Tempering

Tempered glass is one of the most common glass types used due to its thermal properties, safety, and durability. Tempered glass is the process of heating annealed glass, using a special furnace, to an even temperature. After the glass is heated up, it is removed from the furnace and quickly cooled down leaving the glass in a state of compression while the core of the glass stays within tension. A stress pattern is created by the glass and the strength of the tempered glass is up to five times higher than annealed glass. When tempered glass is broken, all the stored energy from the stress pattern is released at once and the glass breaks into very small pieces.