Toughened glass is glass that has undergone processes of controlled thermal treatment to increase its strength. Also known as 'Tempered glass', toughened glass is made from annealed glass that has been heated to approximately 650⁰C and then rapidly cooled, making it four times stronger than the ordinary glass.
Due to the increased heat treatment and rapid cooling of the glass, the treatment produces different physical properties. This results in compressive stress on the surface and improved bending strength of the glass. Before toughening, the glass must be cut to the correct size or pressed to shape.
- After toughening, glass can neither be cut, nor altered.
- Toughening does not alter the basic characteristics of glass - like light transmission or solar heat reflection. Glass toughened is known to have higher thermal strength, with the ability to withstand high temperatures up to 250°C.
- Toughened glass is difficult to break but in the event of a breakage, disintegrates into small, harmless blunt pieces.