Does Tempered Glass Shatter? Why Does It Shatter?

Tempered glass is a type of glass whose durability has been increased through a special thermal treatment. It is much stronger than regular glass, but it can still shatter under certain circumstances. The reasons tempered glass may break include:

Temperature Changes: Although tempered glass is resistant to high temperature differences, sudden changes in temperature can create stresses. For example, if one part of the glass is very hot while another part is cold, it can cause the glass to shatter.

Physical Impact: If the glass is subjected to a strong impact, especially at the edges or from existing cracks, it may break. Tempered glass is resistant to impact, but this resistance has its limits.

Structural Defects: Any errors during the manufacturing process can cause internal stresses to be unevenly distributed, which over time can lead to breakage.

Improper Installation or Application: If the glass is not properly positioned or mounted, stresses can develop that may cause it to break. For example, edges that are not seated correctly can lead to tension.

Aging: Over time, the durability of tempered glass can decrease. Years of wear or exposure to external factors may cause microscopic cracks to form in the glass.

When tempered glass breaks, it usually shatters into small, rounded pieces, which helps prevent serious injuries. However, it is still a material that requires careful handling.