Tempered glass is an ordinary transparent sheet-type material. It is created by heating to a temperature of 650-680 ° C. After reaching this mark, there is a sharp and uniform cooling by air. Through the use of this technology, residual compressive stresses appear, which allows to achieve maximum strength, reliability and temperature resistance. Moreover, if such a tempered glass breaks, it will cause less harm to others than ordinary. This is due to the fact that upon destruction the material is crushed into blunt small fragments that are not capable of causing really serious injuries.
It is about protected glass and its use in industry that we will discuss in an article. Also consider how to create such material and what is its interaction with modern gadgets.
Features
Due to the properties of tempered glass, such as safety and strength, it is often used in construction, railway, automotive, furniture, psychiatry. Moreover, it is used to create tableware, shop windows, barriers on hockey grounds.
Another useful feature is tempered glass - heat resistance. What does it allow to do? When glazing houses and premises there is no risk of exposing the substance to thermal shock. That is, such a material can easily withstand even the most extreme temperature changes.
What can make the described glass vulnerable? Only a blow to the butt. Such a mechanical effect can easily destroy the stress of the glass and completely break it. This effect is used in modern design styles. Sometimes they install a door with glass inserts with decorative cracks on it. These small flaws, combined, create a pattern in the form of a web.
Tempered glass must not be drilled, cut, or otherwise processed.
Use in the automotive industry
Tempered glass is widely used in vehicles. It is used to create side (sometimes rear) windows. For frontal use of this material is prohibited. This is due to a safety violation.
Front windows create triplex of non-hardened material. The same laminated glass has one interesting nuance. After cracking along the entire length, the window quickly loses its transparency. However, this does not prevent the use of tempered glass in automotive architecture.
How is tempered glass?
The process of tempering glass has been described briefly above , however, we will consider it in more detail. Below are all the steps that must be followed:
- It is necessary to cut the material to give it the desired shape.
- The craftsmen should check the glass for any defects. If cracks or spalls, voids are found, then it is forbidden to continue processing such material, and also to use it further.
- The edges must be coated with abrasive.
- Glass should be washed.
- The material must then be heated in the oven to the temperature indicated above.
- The last stage consists in blowing the product with fans from all sides.
How to temper glass at home?
You can harden this material yourself in two available ways. It is about using special film and tempering. Let's consider both options in more detail.
The film can be purchased at a low price in any store that specializes in the sale of such products. With its help, protective tempered glasses for phones and other gadgets are created. Such material can protect the device from scratches and other deformations. However, he is not able to withstand all the blows. Therefore, due to even the slightest damage, the transparent product may break.
Holidays are called a way that strengthens any glass products. It can be either a jar, a glass, a salad bowl, or a completely different dish. It is easy to make such a procedure at home, so it is so common. What needs to be done? At the bottom of a metal pan (into which water was previously poured) pour sand, install glass on it. Putting the container on a small fire, you must wait for the boil. So "boil" about 20 minutes. At the end of this time, allow the material to cool completely.
Pros and cons
Tempered glass, reviews of which are positive, has its drawbacks and advantages. They are associated with the following material properties:
- Such glass is easy to care for.
- It is durable.
- Easily withstands temperature extremes.
- Flexible if you carry out a uniform load.
- Pretty safe. Injuries from tempered glass are excluded.
What do consumers say out of flaws? Due to the special technology of creating the edge, the glass can easily be damaged. Closer to the edges, small cracks can appear. However, this does not affect the integrity of the material.
Which is better - tempered glass or film?
Tempered glass on the phone is in demand. However, some buyers cannot choose between it and the film. The most optimal professionals consider it to be glass. Why? This material will get rid of the problem of permanent fingerprints on the display. It is smooth and does not slip. If the phone falls, the glass will break into a thousand fragments, but the screen will remain intact. It also takes a hit when scratches occur. That is why tempered glass on the phone will be an ideal option.