What are the differences between ordinary glass and tempered glass?

The difference between ordinary glass and tempered glass is that tempered glass is processed chemically or physically to create compressive stress on its surface, thereby enhancing its load-bearing capacity and resistance; Ordinary glass breaks into flakes or sharp blades, while tempered glass breaks into particles with less damage; Ordinary glass can be processed twice, but tempered glass cannot.

Glass is one of the materials we often see and use in our daily lives. It has a long history and a wide range of applications. With the development of modern technology, glass has gradually become more and more unique, resulting in products with better performance such as tempered glass. So what are the differences between them?

What is ordinary glass?

Ordinary glass, also known as window glass or flat glass, is made by firing inorganic minerals such as quartz sand, borax, feldspar, etc. at high temperatures. It has the characteristics of transparency, thermal insulation, sound insulation, wear resistance, etc., and is commonly used in building doors, windows, walls, and interior decoration.

Generally, 2mm and 3mm thickness are suitable for the surface of the frame;

5-6mm thickness is suitable for small area transparent shapes such as doors and windows;

7-9mm thickness is suitable for large indoor areas with frame protection in styling;

9-10mm thickness is suitable for indoor large-scale partitions or railings.

What is tempered glass?

Tempered glass, also known as safety glass, is a type of prestressed glass that forms a compressive stress layer on the surface of ordinary glass through chemical or physical means. When the glass is subjected to external forces, it first counteracts the surface stress, thereby improving the overall performance of the glass. Tempered glass is commonly used in fields such as automobiles, floor light protection, construction, indoor and outdoor decoration, commercial counters, and shop windows.

The difference between ordinary glass and tempered glass:

1. The load-bearing capacity of tempered glass is 3-5 times that of ordinary glass. Under the same thickness, tempered glass is less affected by the same impact force.

2. Ordinary glass breaks into flakes with sharp edges, posing a greater risk, while tempered glass breaks into relatively uniform particles, posing a relatively lower risk.

3. Tempered glass has good thermal stability and can withstand a temperature difference of 150 ℃, which is three times that of ordinary glass, effectively preventing thermal cracking.

4. Ordinary glass is subjected to relatively uniform force, while tempered glass has weaker edges that are more fragile when struck.

5. Ordinary glass can be cut with a glass knife, while tempered glass cannot be cut or reprocessed.

How to distinguish between tempered glass and ordinary glass?

At first glance, it may seem difficult to distinguish between ordinary glass and tempered glass, but in fact, there are significant differences between the two, which can be distinguished through the following aspects:

1. 3C logo

Tempered glass must have the 3C certification mark, while ordinary glass does not have this mark. This sign cannot be erased or scraped off. If the sign can be easily removed, it is definitely not genuine tempered glass. This is determined by the processing procedure of tempered glass: first, cut the ordinary glass according to the required size, then grind the edges, clean it, ink it with the nationally certified 3C mark, and finally, fire it at high temperature.

3C certification on tempered glass

2. Glass shape

Ordinary glass looks very straight and not bent from the side, while tempered glass is not so flat and may have a slight bend from the side. When comparing, ordinary glass and tempered glass can be pressed face to face and observed for any gaps between the two. The side with curved undulations is tempered glass.

3. Glass shards

The biggest difference between ordinary glass and tempered glass is the shape after shattering. Ordinary glass has large pieces and sharp corners; The granular form is tempered glass.