Toughened Glass
What is Toughened Glass?
Toughened glass, also known as tuffen or tempered glass, is a high-strength glass that is up to five times stronger than regular glass. It is made from annealed glass that has been quickly condensed after being heated to about 650° and subjected to controlled heat or chemical processing to make it stronger than regular glasses. This makes it four to five times more heat resistant than standard glass and capable of withstanding temperature swings of up to 250°C.
Because of its durability and high resistance to heat and breakage, toughened glass is widely preferred in places that require more strength or safety, like doors, windows that are close to doors, or low-level windows. However, it can also be in architectural applications, such as glass doors, partition walls, side windows, and office glass desks, doors, and walls to improve the overall aesthetic of the space.
Bimba uses Toughened Glass from Saint Gobain, which is well known for its strength and endurance, so you can always rely on us!
Why do you need Toughened Glass?
Standard glass, often known as annealed or float glass, shatters into large, jagged shards. If you fall against it, you could seriously injure yourself. To reduce this risk, toughened glass is used. If a strong force strikes the tempered glass, it will shatter into harmless circular fragments rather than sharp, jagged shards. As a result, these glasses lessen the chance of harm.
Therefore, the resilience of toughened glass makes it a safer option to invest in. It gives a greater sense of security to the area. Additionally, toughened glass-fixed doors and windows may be modified to offer soundproofing options, making them the ideal choice for any area or neighbourhood.
Types of Toughened Glass
There are five main types of toughened glass used for ravishing and unique architecture, each with unique properties and uses, which includes;
Clear Toughened Glass
Clear toughened glass is typically transparent and devoid of any patterns or designs. Nearly colourless and with a green or blue/green edge, clear toughened glass allows roughly 90% of visible light while reflecting just about 8% of it. This glass is typically used to prepare balcony doors, windows, exhibition halls, and displays, among others.
Laminated Toughened Glass
Laminated Toughened Glass, also known as Toughened Laminated Glass, is made up of two layers of toughened glass that are joined together by an incredibly durable PVB plastic interlayer. Due to its flawless finish and exceptional sturdiness, it has grown in popularity. In places where glass breakage may otherwise result in falling glass, such as skylights, balustrades, roof glazing, and curtain walls, laminated toughened glass is recommended.
Frosted Toughened Glass
Frosted toughened glass is made of clear toughened glass that has been turned opaque using sandblasting or acid etching method and is extensively used for privacy in bathroom doors, workspaces, and bedrooms, among other places.
Reflective Toughened Glass
Reflective glass is regular float or annealed glass that has a thin metallic coating on it. This glass is then fully strengthened with heat and toughened during the process to increase its durability. This type of glass is mostly used in shopping malls, educational facilities, restaurants, and hotel rooms because it reduces excessive solar glare.
Bent-Toughened Glass
A method based on tempering is used to create bent toughened glass. The glass pane is bent to the necessary form after reaching the glass temperature just below the softening point and is then rapidly cooled down. Bent Toughened Glass has many uses in architecture, including solariums, aquariums, shower doors and enclosures, elevator glass panels, and rotating doors etc.
Toughened Glass VS Normal/Ordinary Glass
Toughened Glass | Ordinary Glass |
Due to the additional processing that toughened glass undergoes, its edges are entirely smooth. | Normal glass typically has scuffed or ridged edges. |
It does not break easily, but when it does, it shatters into tiny, pebble-like shards. | It easily breaks under pressure and results in dangerous, jagged edges. |
It offers greater safety due to its sturdiness. | It is relatively dangerous due to its fragile nature. |
It cannot be altered or modified. | It can be cut, drilled, or polished. |
It offers excellent strength and durability. | It is fragile and lacks endurance. |
How do you know if it is Toughened Glass?
Toughened glass may look the same as normal glass. Although you can tell by the way it shatters, it wouldn’t be a good idea to break it to see if it’s toughened. So, how do you tell if a glass is toughened without a hammer involved?
Let us walk you through the less destructive ways to identify the toughened glass.
- You will always find a tiny label etched or sandblasted in toughened glass’s corner. This stamp specifies whether or not the glass is tempered, along with the name of the manufacturer and the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards.
- Because of the intense heat it undergoes, the tongs used to hold the glass often leave a faint imprint on its surface, which you might be able to spot if you look closely enough.
- With polarized sunglasses on, you may see dark, gloomy areas or lines spanning the surface of tempered glass, which is a clear sign that the glass has been toughened.
- Toughened glass has smooth edges due to the extra processing it goes through, while normal glass usually has scuffed or ridged edges. Run your fingertips along any exposed edges. Any impression of roughness likely means that it is not toughened glass.
Toughened Glass in Nepal
Toughened glass is offered by multiple companies in Nepal. You will not have a hard time finding one, but the issue in Nepal is that individuals have little to no knowledge of how these glasses may be used, which leads to people choosing items that are unsuitable for them and occasionally being tricked. So, when selecting a supplier, try to choose one that can offer you comprehensive services from consultation to final installation. Having a single supplier for the entire procedure will ensure a successful transaction. Another important consideration is the availability of customisation.
Toughened glass can be used in various applications, including preparing balcony doors, windows, facades, shower doors, bathroom doors, exhibition areas, and displays and can be customised according to your need.
So, if you’re seeking a reliable brand that can meet all of your glass needs, look no further than Bimba. To suit your demands, Bimba provides a large assortment of toughened glass that can be customised in different sizes, thicknesses, and colours. Contact us at 9851111675 or send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. Our team will reach out to you shortly.