Tempered Glass

The "heat -treatment" process has application of a rapid air quench immediately upon withdrawal of hot (approx. at 1200° F ) glass from the "tempering furnace", as its key element. The immediate and sustained application of air quench produces the temper. The air direction against hot glass from several fixed, reciprocation or rotating blast nozzles, extracts heat uniformly from both surfaces (uneven heat extraction may produce bow or warp). It is also required to sustain the quench long enough so as to prevent reheating of the glass surface from the still-hot glass core. A quenched condition becomes stable as the glass is reduced to a 400-600 °F approx.

The tempered glasses are used in place of other glass products in application requiring increased strength and reduced likelihood of injury in the event of breakage. Buildings, motor vehicle and certain manufacturing industries make use of fine tempered glass because they are effective and economical and serve a range of application. Tempered glass is also used for doors , side lights, shower and tub enclosure and in interior partitions. They are ideal for storm doors, Patio -door assemblies and stairway balustrades. As a glazing product, tempered glass is used in windows and in spandrel areas, sloped glazing, racquetball courts, skylights and solar panels. The industrial usage of tempered glass in seen in refrigerators, furniture, ovens, shelving, and fireplace screens.