Toughened glass is glass that has undergone processes of controlled thermal treatment to increase its strength. Also known as ‘Tempered glass’, toughened glass is made from annealed glass that has been heated to approximately 650⁰C and then rapidly cooled, making it four times stronger than the ordinary glass. Due to the increased heat treatment and rapid cooling of the glass, the treatment produces different physical properties. This results in compressive stress on the surface and improved bending strength of the glass. Before toughening, the glass must be cut to the correct size or pressed to shape.

Toughened glass is difficult to break but in the event of a breakage, disintegrates into small, harmless blunt pieces. Toughened glass has high withstanding capacity and is therefore suitable for uses where strength and thermal resistance are crucial. Functional advantages aside, toughened glass is also an interior designer’s delight as it enables one to add to the aesthetic value with its myriad styles. Even during breakage, its relatively small pieces reduce the chances of injury. It is nearly four to five times stronger than annealed glass, and thrice as strong as heat strengthened glass.