As a materials science expert with a focus on glass technology, I can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the differences between tempered glass and non-tempered (also known as annealed or standard) glass.

Tempered Glass:

1. Manufacturing Process: Tempered glass is produced by heating standard glass to a temperature near its softening point (typically around 620°C or 1150°F) and then rapidly cooling it, a process known as quenching. This rapid cooling locks the outer surfaces of the glass into a state of high compression, while the inner surfaces are left in tension.


2. Strength: Due to this compression and tension balance, tempered glass is approximately four to five times stronger than non-tempered glass of the same thickness. It can withstand higher levels of wind, rain, and other external pressures.


3. Safety: When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces. These pieces are about the size of a sugar cube and have dull edges, reducing the risk of injury. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for applications where safety is a concern, such as in doors, shower enclosures, and automotive windows.


4. Thermal Resistance: Tempered glass has better resistance to thermal stress, making it suitable for environments with significant temperature fluctuations.


5. Cost: The process of tempering is more complex and energy-intensive than that of producing non-tempered glass, which makes tempered glass more expensive.


6. Applications: It is widely used in environments requiring high strength and safety, such as in architectural glass, automotive side and rear windows, glass tables, and various safety equipment.

Non-Tempered (Annealed) Glass:

1. Manufacturing Process: Annealed glass is simply cooled slowly after being formed, which allows it to reach room temperature gradually without inducing significant internal stress.


2. Strength: Annealed glass is not as strong as tempered glass. It is more susceptible to breakage from impacts, and it is not as resistant to thermal stress.


3. Safety: In the event of breakage, annealed glass tends to break into larger, sharper shards that can cause injury. This is why it is not used in areas where safety is a primary concern.


4. Thermal Resistance: It has lower resistance to thermal stress, which can lead to breakage in situations involving rapid temperature changes.


5. Cost: Annealed glass is less expensive to produce than tempered glass, as it does not require the specialized quenching process.


6. Applications: It is commonly used in standard windows, doors, and other applications where strength and safety are not the primary concerns.

Key Differences:
- Strength and Durability: Tempered glass is significantly stronger and more durable than annealed glass.
- Safety: Tempered glass is designed to break safely, whereas annealed glass can break into large, sharp pieces.
- Cost: Tempered glass is more expensive due to the additional processing steps.
- Applications: Tempered glass is used where safety and strength are paramount, while annealed glass is used in standard applications.

In conclusion, the choice between tempered and non-tempered glass depends on the specific requirements of the application, with tempered glass being preferred for safety-critical environments and annealed glass being a more cost-effective option for general use.

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Also known as safety glass, tempered glass breaks down into smaller pieces that have less sharp edges. This is possible because during the annealing process the glass is cooled down slowly, which makes the glass much stronger, & impact / scratch resistant compared to non-treated glass.Apr 8, 2015read more >>