What is Toughened Glass
Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is a material that you might not think about often, but it’s one that plays a crucial role in the safety and functionality of many products in our homes and businesses. From shower screens, windows splashbacks and doors to cooktops, cookware, and tables, toughened glass is everywhere and for good reason. Let’s explore what toughened glass is, how it’s made, why it’s useful, and what you should know when selecting it for your home.
What Exactly is Toughened Glass?
At its core, toughened glass is tempered to be much stronger than regular glass. The process involves heating the glass to a temperature of around 600°C and then rapidly cooling it using air. This quick cooling creates a rigid outer layer on the glass, making it up to five times stronger than ordinary glass. The inner part remains under tension, which gives it the strength to withstand impacts and temperature changes.
One of the main benefits of this is safety. Unlike regular glass which can break into dangerous sharp shards, this glass is designed to shatter into small blunt granules. While it may create a bit of a mess, the risk of injury is significantly reduced, keeping you safe even in the unlikely event of breakage.
Weak Points of Toughened Glass
Toughened glass is known for its strength, but it does have some weak points at the corners. During the toughening process, high heat and rapid cooling create tension, making the glass stronger overall. However, the corners are still more vulnerable and if not handled carefully they can chip or crack causing the glass to shatter.
This is why it’s essential to have a professional install toughened glass. A trained glazier ensures the glass is properly fitted, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing the chances of stress points, resulting in a safe, long-lasting installation.
Nickel Sulfide Inclusion
Nickel Sulfide is a natural impurity that can sometimes be present in toughened glass during the manufacturing process. It occurs when small traces of nickel and sulfur react to form a contaminant. This impurity can expand or contract with temperature changes, potentially causing the glass to break or shatter. However, it’s a rare occurrence and modern manufacturing methods have significantly reduced the risk. By choosing glass from reputable Australian suppliers you can be assured of the highest quality.
Imported Glass vs. Australian Made Glass
Now, you may be wondering if there’s a difference between imported toughened glass and Australian-made glass. Both can meet the necessary safety standards, but there are some important considerations:
Quality Control: Australian glass is manufactured under strict quality control standards and must meet the National Construction Code (NCC). While imported glass can meet these standards, the quality assurance may not be consistent.
Environmental Impact: Choosing Australian made glass supports local industries and reduces the carbon footprint associated with international shipping. this is an important factor to consider.
Customization: Australian manufacturers excel at providing glass tailored to your exact needs - Imported glass comes in standard sizes with perpendicular corners, which is limiting, especially since most bathrooms aren’t perfectly perpendicular. Walls may lean and tiles can have falls making areas out of square. Custom made glass fits these imperfections perfectly, ensuring a better installation.
Care and Maintenance of Toughened Glass
While toughened glass is incredibly strong, it’s still important to maintain it properly, especially if it’s being used in a shower screen. Here are some simple tips to keep your glass in great shape:
Clean regularly: Use a squeegee after each use to remove water and prevent the buildup of mineral deposits.
Avoid abrasive cleaners: Harsh scrubbers or cleaners can scratch the surface and compromise the glass.
Check installation: Ensure that no parts of the glass are rubbing against other surfaces, as this could damage the glass.
Final Thoughts
Toughened glass is an incredibly safe and reliable material that plays a key role our day to day lives. When choosing glass for your home, choose quality local glass and ensure it’s installed by professionals.
FAQ
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No, toughened glass cannot be cut, drilled, or altered once it has been through the toughening process. Any modifications must be done before it is toughened. Attempting to cut or change it afterward will cause it to shatter. However, the edges can be lightly polished if needed, but only to a minimal extent.
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Toughened glass usually has a small etched compliance stamp in one of the corners, showing it meets safety standards. If you’re unsure, a glazier can check for you. Another way to identify toughened glass is by looking at it through polarized sunglasses. Toughened glass often reveals patterns of dark spots, wavy lines, or rainbow-like distortions when viewed through polarized lenses. These patterns result from the internal stresses created during the toughening process and are not visible to the naked eye.
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No, while it’s much stronger than regular glass, it’s not indestructible. A hard impact, especially on the edges or corners, can still cause it to break.
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Unlike standard glass, which breaks into sharp and hazardous shards, toughened glass shatters into small, blunt granules. This significantly reduces the risk of injury. While it may create a mess, it generally prevents serious harm to those nearby.
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Toughened glass is heat treated for strength and shatters into small granules when broken. Laminated glass consists of two layers bonded with a plastic interlayer which holds the glass together even when cracked.
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Yes, but it’s rare. This can happen due to nickel sulfide inclusion, edge damage, or extreme stress. Choosing high quality glass from reputable suppliers reduces this risk.
