Tempered
What it is
Glass that has been heat-strengthened. It is much stronger than standard annealed glass of the same thickness, and if it does break, it breaks into small, granular pieces instead of large sharp shards.
In the Glass Theory customizer, Tempered is an optional +$10 per piece upgrade, glass only. Annealed is standard.
Measure twice, order once. Tempered glass cannot be cut, drilled, or altered after tempering.
Photo
Professional shop photo to be added here: a tempered glass piece, and, if possible, a clearly labelled example of the small granular break pattern
No stock or generated image will be used for this slot.
How a machine does it
- The piece is cut to exact size first, and all edge work is finished first.
- It is sent out to a local tempering facility.
- There, it goes into a tempering furnace and is heated to around 620°C, about 1,100°F.
- It is then rapidly cooled, or quenched, with high-pressure air.
- That rapid cooling puts the outer surfaces into compression, which is what makes it stronger and changes how it breaks.
- It is checked and marked as tempered.
When to pick it
- Strength and safety matter, such as doors, shower pieces, high-traffic areas, and larger pieces
- You want the safer break pattern
- Safety glass is required for the use
When you do not need it
- A small shelf or display piece where standard annealed is fine