Tempered glass is a specific type of glass that is often used in applications that require an element of safety should the glass break. This glass looks just like everyday glass, but goes through a very specialized manufacturing process to render it safe. Below, we will take a closer look at tempered glass and how it is used.
What is tempered glass?
Sometimes referred to as "toughened” or “fully tempered” glass, tempered glass is really just ordinary glass that has gone through a special conditioning process. Glass is heated in an oven to temperatures over 600 degrees C. Typically, glass manufacturers will heat the glass to 620 degrees C. After the glass has reached the appropriate temperature, it undergoes a rapid cooling process called quenching. During this process very cool air is blown over the surface of the glass in varying directions. The quenching process only takes a few seconds but produces an end product known as tempered glass.
How is it used?
Tempered glass is about four times stronger than untreated, typical glass, called annealed glass. The glass is incredibly strong if impacted from a front facing side. Tempered glass however, is fairly easily broken if it is hit from an edge. When broken, the glass shatters into a "dice" like pattern that forms small, rounded pieces. These small broken pieces are relatively harmless to people.
Why is it needed?
There are many applications in life that require the use of glass. If the glass should happen to break, it can pose a dangerous safety risk to people. Annealed glass can break and produce dangerous shards with very sharp edges. Tempered glass is a safe alternative that looks and behaves as normal glass, but forms generally safe pieces if it happens to break.
Who uses it?
Tempered glass is used in place of annealed glass when there is a safety concern. Some typical uses of tempered glass include vehicle windows, doors and windows in commercial and residential buildings, furniture, or even shower and tub surrounds. As a result, there are many people who use tempered glass including furniture manufacturers, builders or designers, and even lighting fixture companies.
Why get it from us?
At Northwestern Glass Fab we complete the glass cutting in-house which has several advantages to the manufacturer and end customer. First, cutting the glass in-house means that we are speaking directly with the manufacturer ensuring that specifications and directions are clear and exact. Further, by cutting all of our tempered glass in-house the manufacturer and customer can expect a quicker process with shorter turnaround times.
How to get tempered glass
The best way to get tempered glass from Northwestern Glass Fab is to contact our sales representatives. Our team is filled with knowledgeable professionals who are eager to help. We can be reached at 763-762-1750. We would love to hear about your project and needs, so we can create a custom solution just for you.