FAQ's
1. What is toughened glass? Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that is processed to be stronger and more durable than regular annealed glass. It is made by heating regular glass to a very high temperature (typically around 620 degrees Celsius or 1,148 degrees Fahrenheit) and then rapidly cooling it, a process known as quenching. This rapid cooling creates high internal stresses within the glass, which give it its increased strength.
2. Do I need to use toughened glass in certain situations?Yes, you are required by law to use toughened safety glass in situations of potential breakage and for safety reasons. Please see the diagram below which shows where safety glass is required and where it is ok to use standard float glass.
Toughened Double Glazed Units, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that is specially treated to increase its strength and resistance to breakage. It is designed to reduce the risk of injury from sharp glass shards in case of breakage, making it a popular choice for various applications where safety is a priority.
The process of toughening glass involves heating it to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it using forced air drafts or chemical treatments. This process creates internal stresses within the glass, giving it enhanced strength and durability. When toughened safety glass breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless, and dull-edged pieces, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Some key features and applications of toughened safety glass include:
1. Strength and Safety: Toughened glass is significantly stronger than regular annealed glass. It can withstand higher impact forces, making it more resistant to breakage. When it does break, it disintegrates into small granular pieces, reducing the risk of serious cuts and injuries.
2. Safety Glazing: Toughened safety glass is widely used in buildings for windows, doors, and partitions. It is also commonly used in automotive applications, such as side and rear windows, as well as in glass balustrades, shower enclosures, and glass tabletops.
3. Heat Resistance: Toughened glass has improved resistance to thermal stress compared to regular glass. It can handle higher temperature differentials without breaking, making it suitable for applications where exposure to sunlight or heat is a concern.
4. Required Markings: In some regions, tempered glass is required to have a safety mark, such as a manufacturer's logo or a safety stamp, to indicate that it is indeed toughened safety glass. This marking helps ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
5. Difficult to Cut or Modify: Once the toughening process is complete, the glass cannot be cut or drilled without shattering. Therefore, any shaping or modifications to the glass must be done before the tempering process.
6. Potential Spontaneous Breakage: Although rare, toughened glass can experience spontaneous breakage due to nickel sulfide inclusions within the glass. These inclusions can lead to expansion and contraction, eventually causing breakage. However, the risk is low and can be mitigated by heat soaking, a process where the glass is heated to a high temperature to identify and eliminate potential defects.
Overall, toughened safety glass is a versatile and essential material for ensuring safety in various architectural and automotive applications. Its strength, resistance to breakage, and ability to shatter into harmless pieces make it a reliable choice for situations where the risk of glass breakage and injury must be minimized.
