What is Toughened Glass
Toughened glass is a type of safety glass that has been treated with heat and chemicals to make it stronger and more durable than regular glass. It is often used in applications where regular glass would be too dangerous, such as car windshields, skylights, sliding doors and shower doors. Toughened glass is also known as tempered glass.
How is toughened glass is made
Toughened glass is made from float glass that has been heated to approximately 650⁰C and then rapidly cooled. This process strengthens the glass by making it more resistant to thermal and mechanical shocks.
What are the benefits of toughened glass
Toughened glass is up to five times stronger than regular float glass, making it less likely to break. In the event that it does break, toughened glass breaks into small, safe pieces rather than large, sharp shards. This makes it an ideal choice for safety applications.
What are the drawbacks of toughened glass?
Toughened glass cannot be cut or drilled after it has been toughened, so any holes or openings must be made before the glass is toughened. Toughened glass is also more expensive than regular float glass.
Toughened glass thickness
Toughened glass is available in a variety of thicknesses, from 3mm to 25mm. The thicker the glass, the stronger it is. However, thicker glass is also more expensive.
Doors are usually fitted with 5mm toughened glass while windows are fitted with 4mm.
Tabletops generally range from 10mm to 12mm.
FAQ
Is Toughened Glass Breakable?
Toughened glass is stronger than regular glass and is less likely to break. However, it is not unbreakable. In the event that it does break, toughened glass breaks into small, safe pieces rather than large, sharp shards.
Is Toughened Glass a Type of Safety Glass?
Yes, toughened glass is a type of safety glass that is often used in applications where regular glass would be too dangerous.
Can Toughened Glass Be Cut?
No, toughened glass cannot be cut or drilled after it has been toughened. Any holes or openings must be made before the glass is toughened.
Is Toughened Glass Better Than Laminated Glass?
Toughened glass and laminated glass are both types of safety glass that have their own advantages and disadvantages. Toughened glass is stronger than laminated glass and is less likely to break. However, in the event that it does break, toughened glass breaks into small, safe pieces rather than large, sharp shards. Laminated glass, on the other hand, remains intact even if it shatters.
How to Tell if Glass Has Been Toughened?
Toughened glass is usually marked with a label or stamp that indicates that it is toughened. The label or stamp will often include the manufacturer’s name and the date of manufacture.
Can Toughened Glass Become Scratched?
Toughened glass can become scratched, but it is more resistant to scratching than regular glass. It’s important not to use any type of metal blades when cleaning toughened glass because the tempering process to make toughened glass causes fine particles of metal to be deposited on the glass surface. These metal particles can cause scratches if dislodged with a metal blade. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning toughened glass.
Peter Field has been a glazier and supervisor at Oncall Window Glass Replacement. He has extensive experience in providing quality glass replacement services all over Sydney NSW. Peter is known for his professionalism and attention to detail, which has resulted in many happy customers over the years.