What is Tempered Glassware?

Greater strength and impact resistance Toughened glass (usually referred to as 'tempered glass' for the dining room and kitchen) is stronger and has much greater impact resistance than normal 'annealed' glass. It is from two up to six times as strong as annealed glass, depending on the manufacturing process and how this extra strength is measured. When used in the production of glassware, tempering normally results in a longer lasting as well as a safer product. Making toughened glassware The toughening effect of 'tempering' glass has been known for centuries, though the underlying mechanism only became understood in modern times. Annealed glass objects are subjected to a thermal tempering process by being passed on a roller through a furnace which heats them to above their annealing point of 600°C. The glass is then rapidly cooled by air, taking the surface to below its annealing point and causing it to harden and contract while the core remains free to flow for a short time. The ...