Tempered glass is one of the most widespread types of glass that is used in architecture and other areas due to its thermal engineering qualities, safety and longevity. Let’s take a closer look at what tempered glass is, the advantages it offers and why it is utilized in the modern world.
How it is made
Custom ordered tempered glass is being produced nowadays. It is created by evenly heating glass in a specialized furnace up to 700 degrees. As soon as the material is heated, it is being taken out and quickly cooled down. This forces the glass into a compressed state while the core remains tense.
Tempering glass grants it extra mechanical durability which is 5 times higher than annealed glass can provide. Should it break, it releases all the stored energy and crumbles into tiny glass pebbles.
How tempered glass is different to regular
It is 5 times more durable than annealed glass and 3 times more than heat strengthened one of the same size and thickness. Tempered glass can withstand temperature swings up to 250 degrees. Tempering does not change the material’s visual qualities and it is hard to break. If that happens, it will crumble into dulled pebbles, which reduces risk of trauma.
This material cannot be cut, engraved or carved, polished and modified after tempering. It is used in areas where durability, safety and heat resistance are a must.
Tempering provides increased durability, heat resistance and safety of a glass product. The material is highly resistant to rapid increase of temperature compared to annealed glass. Local building regulations dictate where and when it is needed to use tempered glass instead of annealed glass.
Features
Let’s take a look at the characteristics of tempered glass.
Universal design
Aside from glass etching and carving, tempered glass can be laminated, painted from the backside and printed on without any negative consequences for the surface. Different patterns can be applied to it. The glass can be patterned, opaque, transparent and engraved. It possesses water-, grease- and dirt-repellent qualities. It can be wiped with any cloth to quickly clean it.
Thanks to the tempered glass’s durability it can be utilized in a variety of art projects. It gives both a domicile and a commercial building a more innovative and stylish look, stays crystal clear and remains the same regardless of how and where it is being used.
Soundproofing
Tempered glass is much thicker than regular glass. Additional material minimizes incoming sounds. This quality makes it usable in conference halls. Also it reduces outside noise in any vehicle which makes driving more comfortable.
Where is it being used
Tempered glass is mainly utilized in spots with a high risk of mechanical damage, temperature jumps and high heat. It can be seen in architectural objects such as windows, glass railings, wall cladding, shelving, doors and shower cabins as well as frameless installations like wall partitions, commercial doors; stoves, fireplace screens and cars benefit from it too.
Here are some more options:
- Glass kitchen splashbacks that are resistant to stains, dirt and water; they are easy to clean and are a great fit for a kitchen;
- Glass panels for closet doors are a good option for a modern interior design;
- Kitchen splashbacks are constantly getting stained and will serve long and dutifully if they are made from tempered glass;
- A glass panel can be put onto the tabletop to safeguard wood from heat, grease and moisture.
The list above is just a fraction of possible uses for tempered glass; it can be utilized to create anything that is transparent and required to be especially durable.
Nowadays glass like that of required size and thickness for a variety of products can be ordered in a specialized company. A professional can produce it to be of any shape and design!
