Toughened Glass: Everything You Need to Know
Toughened glass is the ideal material for your windows, doors, or any other glass structures in your house or place of business if you want to increase their toughness and security.
We will go through the definition, production process, advantages, and many uses of toughened glass in this post.
Introduction
The use of glass in buildings and designs is widespread and diverse. However, it may be fragile and easily breaks, which can be dangerous.
It is a great fix for this issue. In order to create this particular sort of safety glass, conventional glass must first be heated to a high temperature and then quickly cooled.
We will cover all the information you want regarding toughened glass in this post.
What is toughened glass?
Safety glass that is four to five times tougher than conventional glass is known as toughened glass, commonly referred to as tempered glass.
It is utilized in a variety of applications where security is of utmost importance.
The danger of harm is decreased by the design of this glass, which is made to shatter into small, spherical pieces rather than sharp shards.
How is toughened glass made?
Regular glass is heated to high temperatures (about 620°C or 1148°F) and then rapidly cooled using a procedure called quenching to create this glass.
The glass becomes resistant to impact and bending as a result of this process, which strongly compresses the surface of the glass.
The outcome is glass that is far more durable than conventional glass.
Advantages of Toughened Glass
These are the top 5 benefits of toughened glass:
- Protection: This is intended to be more robust and long-lasting than conventional glass. In contrast to sharp, jagged fragments of normal glass, it breaks into small, blunt bits that are less prone to inflict major harm.
- Heat resistance: It is a great material to use in kitchen splashbacks, oven doors, and fireplace screens since it can endure high temperatures.
- Scratch resistance: During the toughening process, the glass’ surface becomes tougher and more scratch-resistant than conventional glass, making it a viable option for applications where the glass may be subjected to wear and tear.
- Flexible design options: The glass may be molded and cut to meet a variety of purposes, and it can be given a variety of treatments to provide variable degrees of transparency, color, and texture.
- Energy efficiency: It can be covered with specialized films or coatings that enhance its insulating qualities, assisting in lowering energy usage and heating and cooling expenses.
In general, toughened glass has a number of advantages that make it a popular option for a variety of applications.
Disadvantages of Toughened Glass
These are toughened glass’s 5 drawbacks:
- Because it is made to be harder and more durable, it is more challenging to cut than conventional glass. Because of this, fitting and installing it in some applications may be more difficult.
- Limited alternatives for repair: Toughened glass that has been broken must be replaced since repairs are not possible. This can cost more and take longer to fix than ordinary glass.
- Glass with a hardened edge is more prone to edge damage than glass without a strong edge. The strength of the glass may be jeopardized if the edges are broken or chipped.
- Cost: Because toughened glass must go through an additional manufacturing process to be strengthened, it may be more expensive than conventional glass.
- Toughened glass occasionally breaks spontaneously without the application of any external force. This is brought on by a flaw in the manufacturing process or damage to the glass during handling or installation. Even though this is unusual, if the glass is positioned in a dangerous area, it might be a safety hazard.
Benefits of toughened glass
Increased strength
Since toughened glass is substantially tougher than conventional glass, as was already noted, it is a great option for situations where safety is a concern. It is less likely to shatter or injure since it can tolerate more pressure and impact.
Improved safety
Toughened glass is a sort of safety glass because it is made to shatter into small, rounded fragments, lowering the danger of harm. This is crucial in situations where glass breakage can seriously jeopardize user safety, such as windows, doors, and shower screens.
Heat resistance
Toughened glass is a great option for applications that are exposed to high temperatures because of its strong heat-resistant qualities. It won’t fracture or shatter at temperatures as high as 250°C (482°F).
Scratch resistance
Additionally, toughened glass is less likely to scratch than conventional glass. This makes it the perfect option for applications like tabletops and kitchen splashbacks where the glass is subject to constant wear and tear.
Aesthetic appeal
It is a great option for situations where visual appeal is crucial because of its sleek and contemporary appearance. It is adaptable to your unique requirements thanks to the variety of colors and treatments that are offered.
Applications of toughened glass
The followings are the area where we can apply toughened glass:
I can provide general information on the thickness of toughened glass commonly used for different applications.
| Application | Glass Thickness Range |
|---|---|
| Windows and doors | 4-12mm |
| Shower screens | 6-12mm |
| Balustrades | 12-19mm |
| Kitchen splashbacks | 6-10mm |
| Tabletops | 6-19mm |
It’s crucial to keep in mind that these are only rough guidelines and that the precise thickness needed for a given application will depend on a number of variables, including the size and position of the glass.
Windows and doors
Due to its strength and safety features, this is frequently used in windows and doors. It can endure intense pressure and impact, lowering the chance of breaking and harm in the event of an accident. To provide durability and safety, toughened glass can be used in sliding doors, skylights, and other glass fixtures.
Shower screens
Due to its safety features, toughened glass is the best material for shower screens. When it breaks, the danger of damage is minimized by the little, spherical bits that result from the fracture. It is a common option for shower enclosures since it can tolerate high amounts of heat and moisture.
Balustrades and handrails
Given its robustness and safety qualities, toughened glass is frequently used in handrails and balustrades. While assuring safety in busy locations, it may offer a clear and unhindered vision. It is perfect for outdoor applications since it is also resistant to moisture and deterioration.
Kitchen splashbacks
The heat and scratch resistance of toughened glass makes it a popular option for kitchen splashbacks. It is a perfect material for backsplashes that are installed behind stoves because it can endure repeated exposure to high heat and dampness.
Tabletops
Due to its durability and resistance to scratches, toughened glass is also frequently used in tabletops. It may be tailored to fit any home design and is durable enough to survive frequent usage.
Maintenance and care for toughened glass
It’s not too difficult to maintain and take care of the toughened glass. A soft cloth and a mild detergent can be used to clean it. Keep away from utilizing cleaners or abrasive items that can scratch the glass. To stop additional harm, it’s crucial to fix any chips or breaks in the glass as soon as you find them.
Conclusion
When safety, toughness, and visual appeal are priorities, It is a great option. It is a strong, safe, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant material that is well-liked and adaptable for a variety of applications. You can decide whether this is the best option for your project by being aware of its advantages disadvantages and applications.
FAQs
- Does this glass cost more than conventional glass?
Although toughened glass is more expensive than conventional glass, it is a wise investment due to its durability and safety features.
- Is it possible to size-cut hardened glass?
The glass that has been toughened can be cut to size, but it must be done before the glass is tempered. Glass cannot be cut or altered after it has been tempered.
- How much more durable is toughened glass than conventional glass?
Regular glass is four to five times weaker than toughened glass, which increases its resistance to pressure and impact.
- Can broken or chipped glass be fixed?
Due to its safety features, toughened glass is challenging to restore if it is chipped or broken. In order to ensure longevity and safety, it is best to replace the glass totally.
- At what temperature can toughened glass survive itself?
The glass that has been toughened may resist temperatures as high as 250°C (482°F) without breaking or shattering.