After the chemical tempering of glass was introduced at the Ford factory, initially for the GT coupe, the weight of the windshield decreased by 32%. This led to improved dynamics and fuel efficiency of the car. These improvements have been confirmed by crash tests conducted in challenging road conditions with a high incidence of airborne stones.
Why so?
Glass tempered by a chemical process can be both thin and durable. It possesses a high level of transparency and is resistant to wear and temperature variations.
How chemically tempered glass is produced?
To chemically temper glass, the glass is placed in a container with potassium nitrate heated to 450 degrees Celsius. As a result, sodium ions in the surface layers of the glass are replaced by potassium ions from the solution. Ion exchange leads to surface tension, making the glass stronger.
What makes chemical strengthening of glass superior to thermal strengthening?
Chemically strengthened glass is processable, unlike thermally tempered glass, which shatters into small fragments upon the slightest damage to the edge. The chemical method strengthens glass of complex shapes and those modified in different planes.
Unlike glass treated at high temperatures, chemically strengthened glass exhibits no optical or planar changes. Furthermore, the processing enhances transparency.
The perfectly smooth surface and transparency of chemically strengthened glass result in lightweight, crystal-clear laminated products. They are used to manufacture bulletproof and anti-vandal structures.
Ion exchange is employed to increase the strength of very thin glass – starting from 1 mm – which may shatter during thermal tempering.
Advantages of using chemically tempered glass
Each property provided by the chemical tempering technology opens up possibilities in various industries.
The absence of optical distortion allows for the creation of:
- Automotive windshields that can withstand multiple impacts from road debris;
- Optical equipment where the slightest defects can affect the quality of their performance;
- Targeting devices based on radio frequency, infrared, laser guidance, etc.
The strength and resistance of chemically strengthened glass to pressure and temperature enable:
The creation of Duran glass, which is used in the production of boiler equipment;- The manufacturing of more durable solar panels – in the case of accidental physical damage, only a crack appears, but the panel continues to function (as opposed to thermally treated glass, which shatters into small pieces, minimizing panel efficiency).
The ability to temper thin glass (with a thickness of 1 mm and above) is applied in:
- The production of mobile devices (e.g., Gorilla Glass);
- The creation of facades for high-rise buildings and storefronts;
- Interior decorative glazing;
- Aviation, aerospace, military industries;
- Automotive manufacturing.
The insulating properties due to chemical tempering also allow the use of glass in the production of dielectrics for power transmission lines.
Your idea – our implementation
Any ‘glass concept’ you have in mind, we’ll discuss and analyze. We’ll create a product of your chosen shape and temper it through chemical processes.
We’ll honestly inform you if, from both a financial and practical standpoint, another type of glass might be more advantageous for your project.
Let’s bring your plan to life. Give us a call.
