The difference between ordinary glass and tempered glass is: tempered glass is treated through chemical or physical methods to create a tempered layer on its surface, forming compressive stress that enhances the glass's load-bearing capacity and resistance; ordinary glass shatters into sheets or sharp shards, while tempered glass breaks into granular pieces, causing less harm; ordinary glass can be processed again, while tempered glass cannot.

Glass is one of the materials we often see and use in our daily lives. It has a long history and a wide range of applications. With the development of modern technology, glass has gradually acquired unique functions, leading to the emergence of tempered glass, which has better performance. So what are the differences between them?

What is ordinary glass?

Ordinary glass, also known as window glass or flat glass, is made from inorganic minerals such as quartz sand, borax, and feldspar, which are melted at high temperatures. It has characteristics such as light transmission, heat insulation, sound insulation, and wear resistance, and is commonly used in building doors, windows, walls, and interior decorations.

Generally, 2mm and 3mm thickness is suitable for picture frame surfaces;

5-6mm thickness is suitable for small area light-transmitting shapes like doors and windows;

7-9mm thickness is suitable for larger indoor shapes with frame protection;

9-10mm thickness is suitable for large indoor partitions or railings.

What is tempered glass?

Tempered glass, also known as safety glass, is a type of pre-stressed glass that forms a compressive stress layer on its surface through chemical or physical methods based on ordinary glass. When the glass is subjected to external forces, it first counteracts the surface stress, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the glass. Tempered glass is commonly used in automobiles, floor lamp protection, buildings, indoor and outdoor decorations, commercial counters, and display windows.

Differences between ordinary glass and tempered glass:

1. The load-bearing capacity of tempered glass is 3-5 times that of ordinary glass. Under the same thickness and impact force, tempered glass is less affected.

2. Ordinary glass shatters into sheets with sharp edges, posing a greater hazard, while tempered glass breaks into relatively uniform granular pieces, posing a smaller hazard.

3. Tempered glass has good thermal stability and can withstand temperature changes of 150°C, which is three times that of ordinary glass, effectively preventing thermal breakage.

4. Ordinary glass bears stress relatively evenly across the entire sheet, while tempered glass is weaker at the edges and is more prone to shattering when struck at the edges.

5. Ordinary glass can be cut with a glass cutter, while tempered glass cannot be cut or processed again.

How to distinguish between tempered glass and ordinary glass?

At first glance, ordinary glass and tempered glass may seem difficult to distinguish, but in fact, there are significant differences between the two, which can be identified through the following aspects:

1. 3C Mark

Tempered glass must have a 3C certification mark, while ordinary glass does not have this mark. This mark cannot be wiped or scratched off; if the mark can be easily removed, it is definitely not genuine tempered glass. This is determined by the processing procedure of tempered glass: ordinary glass is first cut to the required size, then edges are ground, cleaned, and the national certified 3C mark is printed with ink, followed by high-temperature firing.

▲ 3C certification on tempered glass

2. Glass Shape

Ordinary glass appears very straight and uncurved when viewed from the side, while tempered glass is not as flat and may have a slight curve. When comparing, you can place ordinary glass and tempered glass face to face and observe if there are any gaps; the side with a curved rise is tempered glass.

3. Glass Fragments

The major difference between ordinary glass and tempered glass is the shape of the fragments after breaking. Ordinary glass breaks into large pieces with sharp corners, while tempered glass breaks into granular pieces.