What type of glass is significantly stronger and harder to break than ordinary glass?

Tempered glass is significantly stronger and harder to break than ordinary glass due to the way it is processed. It undergoes a heating and cooling process that increases its strength. Specifically, the glass is heated to a temperature of about 1,300°F (700°C) and then rapidly cooled. This method causes the outer surfaces of the glass to be in compression while the interior is in tension, making it more resistant to impacts, temperature changes, and other forms of stress.

If tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, which enhances safety. This characteristic is particularly important in building applications, where minimizing potential injury is crucial. In contrast, other types of glass, such as annealed glass, do not have this enhanced strength and can break into sharp pieces, posing a higher risk of injury.

Double-glazed glass consists of two panes of glass with a space in between, often used for insulation but does not inherently have the enhanced strength of tempered glass. Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass with an interlayer, providing safety and sound insulation, but still lacks the impact resistance and thermal stability that tempering provides. Therefore, the unique strength and safety features of tempered glass set