Thermal tempering improves the resistance of glass to breakage. The thermal treatment of glass compresses the surface layer of glass after heating to 600 degrees and then cooling the glass rapidly.

The thermal process will cause the formation of tension within the glass which in turn leads to the absorption of the elastic energy within the glass. If tempered glass breaks, the stored energy is released as surface energy which fractures the glass into small blunt pieces which cannot cause harm. Tempered glass is, therefore, best suited for safety glazing applications.

The thermal treatment does not alter the chemical composition, specific gravity, the color, hardness, the clarity, expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, and the light transmission characteristics of glass. The notable changes are to the tensile strength of the glass as well as resistance to thermal shock and stresses. Modifications on the glass must be made before tempering is carried out.

What Are The Benefits Of Tempering Glass?

  • Strength – tempered glass is also referred to as toughened glass since it is twice as strong as similar heat strengthened glass and 4-5 times stronger than annealed glass.
  • Safety – If broken, tempered glass will shatter into small pieces which reduce the risk of serious injury.
  • Thermal breakage – the risk of thermal breakage in glass exposed to direct sunlight is high since the exposed area heats up faster while the edges remain relatively cooler. The temperature difference inside the glass causes thermal breakage. Tempered glass has greater edge strength which helps to withstand thermal breakage.
  • Edge strength – tempered glass has higher edge strength compared to normal glass which makes it flexible and ideal for point fixed glazing and spider glazing.

Uses of Tempered Glass

  1. Tempered glass is used in the automobile industry for windshields, rear windows, sun-roofs, and side windows.
  2. Tempered glass is used in the construction industry for balconies, skylights, windows, doors and transparent walls.
  3. In interior decoration, tempered glass is used for shop windows, interior doors, partitions, sanitary fixtures, shelves, tub enclosures and many other applications.
  4. Tempered glass is used for computer screens
  5. Some household appliances such as oven doors and carafes for coffee/tea makers use tempered glass.

There are many other applications of tempered glass and Cenetennial Glass in Ottawa is capable of handling all your tempered glass requirements. Make a call or visit Cenetennial Glass for high-quality tempered glass that meets all your requirements.