When it comes to choosing the right type of glass for a project or a product, safety and durability are paramount considerations, especially in public spaces with high traffic. Locations like bus stops, sports shelters or smoking shelters are all places where the impact from vehicles, or in the case of sports shelters – a ball perhaps, are very likely. Damage to glass is, therefore, also quite possible.
This is why many of our products use toughened safety glass, also known as tempered glass. This type of glass offers a range of advantages that make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications. In this blog post, we will look into what toughened safety glass is and what its benefits are.
What is Toughened Safety Glass?
Toughened safety glass, also known as tempered glass, is produced through a controlled thermal treatment process. It has been around for a long time, but production was properly industrialised only in the mid-20th century.
Turning glass into toughened glass usually starts with cutting and shaping the glass to the desired size. The glass is then cleaned thoroughly, placed in a tempering furnace and heated to a high temperature. Once heated, it undergoes rapid cooling, known as quenching. This process creates compressive stresses on the surface while maintaining tension in the core, giving the glass its strength.
After tempering, the glass undergoes a quality control inspection to ensure it meets standards. This includes checking for any imperfections or defects.
The resulting toughened safety glass is significantly stronger and safer compared to untreated glass, even if it is of the same thickness. If it breaks, it shatters into small, harmless pieces with smooth edges, making it a preferred choice for various applications where safety is paramount.
What is Toughened Safety Glass Used for?
Toughened safety glass is becoming more and more popular in homes and businesses. It is a great feature in the interiors of buildings as it can serve both a protective function as well as an aesthetic one. It can control the traffic flow inside a shop, guide visitors along a path or restrict access whilst maintaining the openness and overall aesthetic of the room and not breaking it up visually.
It is used in shopfronts and store doors where security is important, but so is the ability to see inside. It is common in furniture and interior design, such as glass tables, shower doors, balustrades or glass cabinets. And as in our case, it is used in the making of outdoor shelters like smoking shelters, bus stops or sports shelters.
It is an excellent material as it can withstand heavy impacts and a lot of use, and it isn’t too much trouble to work with. Lastly, the toughening process keeps the glass’ colour, clarity, light transmission properties and composition unchanged.
What are The Benefits of Toughened Safety Glass?
Safety glass that has been purposefully hardened to withstand harsh conditions from natural sources – hot and cold weather, as well as impact caused by vehicles, people or objects. It has wide applications, and it is a very popular material nowadays.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is a priority in any construction or architectural project, as well as in places where people gather and there is a risk of vehicle impact or vandalism. Toughened safety glass is designed to shatter into tiny, harmless pieces when broken, rather than sharp shards that can cause serious injuries. It also usually stays in the frame even when it’s been broken, which makes clean-up and repairs easier.
This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for object which are in risk of breakage, such as in doors, windows, shower enclosures, glass railings. It is also great for outdoor settings, especially near roads or in areas where you may expect some vandalism.
Exceptional Strength
Thanks to the tempering process, toughened safety glass is up to five times stronger than regular glass of the same thickness. This increased strength provides a level of security and resilience invaluable in high-traffic areas or places where impacts are more likely to occur.
This makes it a preferred outdoor material as it both withstands the elements and endures daily use well.
Customisation Possibilities
Toughened safety glass offers a range of customisation options to suit your specific functional requirements. It is a material that can be tinted and can have different finishes applied to it. However, it is important to know that once toughened, the glass can not be recut, so any customisation in terms of shape and size needs to be done before the hardening process begins.
Heat Resistance
Toughened glass is better equipped to handle high temperatures compared to untreated glass. This makes it an excellent choice for applications where exposure to heat is a consideration, such as near stovetops, fireplaces, or, like in our case – outdoor installations. It is a material that handles well direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, and you can expect it to maintain its integrity and serve you well for years.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While toughened glass may have a higher upfront cost than regular glass, its durability and resistance to breakage can result in long-term cost savings. The reduced likelihood of replacements and repairs can lead to lower overall maintenance expenses over time.
Toughened safety glass is a robust, secure, and versatile option for various architectural and construction applications. We love its hardiness, durability and the safety that it provides even if it shatters.