SINGLE GLASS TEMPERED

Glass is tempered by subjecting it to a heating and cooling treatment whereby high compressive stresses are set up at the surface with balancing tensile stresses in the centre. These balance stresses give tempered glass its increased strength. It can only break under extreme loads which bend the glass sufficiently to overcome the stresses or by severe impact with sharp objects which penetrate the surface so releasing the stress and fracturing the glass.

Tempered glass is up to five times stronger than ordinary glass of the same thickness, and can meet Architectural safety standards for impact resistance anywhere in the world. Because of its increased strength, tempered glass allows Architects and builders for greater scope in their use of glass in buildings.

In areas particular hazard where standards require the use of a safety glazing material, SGF tempered glass (SGF – FT) provides an economical and proven solution. Tempered glass, if ever broken, disintegrates into small, relatively harmless pieces which are neither large enough nor sharp enough to cause serious injury. This break-safe characteristic is another important aspect of toughened safety.

Tempered glass can withstand extremes of heat and cold. At 250 degrees centigrade it can be sprayed with ice-cold water in remain intact. This resistance to serve temperatures differentials means that it can be used where annealed glass could be subject to breakage through thermals stress. For example, windows which for a large part of the day may be partly in shade and partly in direct sunshine.

Heat resistances combined with strength also allow its extensive use in furniture and domestic appliances. Wherever the benefits of ordinary glass need to be combined with extra strength, safety or heat resistance, SGF tempered glass can offer a complete and proven solution.