When Is Tempered Glass Required?

Tempered glass is stronger than standard glass and therefore used in many industries that require either extra safety or strength. It is specially made using a method involving both extreme cold and heat. As a result, tempered glass breaks as an entire piece rather than in little pieces as regular glass does.

Vehicle Windows

Car windows are commonly made of tempered glass because they need to be resistant to breakage. This shatter resistance is for the added safety of the passengers.

Glass Doors and Tables

Tempered glass is commonly used for doors and tables in office buildings. It can usually be found on doors that appear to be frameless.

In Bulletproof Glass

Bulletproof or bullet resistant glass has a component of tempered glass in it. Bulletproof glass needs to be resistant to cracking, and tempered glass is manufactured to accomplish that task.

Diving Masks

Diving masks must be durable underwater and are usually made with tempered glass to achieve this result.

Cookware

Tempered glass is often used in cookware by such companies as Pyrex and Calphalon. Tempered glass is generally used due to its ability to withstand the temperature changes from cold to hot and back again.

The Inventor

The first person to hold a patent on tempered glass was Rudolph Seiden.

Resources

• How Stuff Works.com