Toughened glass or tempered glass is

glass that has undergone processes of

controlled thermal treatment to
increase its strength. It is four times
stronger than normal annealed glass.
It is called safety glass because when
it breaks, it shatters into smal
Toughened glass is made from annealed glass that has been heated to
approximately 650⁰C and then rapidly cooled. Due to the increased heat
treatment and rapid cooling of the glass, especially between the surface
and the inside of the glass, the treatment produces different physical
properties. This results in compressive stress on the surface and improved
bending strength of glass.

Before toughening, the glass must be cut to size or pressed to shape. This
is because once it is toughened, it cannot be re-worked on. Toughened
glass is widely used in a number of applications.

Characteristics of Toughened Glass

Toughened glass is four to five times stronger than annealed glass of the
same size and thickness against impact. Toughened glass has higher
thermal strength and can withstand a high temperature differential up to
250°C.Toughened glass is considered as safety glass. It is difficult to break
and even in the event of a breakage, disintegrates into small globules,
which are relatively harmless.

Toughening does not alter the basic characteristics of glass such as light
transmission and solar radiant heat properties.
 After heat treatment, the surface of toughened glass has the same
resistance to surface damage as annealed glass. Toughened glass cannot be
cut, drilled or altered.

Heat soak test is recommended to be carried out on Toughened glass that

is used for overhead and horizontal application, to prevent the spontaneous
breakage caused due to nickel sulphide inclusion.

Properties of toughened glass

Properties Tou
Thermal Shock Resistance Up t
Mechanical strength Fou
Tensile strength 65 M
Bending strength 120
Surface compression > 95
Design Stress for Architectural purposes 50 M
Fragmentation Sma
Conducive for processing Can
Benefits:

Toughening increases tensile strength, thermal shock resistance and safety

of normal glass. It also increases its heat withstanding capacity. Because of
these properties, toughened glass is preferred in applications where
strength, safety and thermal resistance are significant.

Strength & Safety Considerations

 Four to five times stronger than annealed glass
 Two to three times stronger than heat strengthened glass
 Fragments into small, relatively harmless pieces, reducing the likelihood of injury

Resistance to Thermal Breakage

Uneven heating due to direct sunlight makes glass expand and contract at
different rates. This difference in the rates, creates stress in glass which
may lead to breakage. When temperature differential is above 50°C, the
risk of thermal breakage is high for annealed glass and when the difference
is up to 250°C, the risk of thermal breakage is prevented by using
toughened glass.

Thermal Breakage Pattern

Thermal breakage starts at the edge and is perpendicular to the glass edge.
Breakage may be single or multiple depending on the built up stress.
Several cracks indicate high thermal stress across the glass pane. A fully
toughened glass has significantly higher edge strength to withstand
chances of thermal breakage.

Applications of Toughened Glass

Toughened glass is specifically designed for use in areas where there is a

high risk of contact and breakage. It can be used for exteriors and interiors,
such as facades, showroom shelves, dividers, shower cabins, doors, etc.

In the automobile industry, toughened glass is commonly used for side

lights and back lights.