Learn More About Glass

Annealed Glass

The Key Features of Annealed Glass

Annealed glass slowly cooled, allowing the release of the internal pressure that builds up during the heating process. This process increases the durability and overall strength of the glass, making it less likely to crack or shatter.

 

Although annealed glass is stronger than glass that did not undergo a special cooling process, it is weaker than tempered glass overall. Furthermore, while tempered glass breaks into small pieces that pose minimal risk, annealed glass breaks into large shards.

 

Several key features make annealed glass an excellent choice for certain applications. First of all, the annealing process is more cost-effective than the tempering process. Additionally, annealed glass is actually more durable at the edges than tempered glass making it the superior choice in applications where the edges of the glass will be exposed. Finally, annealed glass can be cut after it has cooled, allowing for greater flexibility which is advantageous in furniture making and cabinetry.

 

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass, perceived as regular glass by most, is noteworthy for its strength. Its strength depends on factors such as the heat-treating process that is utilized and the thickness of the glass. On average, it is about four times stronger than annealed glass.

 

Although not unbreakable, tempered glass is an excellent choice whenever safety is a concern as it is incredibly difficult to damage. When tempered glass does break, it breaks into small, granular pieces rather than large shards, thus reducing the chance of injury. It is ideal for use in storefronts, automobiles, shower enclosures, and a wide variety of industrial applications.

 

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is specifically intended to diminish or eliminate the existence of harmful shards during breakage. It consists of at least two individual layers of annealed or tempered glass separated by a synthetic material such as PVB (polyvinyl butyrate) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). This material essentially binds the glass layers together and eliminates breakage and the formation of loose shards. When shattered, laminated glass typically holds any shards in place and absorbs the force of impact by developing a characteristic “spider web” fracture pattern in one or more of its layers.

 

Even a standard two-layer piece of laminated glass is stronger than a single piece of annealed or tempered glass. Some manufacturers create even stronger products by using thicker glass layers and/or laminating more than two layers of glass together (with a sheet of synthetic material between any two layers). The strongest laminates are used to create highly damage-resistant products such as bulletproof glass and the forward cockpit windows in major airliners.

 

While it provides a host of benefits for both homeowners and business owners, laminated glass is notoriously difficult to cut as it requires the penetration of at least two layers of glass, as well as the synthetic material sandwiched between the glass layers.

 

Why Choose Laminated Glass?

Because of its resistance to catastrophic breakage, laminated glass is a preferred option for a range of uses in both residential and commercial areas. For example, since laminated windows will not break when cut from just one side, they help deter burglaries. Laminated windows also reduce your susceptibility to noise pollution. During major storms, laminated windows will help keep the interior of your property safe from airborne debris high-speed wind gusts, while also mitigating the repercussions of natural disasters such as earthquakes for which the Los Angeles area is notorious.