The tempering process involves heating the glass up to 690 Degrees Celsius before cooling it down rapidly. This process generates compression stresses on the surface of the glass leaving the glass in tension, these additional stresses created increase the strength of the glass by 4 – 5 times. Tempered glass is considered a safety for the following reasons:

• -Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than annealed glass.
• -Tempered glass has a higher thermal strength when compared to annealed glass.
• -Upon breakage, tempered glass will fracture into small harmless particles.
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Laminated glass

This process involves permanently bonding two or more pieces of glass with layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, under heat and pressure, to create a single construction. The lamination process usually takes place in an isolated area where the humidity and temperature are strictly controlled. Lamination line operators are required to wear special clothing in order to maintain a clean, dust free environment. After washing the two pieces of glass, a PVB interlayer is placed between the two pieces before passing through a pressurized heating oven.

This process is required to remove any trapped air between the layers. The glass is then sent to an autoclave oven where it gets heated and subjected to extreme pressures that permanently adheres

the glass to the interlayer. Laminated glass is considered a class A safety glass. Certain types of bullet resistant, blast resistant, fire rated, and switchable panel (privacy glass) are manufactured using this process.

Characteristics:

• -Strength: The bond between the glass and interlayer strengthens the unit.
• -Safety: Even if the glass breaks upon impact, the interlayer will resist penetration and the broken fragments will remain intact.
• -UV elimination (Protects furniture from fading).
• -Better Acoustical performance (Sound Insulation).