1. Manufacturing Process:
Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is produced by heating ordinary glass to near its softening point (around 620°C) and then rapidly cooling it. This process creates compressive stress on the surface and tensile stress within, making tempered glass 4-5 times stronger than ordinary glass.
Heat Strengthened Glass: Heat strengthened glass is produced by heating the glass to a temperature just below its softening point, followed by controlled cooling. This process increases the glass's strength compared to ordinary glass but does not create the same high level of internal stress as fully tempered glass. As a result, heat strengthened glass is stronger than regular glass but not as strong as tempered glass.
2. Strength:
Tempered Glass: Tempered glass has a higher strength, approximately 4-5 times stronger than ordinary glass.
Heat Strengthened Glass: Heat strengthened glass is stronger than ordinary glass but weaker than tempered glass, with a strength roughly 2 times that of ordinary glass.
3. Breakage Characteristics:
Tempered Glass: When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces without sharp edges, making it safer. It is widely used in applications requiring higher safety, such as automobile windows and building facades.
Heat Strengthened Glass: When heat strengthened glass breaks, it tends to break into larger fragments with less risk of sharp edges compared to ordinary glass, though it is not as safe as tempered glass. It is less likely to shatter into small pieces.
4. Applications:
Tempered Glass: It is primarily used in places that need to withstand significant pressure or impact, such as building windows, shower doors, and automobile windows.
Heat Strengthened Glass: Heat strengthened glass is used in applications where high strength is needed but the higher safety characteristics of tempered glass are not required. It is often used in building facades, large windows, and other architectural applications.
5. Advantages:
Advantages of Tempered Glass:
High Strength and Impact Resistance: Tempered glass exhibits exceptional strength, being 4-5 times stronger than ordinary glass. It is ideal for environments requiring high impact resistance and pressure tolerance, such as building facades, curtain walls, and high-rise windows.
Safety: When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces without sharp edges, minimizing injury risks. It is widely used in applications requiring high safety standards, such as shower doors, windows, and automobile glass.
Advantages of Heat Strengthened Glass:
High Cost Performance: Heat strengthened glass is manufactured using a simpler process, making it more cost-effective than tempered glass. It is a good option for applications with a limited budget but still requiring enhanced strength and durability.
Ease of Processing: Heat strengthened glass is easier to process than tempered glass and can be cut or shaped after the heating process, making it flexible for customized designs.
