Introduction
Have you seen a broken tempered glass? The very first question that flashes through my brain is:
Can tempered glass break despite such a powerful strength?
Temperature glass is one of the most powerful and prone to damage only in certain conditions. You are welcome to go to the right spot to learn about all the conditions. Today, we will discuss how tempered glass works and under what conditions it can break.
What is a tempered glass?
Tempered glass is a specialized glass that undergoes additional strengthening processes. The next-gen power makes it an unbreakable shield among the glass.
A heating process can make it a robust glass type in various applications. The features of the tempered glass include:
- Safety. Whenever the tempered glass breaks, it breaks into small pieces. These are harmless pieces that ensure the safety of the users.
- Durability. Such glass types offer unending performance and impressive durability. They are less likely to break unless you exceed the specific limits of the stress.
- Transparency. One of the most appreciated features of this glass type is its clarity despite such colossal strength.
What makes tempered glass so strong?
The secret behind the robust strength of tempered glass lies in the manufacturing process. The following methods and features make tempered glass a strong structure.
Thermal tempering process
Heat is the crucial player behind the excellent strengthening of tempered glass. The glass materials are heated to 600–700°C (1,100–1,300°F). They then rapidly cool down, causing the molecules’ compression and strength.
Compressive and tensile strength
Heating bestows the long-term strength effects. The strength of the external surface makes it difficult to damage this glass. Only the force that can exceed the tensile strength of the tempered glass can break it into pieces.
Chemical strengthening
It is an optimal process for elevating the strength of the glass materials. Many manufacturers replace the smaller sodium ion with the more significant potassium. It increases the strength of the material.
Reasons why tempered glass breaks
If you have seen broken tempered glass, remember it is 100% possible for many reasons. We have listed the reasons why tempered glass can break.
Point Impact
If you have applied a concentrated force on a specific end, it can damage and sometimes even break the tempered glass. It is because of the scattered force. Moreover, the weak points in the tempered glass are more prone to damage. So, a point impact is an authentic reason behind the damage to the tempered glass.
Edge damage
Edges of the tempered glass are notorious for the breakage. For example, you install tempered glass with a slightly damaged edge. Over time, temperature fluctuations and harsh environmental conditions can impact this part. The glass will start showing more damage and might break sooner or later.
Thermal shock
The fact behind the strength of tempered is the heat treatment. The same can be true behind the damage as well. This is because the sudden thermal changes can alter the molecules in the glass. It leads to cracks and causes severe damage to the tempered glass materials.
Spontaneous breakage
One of the rarest phenomena causing tempered glass damage is its spontaneous deterioration over time. Are you wondering why it happens?
It can occur because of two crucial reasons.
- Nickel Sulfide Inclusions make the glass impure. The stress applications can cause long-term damage and, ultimately, the breakage of the glass materials.
- Uneven cooling can cause some parts to be too strengthened while others can be too weakened. As a result, it can kill the strength and break the tempered glass.
Improper installation
A perfect installation of tempered glass guarantees a long-term relationship. The opposite can happen in the case of:
- Incorrect fitting
- Excessive tightening
- Incompatible materials
All these cases offer quick damage to the tempered glass materials.
Overloading and excessive pressure
Tempered glass can bear a specific limit of stress. If you exceed the limit, the result is clear— instant damage and, sometimes, breakage of the glass materials.
How do you keep the tempered glass from breakage?
Are you worried about the broken tempered glass? You can avoid this phenomenon from happening. Wondering how can you save yourself?
Here are a few expert tips that keep you safe and ensure the long-term durability of tempered glass materials.
Careful handling
Provide attention when handling the tempered glass. Instead of lifting it horizontally, take it off vertically. Also, the careful handling of the materials should be focused on significantly.
Special focus on edges
Edges are the weakest part of the tempered glass. You can favor the breakage by damaging it. So, how can you keep the edges safe?
It is straightforward. Give special care to the edges. Monitor the damages during the installation. Maintain the edges regularly and inspect them for damage.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
The sudden temperature rises, and falls can kill the glass. First, store your glass in a cool place with minimal damage risks. Don’t shift the materials from high-temperature to low-temperature areas suddenly.
Avoid using it in extreme climates without maintenance.
Regular maintenance
It doesn’t matter what type of glass you have; regular maintenance is the game changer. You can:
- Inspect. Check for any damages. Inspect the chips. If there are any cracks, notice them carefully.
- Maintain. Can you locate the damages? Correct them immediately. Keep a regular pattern of cleaning and maintenance.
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of the tempered glass and avoid damage.
Conclusion
Do you want to purchase the tempered glass? The first choice in every mind is to grab the quality. But where do you get it? That is a tricky question, but don’t worry when you have the top glass suppliers.
Shenxun Glass Manufacturers have 20+ years of experience in glass manufacturing with full-fledged customization opportunities. Drop your ideas and get the same features implemented in your glass materials. You won’t be disappointed with the affordable prices and premium quality. Check out our top glass collections now!
Meta Title: 6 Reasons Why Tempered Glass Breaks
Meta Description: Tempered Glass is one of the most potent glass materials with extended strength. But it can break under certain conditions listed here. Read on to know.