Tempered glass is a hard, strong type of glass that undergoes special thermal and chemical treatments to achieve a unique composition. When tempered glass undergoes these processes, the material composition changes, allowing it to break into small, granular — and sometimes even circular — pieces.
Unlike regular glass, which often shatters into sharp, jagged-edged pieces upon breaking, tempered glass is less likely to cause injury or harm when broken. Thanks to this high durability, and unique, safe way of breaking, the material used in numerous applications in which safety is a major concern.
Tempered glass is known for having three key benefits in comparison to more traditional types of glass:
- The enhanced safety features of tempered glass help prevent the risk of injury during breakage and subsequent cleanup.
- The high durability of the material means it’s not only less likely to break, but also more scratch-resistant and weather-resistant.
- Tempered glass has the ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and variations, making it ideal for various settings and applications requiring temperature resistance.
6 Popular Uses of Tempered Glass
Because of the unique safety features inherent in tempered glass, it’s used in a wide variety of commercial, residential, and industrial applications.
This glass is particularly well suited to the automotive industry, which makes use of the material for the windows and windshields of passenger vehicles.
Below are six other common applications of tempered glass.
- Furniture — In furniture applications, tempered glass is most commonly used in glass tabletops, providing high durability and resistance to wear and tear, such as scratches. Tempered glass tabletops can be found in both indoor dining room furniture and outdoor patio furniture, as well as conference room tables and office desks. Bookshelves and display cases also make use of tempered glass to form glass panels in the doors, shelves, and more.
- Railings — Whether used in railings in the home — on balconies, for example — or in public settings, such as schools, shopping malls, and hospitals, tempered glass is an ideal option. Its strength and durability provide ongoing protection against normal wear and tear without obstructing the view as opaque railings do.
- Office — In the office, tempered glass can be used for office furniture such as desks and tables, as well as office partitions. For offices with an open floor plan, tempered glass is ideal for creating nonpermanent partitions. The glass is thick and durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
- Displays — The display cases used in retail and grocery stores are often made of tempered glass. These displays are handled often by both employees and customers, so strength and durability are key. As another example, the retail display cases that hold electronics are often made of tempered glass.
- Appliances — Tempered glass can be found in numerous household appliances. Microwave ovens, baking ovens, toaster ovens, refrigerator shelves, and appliance control panels all use tempered glass in their various parts and components.
- Sports — Tempered glass is often used in ice hockey and ice skating arenas to form a protective barrier between the stands and the rink. Panels made of tempered glass are less likely to break than traditional types, even when hit with a great deal of force. Plus, the material’s high clarity makes it easy for spectators to watch the sports while eliminating the risk of injury by creating a solid barrier between the action on the rink and the spectators in the stands.
The Versatility of Tempered Glass
Thanks to its unique safety features, tempered glass is a popular choice across a diverse range of industries and applications. Its great versatility makes it an obvious choice for those looking to provide the sophisticated aesthetics of glass without sacrificing safety or durability in their homes or business.
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