, glass furniture, and automotive applications (such as side windows and rear windshields). Its strength and safety features make it a preferred choice in areas where safety is a concern.
Tempering process
The tempering process involves heating the glass to around 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit) and then rapidly cooling it with forced air or jets of cool air. This creates a balance of surface compression and edge tension within the glass, enhancing its strength.
Suface stress
The tempering process induces surface compression on the glass, making it more resistant to scratches and other forms of damage.
Cutting limitations
Once toughened, the glass cannot be cut or altered, as any attempt to do so will cause it to shatter into small pieces. Therefore, any required shaping or cutting must be done before the tempering process.
Toughened glass is ideal for both residential and commercial projects due to its enhanced strength and safety features. It provides durability, transparency, and a sleek aesthetic, meeting diverse requirements in various applications.
Flat and curved toughened glass is perfect for:
Glass Balustrades: Providing safety and aesthetics in staircases and balconies.
Roofing: Skylights, canopies, and overhead glazing.
Partitions: Creating transparent barriers in offices or homes.
Shower enclosures: Durable and safe shower screens.
Flooring: Glass floors for a modern and unique look.
Shopfronts and shopping centres: Enhancing visibility and security for retail spaces.
Sports facilities: Protective barriers in stadiums or sports arenas.
Greenhouses: Allowing sunlight while providing structural strength.
Public transport: Toughened glass windows and signage in stations.
Museums: Display cases and partitions for artefact visibility and protection.
Toughened glass: where strength, safety, and design excellence redefine architecture.
Jumbo and Bespoke Glass Measurements:
All our flat toughened glass is manufactured at our custom-built factory to EN 12150 standards. Our team knows glass inside out, so we can offer the whole range of thicknesses in toughened glass using our state-of-the-art CNC processing machine.
At Specialist Glass Products, we can toughen both flat and curved glass: flat glass up to 6000mm x 3210mm, and curved glass up to 3200mm x 5000mm, in the following thicknesses (Heat Soak Test available): 5-19mm
Whatever your specialist glass requirements, our team is here to help.
Let’s discuss your project today!
