Heat-tempered safety glass, also known as tempered glass or SECURIT glass, is a specially treated type of glass that offers significantly higher strength and safety compared to regular glass. Here’s a breakdown of its history, advantages, technical specifications, and applications.
History of Tempered Glass
The concept of strengthening glass through rapid cooling dates back to the 9th century when glassmakers observed that glass submerged in oil while still hot became more durable. A notable example from the 12th century, “Prince Rupert’s drops,” demonstrated that rapidly cooled glass could withstand intense pressure at the bulbous end but would shatter if the tail was damaged. The process continued to evolve, with significant advancements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually leading to the modern technique of cooling glass with cold air, as pioneered by companies like Pilkington.
Advantages of Heat-Tempered Safety Glass
When choosing safety glass, one generally encounters two main types: laminated (TRIPLEX) and tempered (SECURIT). Each type has its strengths and is designed to meet specific needs without compromising safety. Tempered glass focuses on high resistance to mechanical stresses and environmental factors, thus reducing the risk of breakage and increasing overall safety. Key advantages include:
Enhanced Durability: Tempered glass is up to 400% stronger than regular glass, making it resistant to impact and scratching.
Safety upon Breakage: When broken, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces, minimizing injury risk.
Active Safety: Its high resistance helps prevent breakage, enhancing structural integrity, especially in applications where safety is critical.
Temperature Resistance: Tempered glass can withstand extreme temperature changes, making it ideal for environments where thermal stress is a concern.
Technical Specifications of Tempered Glass
Strength: 4 to 5 times stronger than annealed glass.
Surface Compression: Approximately 10,000 psi or higher, allowing it to handle higher thermal and mechanical stress.
Fragmentation: When broken, it shatters into small, rounded pieces with a lower likelihood of injury.
Temperature Resistance: Can withstand temperatures up to 300°C, making it suitable for appliances and heat-exposed applications.
Applications of Heat-Tempered Safety Glass
Safety Applications
Transportation: Used in windshields for cars, planes, trains, and even marine vessels.
Public and Private Buildings: Suitable for floors, staircases, balconies, and frameless glass doors.
Shower Enclosures and Shelters: Common in frameless showers, shop windows, terraces, and shelters due to its strength.
Temperature-Resistant Applications
Home Appliances: Found in ovens, microwave doors, grills, and refrigerators.
Industrial Heating Equipment: Often used in stoves, fireplaces, and high-energy curtains.
High Mechanical Strength Applications
Greenhouses and Solar Panels: Due to its resistance to environmental stressors, tempered glass is a standard material in greenhouses and photovoltaic systems.
Structural Glass Applications: Essential in applications requiring point-supported glass, frameless doors, and showcases.
Overall, heat-tempered safety glass is an ideal choice for applications demanding durability, thermal resistance, and safety. Its versatility and strength make it indispensable in industries from automotive to construction and beyond.
