Folding Glass Partiton
Heat strengthened glass is similar to tempered glass except that the cooling is done at a much slower pace. However, the heating temperature remains the same for both processes. The residual stress on the edge and the glass surface differ in both cases with tempered glass having a higher level of stress. Due to the relatively lower rate of cooling during the strengthening process, heat strengthened glass develops less stress as compared to fully tempered glass. The process increases the mechanical and thermal strength of heat strengthened glass, making it twice as tough as annealed glass. However, its breakage characteristic is similar to annealed glass, which means that it breaks down into sharp pieces like ordinary glass even though it has been put through the heat strengthening process. Heat strengthened glass has a comparatively flatter finish than fully tempered glass. It therefore has lesser optical distortions and so can be used in places where high optical quality is required. It can be used for general glazing where additional strength or resistance to mechanical/thermal strength is desired. The glass can also be used in high wind load areas, but cannot be used in any safety glazing applications.