Tempered glass is a common safety glass material. Because of its excellent characteristics, it can be widely used in many fields. Tempered glass not only has many advantages, but also has some disadvantages. This article discusses some advantages and disadvantages of tempered glass to help you better understand tempered glass.
The advantages of tempered glass
High strength
The strength of tempered glass is 4-5 times that of ordinary glass. So it is much stronger than ordinary glass in terms of safety. Can be very good impact resistance, resistance to scratches. Tempered glass is made by rapid cooling after high temperature. Its internal structures pull on each other, increasing the internal stress. So it is very strong in carrying capacity.
Specifically, tempered glass has strong impact resistance. Tempered glass will not break easily even if subjected to greater external force. Especially in places with high security requirements, such as glass doors and Windows, building curtain walls, etc. It's a good way to keep people safe.
The bending resistance of tempered glass is also strong. Its internal structure ensures that it is not easily deformed. The bending resistance is also significantly improved. Therefore, in many large glass structures, tempered glass is widely popular.
Security
Tempered glass is called safety glass because it forms small particles at obtuse angles when broken. Unlike other ordinary glass, it doesn't break into sharp screaming shards. Therefore, in many places with high safety requirements, tempered glass has become the first choice. It can reduce the damage caused to the human body when the glass is broken.
For example, the windshield of our car and the side and rear Windows are often made of tempered glass. Sometimes when we see minor car accidents on TV, the glass on the car does not break into large pieces. This may be the role of tempered glass. Even if there is a collision, the tempered glass can also protect the passengers in the car. Tempered glass is also commonly used on the exterior walls of some high-rise buildings. Avoid damage to the human body in case of accidents.
Heat resistance
Tempered glass also has high heat resistance because of its production process. Like ordinary glass, it can withstand temperature changes of only 70-100 degrees Celsius. But tempered glass can withstand temperature changes of 200-300 degrees Celsius. It can be said that tempered glass is more widely adapted to the environment. The application in high temperature and heat resistant environment has obvious advantages over other glass.
We all know that ovens and microwaves operate at high temperatures. Things like oven doors and microwave doors use tempered glass. Make sure it doesn't crack in the heat. And the service life is also very long. Under high temperature for a long time, tempered glass can still maintain its own stability.
Tempered glass is also commonly used in solar panels and collectors. It is not afraid of high temperature and strong light, stable performance is very good.
Aesthetic
The beauty of tempered glass is different from that of stained glass. The tempered glass design is simple and clean. But it's also because it's smooth and transparent. So it is a good expression of modern aesthetics. Most modern architectural designs pursue simplicity and cleanliness, so tempered glass is very suitable. If we add some diversified processing methods, it can also be used in decorative applications.
Take our usual home decoration. For indoor and outdoor decorative walls, partitions and other areas. Through processing on the scrub, screen printing and other ways, can be applied in many fields. It can increase the modern sense and aesthetics of the space. And our furniture. For example, glass coffee tables, study tables, etc. Can be made of tempered glass. So tempered glass not only has a strong function. In the aesthetic decoration, it is also very suitable.
Environmental performance
Apart from some of the advantages mentioned above. Tempered glass also has the small advantage that it is an environmentally friendly material. It can be recycled without causing pollution to the environment. In the current wave of low-carbon environmental protection, tempered glass is also widely promoted and used.
The disadvantages of tempered glass
Non-processability
You should know that once the tempered glass is formed, it can not be processed again. No cutting, no drilling. These processing methods will destroy the characteristics of the tempered glass itself. At the same time, it is easy to cause the tempered glass to break.
So before we have to deal with tempered glass, we must first think about how to design. Your cutting, drilling, and edging must all be done before the tempering process. The size and shape of the user's needs should be determined in advance. Avoid creating waste and unnecessary costs. In the manufacturing process, we must grasp the size error. It might not even be right, and we'll have to start all over again.
Self-detonation risk
There is a phenomenon that tempered glass may break without obvious external force. This is because the tempered glass itself is very strong, but its internal stress may not be uniform.
In the case of uneven internal stress, they pull on each other. There may be a concentration of force inside the glass. Under the action of time, the tempered glass may self-explode.
It is also possible that during the tempering process, small nickel sulfide particles may remain in the glass. These particles cannot withstand temperature changes. Under long-term stress, they may cause the glass to self-explode.
Higher cost
The production process of tempered glass is very strict and fine. To high temperature and cooling, the production cost is higher than that of ordinary glass. Therefore, although the characteristics of tempered glass are excellent, it may also be limited in the degree of application.
In general, in the large-scale demand for glass materials, most architects will consider the overall cost. The use of tempered glass in large areas may increase costs.
There are also some places used by ordinary residents. The average household will shop around. In the glass material may choose more cost-effective, lower cost materials.
Heavier weight
The density of tempered glass is actually the same as that of ordinary glass. However, the thickness of tempered glass is relatively large, so the weight is heavier. Some applications that require lightweight may be limited.
For example, we often use mobile phone screens. Today, tempered film is also commonly used, but you may choose a thinner material. It's the same with screens like tablets or smartwatches. If it is to be applied in high-rise buildings, it is also necessary to consider whether the weight of glass will produce a load on the building structure. When handling tempered glass, we should also pay attention to the bearing capacity.
Application of tempered glass
Construction industry: Tempered glass is often used in the curtain wall of high-rise buildings. It is strong, beautiful and safe. It is also commonly used in office partitions or commercial areas. Providing an open and transparent effect also gives a modern feel.
Furniture manufacturing: tempered glass can be used in the general indoor glass desktop and coffee table. Provides wear -, heat - and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. If you have glass doors in your home, you can also use tempered glass. Tempered glass guarantees your safety. And the tempered glass door will not prevent the sun from passing through, which can make the room brighter.
Automobile manufacturing: As mentioned earlier, the side Windows and rear Windows of cars are usually made of tempered glass. It can protect the safety of the driver while ensuring the life length of the glass. Tempered glass can also be used for car sunroofs. It has good impact resistance, pressure resistance, and heat resistance.
Home appliances: In addition to the above mentioned microwave doors and oven doors. In fact, tempered glass is also used in refrigerator panels, washing machine covers, range hood panels and other products. The washing machine cover plate, especially the upper door washing machine, is often made of tempered glass material. Tempered glass can withstand the impact and pressure of frequent switching of washing machine cover plate. It also prevents internal water and dust from entering. The operation panel and smoke baffle of the range hood use tempered glass to withstand the high temperature environment during cooking. Long-term use can also maintain the stability of performance.
Electronic products: tempered glass can protect the protective screen of electronic products. Such as the display of a smartphone, tablet or other electronic device. As a screen of electronic products, it needs more stable protection. Tempered glass also has the effect of resistance to scratches and drop resistance. In addition, tempered glass can also be used in camera lenses. Provides high transparency and wear resistance.
conclusion
Tempered glass has been widely used in various fields because of its high strength, high safety, high heat resistance and beauty. However, when we apply it, we must also take into account its self-explosion risk, cost problems and weight considerations. Only by considering these advantages and disadvantages of tempered glass can the most suitable glass type be selected.
