Toughened glass fabrication work involves processing standard glass into toughened (or tempered) glass, which is significantly stronger and safer than regular glass. This transformation is achieved through a controlled thermal or chemical treatment process that increases the glass’s strength and changes its breakage pattern. Toughened glass is extensively used in various applications where strength, thermal resistance, and safety are paramount, such as in building facades, shower doors, vehicle windows, and many other architectural and industrial settings.
The Toughening Process:
Cutting to Size: The glass is precisely cut to the required dimensions before toughening, as it cannot be cut, drilled, or edged after the toughening process without shattering.
Edge Processing: The edges of the glass are ground and polished to remove any sharpness or imperfections, reducing the risk of injury and breakage.
Cleaning: The glass is thoroughly cleaned to remove all contaminants. Any residue on the glass surface can cause defects during the toughening process.
Heating: The glass is heated to a temperature of approximately 620°C – 680°C, making it soft and ready for rapid cooling. This phase is critical and requires precise control to ensure uniform temperature throughout the glass.
Quenching (Cooling): The heated glass is then rapidly cooled by blowing air uniformly on both surfaces simultaneously. This sudden cooling creates a state of compression on the surfaces and tension in the interior of the glass, significantly increasing its strength.
Characteristics and Benefits of Toughened Glass:
Increased Strength: Toughened glass is up to five times stronger than ordinary glass of the same thickness, making it resistant to impact and stress.
Thermal Resistance: It can withstand temperature differences without breaking, making it ideal for situations where thermal stress is a concern.
Safety: When toughened glass does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces that are far less likely to cause injury, unlike the sharp shards of broken standard glass.
Design Flexibility: Its strength allows for larger panes of glass to be used without the need for thick, heavy glass, facilitating modern architectural designs that feature large glass elements.