As the name itself suggests, toughened safety glass is a structurally strong glass variant that has several applications in fenestration, standalone buildings, balustrades and doors. Toughened glass is also called safety glass because it never shatters into sharp jagged pieces upon a heavy external impact. This type of glass breaks into small, almost blunt, pebble-like pieces that are incapable of causing severe injuries. It is safe to install toughened glass in your home, even if there are small children around. Here is a list of some most the most commonly asked questions on the features and characteristics of toughened safety glass -
How Is Toughened Safety Glass Made?
Toughened safety glass is manufactured from standard annealed glass that has undergone a thermal tempering process to give it strength. Ordinary annealed glass panes are first cut to size and shape and are passed through a 650°C preheated furnace on a roller table. This takes the glass pane beyond its transmission temperature and softens it. After this, the inner surface of the glass pane is unable to cool as rapidly as the outer surface. This creates “centre tension” which alters the panes’ physical characteristics permanently. There is also an alternate method of using chemicals to manufacture toughened safety glass.
The end product is a sheet of glass that is heat tempered, can withstand much higher temperatures, and is four to five times tougher than annealed glass. The annealed glass pane must be cut to size or pressed into the desired shape before heat tempering. Once the customised glass pane has undergone the toughening process, it cannot be altered.
Is there a Difference Between Toughened Glass and Tempered Glass?
There is no difference between the two. Toughened safety glass is also called tempered glass as it goes through the heat or chemical tempering process. Toughened glass is now a mandatory installation requirement if you wish to construct a glass-enclosed commercial structure due to its superior strength and safety features.
Is Toughened Safety Glass Heat Resistant?
Yes, tempered glass is heat-resistant. It can be combined with tinted glass to disallow the absorption of heat when installed in building facades or residential structures. However, it is important to bear in mind that toughened safety glass is not fire-resistant. This type of glass can be made fire-resistant through certain processes. Toughened glass’s resistance to heat also provides enhanced thermal comfort and energy efficiency to the structure it has been installed in.
What Is the Difference Between Toughened Glass and Laminated Glass?
Toughened safety glass is typically used where strength and heat resistance are priorities, like in shower stalls, automotive windows, etc. Laminated glass is also used for enhanced safety and security. However, laminated glass has a sandwiched layer of special PVB or poly-vinyl butyral between two glass panes responsible for holding the entire structure together. Both types of glass are great for strength and do not shatter into sharp, jagged pieces upon breaking. They also do not break easily and can withstand a lot more pressure than an ordinary pane of glass. Laminated glass is slightly stronger than toughened glass and is a popular choice for external shop windows and doors, ground floor doors, etc. If you are planning on installing glass sliding doors and partitions inside your home, go for toughened safety glass, but if you plan on installing glass door for the main entrance of your home or office, go for laminated safety glass.
Can Toughened Glass Be Cut and Drilled?
Yes, it can be cut and drilled, but only before the heat tempering process. Therefore, an ordinary glass pane is toughened only after it has been cut, drilled, shaped, notched or frosted. Drilling after the tempering process will completely break the glass pane and render it useless. Be mindful of this nifty detail and specify your requirements well in advance.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Toughened Safety Glass?
Glass in general demands very little maintenance and can be cleaned easily. If the glass pane is installed inside your home or office and is barely exposed to environmental dust, wipe it once a week with a soft damp cloth. However, if your structure’s exterior is made of glass or has a lot of glass panes exposed to ambient dust, clean it once a week with soapy water, and then wipe the soap residue off with a microfiber cloth. You can also use rubber or synthetic window wipers to shine your glass panes.
The Bottom Line
Toughened safety glass is a fantastic amalgamation of strength and aesthetics, making it an ideal choice for offices, homes, schools and other commercial enclaves. To bring out the best in tempered glass, you can count on AIS Glasxperts. Our toughened safety glass solutions are high-grade, able to withstand extreme differential temperatures, is durable, and does not crack or break easily. Get in touch with us today to take the safety factor of your home or office to the next level!
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