Toughened or tempered glass is a popular choice in architecture and interior design landscapes. It adds a unique and attractive touch to buildings. What makes toughened glass special is its visually appealing properties and ability to withstand heavy loads. 99acres shares the types, benefits, and applications of toughened glass:
What is toughened glass?
Also known as tempered glass, toughened glass is a type of glass that undergoes a specialised thermal treatment to gain its characteristic strength and durability. This unique manufacturing process makes it more resistant to impact, thermal stress, and breakage than regular glass.
In the event of breakage, toughened glass shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This makes toughened glass preferred for everyday items such as windows, doors, and tables. By using this glass, the risk of injuries and damage is considerably reduced.
Toughened glass price in India
| Toughened glass type | Starting price (in Rs per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| 2 mm glass | Rs 150 |
| 12 mm glass | Rs 140 |
| Railing glass | Rs 135 |
| Partition glass | Rs 200 |
| Roof glass | Rs 250 |
| Bathroom glass | Rs 115 |
Disclaimer: The data is compiled from secondary sources.
How is toughened glass made?
Toughened glass offers superior thermal strength compared to regular glass. It achieves strength through a thermal tempering process, where the annealed glass (regular glass that is allowed to cool slowly) is heated to or above 720 degrees Celsius. Once it reaches the desired temperature, a rapid cooling process takes place. As a result, the glass becomes stronger and develops internal stresses that contribute to its durability.
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Types of strong glass available
Here are two major types of glass available:
Toughened glass
Toughened glass is made stronger through controlled heating and cooling processes. As a result, it is about five times stronger than regular glass. Toughened glass can withstand higher temperatures and fluctuations. If it does break, it shatters into small pieces with smooth edges, which is why it is often called safety glass.
Laminated glass
The laminated glass type has two glass layers with a Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer sandwiched between them. This interlayer plays a crucial role in holding the glass together in case of breakage, preventing shards from scattering and causing harm.
When subjected to a strong impact, laminated glass cracks and breaks, but the fragments stick to the plastic interlayer instead of flying around. This reduces the risk of injury.
Toughened glass vs Ordinary glass
| Toughened glass | Ordinary glass | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Toughened glass undergoes a thermal tempering process that significantly increases its strength. It is about five times stronger than regular glass. | Regular glass, also known as annealed glass, is the commonly available glass type. It is not subjected to any special treatment to enhance its strength. |
| Safety features | When toughened glass breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces with blunt edges. | Regular glass breaks into sharp and jagged shards. |
| Thermal strength | Toughened glass has superior thermal strength compared to regular glass. It can withstand higher temperatures without cracking or breaking. | Toughened glass has superior thermal strength compared to regular glass. It can withstand higher temperatures and thermal differentials without cracking or breaking. |
Benefits of using toughened glass
Fire resistance
Tempered glass is a safer choice in a fire due to its exceptional fire resistance. This leads to their wide application in high-rise apartments, schools, and offices, which prioritise fire safety. When used in double glazing, where two glass panes are combined, toughened glass offers enhanced heat insulation, enabling reduced energy consumption to keep energy bills lower.
UV protection
Tempered glass can absorb approximately 65 percent of UV rays, equivalent to a sun protection factor (SPF) of around 16. If required, the UV protection can be enhanced by choosing a tinted finish. The tinted glass will block even more UV rays, further increasing the effective SPF of the toughened glass.
Safety
Toughened glass not only has enhanced strength but also provides superior impact resistance and protection compared to regular glass. This makes it an ideal choice for safety applications in various scenarios. For instance, it is commonly used for reinforced windows in high-rise offices and apartment buildings as well as glass shower screens and bus shelter windows. The increased impact resistance of toughened glass helps ensure the safety of individuals and enhances the durability of structures in these settings.
Applications of toughened glass
Construction industry
Toughened glass is used in the construction industry due to its durability and safety features. It finds widespread application in various architectural elements such as facades and partitions.
Automotive industry
Due to its impact resistance and reduced risk of shattering, toughened glass finds application in the automotive sector, especially in car windows, windshields, and rearview mirrors. In the event of a collision or impact, toughened glass is designed to withstand the forces and minimise the likelihood of glass fragments harming passengers.
Furniture
Toughened glass is used to create glass tables, shelves, and cabinets. It is less prone to breaking compared to regular glass, making it a reliable choice for furniture applications. Additionally, the smooth surface of toughened glass makes it easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the furniture retains its attractive appearance over time.
To sum up
Toughened glass is a versatile material used in the construction and automotive industries. It offers strength, durability, and safety features. This makes it suitable for applications that require safety, and resistance against impacts and temperature fluctuations. In addition, toughened glass is a reliable choice for creating visually appealing structures.
