Toughened Glass

Toughened Glass

Toughened glass is glass that has undergone processes of controlled thermal treatment to increase its strength. Also known as 'Tempered glass', toughened glass is made from annealed glass that has been heated to approximately 650⁰C and then rapidly cooled, making it four times stronger than the ordinary glass.

Due to the increased heat treatment and rapid cooling of the glass, the treatment produces different physical properties. This results in compressive stress on the surface and improved bending strength of the glass. Before toughening, the glass must be cut to the correct size or pressed to shape.

The Process of Toughening

The glass is carried by rollers and goes through the furnace. Three types of modes are used to heat the glass - conduction, convection and radiation. While the rollers help to conduct the heat, the coils enable radiation of heat. This ensures that the glass is evenly heated on every side. By blasting air on both the surfaces, the heated glass is then cooled uniformly.

Characteristics of Toughened Glass

• After toughening, glass can neither be cut, nor altered.
• Toughening does not alter the basic characteristics of glass - like light transmission or solar heat reflection. Glass toughened is known to have higher thermal strength, with the ability to withstand high temperatures up to 250°C.
• Toughened glass is difficult to break but in the event of a breakage, disintegrates into small, harmless blunt pieces.

Benefits of Toughened Glass

• Toughened glass has high withstanding capacity and is therefore suitable for uses where strength and thermal resistance are crucial.
• It is nearly four to five times stronger than annealed glass, and thrice as strong as heat strengthened glass.
• Even during breakage, its relatively small pieces reduce the chances of injury.
• While annealed glass is susceptible to thermal breakage with drastic changes in temperature, toughened glass has higher edge strength to resist thermal breakage.
• Toughened glass is ideal in spider and point fixed glazing owing to its high edge strength.
• Toughened glass is preferred because of the protection it offers, be it for the elderly or children, creating a safety blanket unlike ordinary glass.
• What makes tough glass the go-to choice is the sturdiness it ensures, and its capacity to not break under pressure; even if it does break, which is extremely rare, the pieces are not sharp or jagged that tend to cause serious injury. Toughened glass can also be made acoustic, allowing privacy and peace in the living space.
• Functional advantages aside, toughened glass is also an interior designer's delight as it enables one to add to the aesthetic value with its myriad styles.
• From protection to privacy, from durability to designing options, Toughened glass has become an integral part of homes. With homes and interior spaces opening up new avenues and newer applications in glass, Saint-Gobain Toughened Glass adds value with its blend of aesthetic and functional advantages.