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Toughened glass (also known as tempered glass) is a type of safety glass that undergoes controlled thermal or chemical treatments to enhance its strength and durability compared to standard glass.

 

The tempering process involves heating the glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it to create internal stresses within the glass, making it much more robust than regular annealed glass.

In the event of breakage, our toughened glass shatters into small granular chunks, mitigating the risk of hazardous jagged shards commonly associated with annealed glass.

Toughened glass: where strength, safety, and design excellence redefine architecture.

Key characteristics and features of toughened glass:

Strength

 Toughened glass is significantly stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness and can withstand higher impact forces, making it less likely to break upon impact.

Safety

When toughened glass does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless fragments instead of large, sharp pieces, reducing the risk of injury.

Heat resistance

Toughened glass has higher thermal resistance compared to regular glass. It can withstand rapid temperature changes without breaking, making it suitable for applications where temperature variations are common.

Applications

Toughened glass is widely used in various applications, including windows, doors, glass partitions, shower enclosures, glass furniture, and automotive applications (such as side windows and rear windshields). Its strength and safety features make it a preferred choice in areas where safety is a concern.

Tempering process

The tempering process involves heating the glass to around 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit) and then rapidly cooling it with forced air or jets of cool air. This creates a balance of surface compression and edge tension within the glass, enhancing its strength.

Suface stress

The tempering process induces surface compression on the glass, making it more resistant to scratches and other forms of damage.

Cutting limitations

Once toughened, the glass cannot be cut or altered, as any attempt to do so will cause it to shatter into small pieces. Therefore, any required shaping or cutting must be done before the tempering process.

Toughened glass is ideal for both residential and commercial projects due to its enhanced strength and safety features. It provides durability, transparency, and a sleek aesthetic, meeting diverse requirements in various applications.

 

Flat and curved toughened glass is perfect for:

 

Glass Balustrades: Providing safety and aesthetics in staircases and balconies.

Roofing: Skylights, canopies, and overhead glazing.

Partitions: Creating transparent barriers in offices or homes.

Shower enclosures: Durable and safe shower screens.

Flooring: Glass floors for a modern and unique look.

Shopfronts and shopping centres: Enhancing visibility and security for retail spaces.

Sports facilities: Protective barriers in stadiums or sports arenas.

Greenhouses: Allowing sunlight while providing structural strength.

Public transport: Toughened glass windows and signage in stations.

Museums: Display cases and partitions for artefact visibility and protection.

Toughened glass: where strength, safety, and design excellence redefine architecture.

Jumbo and Bespoke Glass Measurements:

SGP Rooflight
SGP Glass Balustrading
Jumbo curved glass

All our flat toughened glass is manufactured at our custom-built factory to EN 12150 standards. Our team knows glass inside out, so we can offer the whole range of thicknesses in toughened glass using our state-of-the-art CNC processing machine.

At Specialist Glass Products, we can toughen both flat and curved glass: flat glass up to 6000mm x 3210mm, and curved glass up to 3200mm x 5000mm, in the following thicknesses (Heat Soak Test available): 5-19mm 

Thank you for your excellent service involving the design, supply and installation of the glazed link structure at Hall Farm, Hathersage. We pride ourselves on our high quality of design and recognised that Specialist Glass Products should meet our aspirations. The complexities of working on listed buildings in the Peak district, combined with the arduous site constraints were always going to be a challenge. However, the finished product has surpassed the expectations of all involved including the discerning client and the planning officials. Needless to say, I would not hesitate to recommend your services. Thank you once again and I look forward to working with you again in the future.

David EttridgeRIBA Architect

Whatever your specialist glass requirements, our team is here to help.

Let’s discuss your project today!

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