One of the key distinctions between toughened glass and other types of safety glass, such as laminated glass, is how they behave upon breakage.

Toughened Glass: Breakage Characteristics

1. Fragmentation:
   • When broken, toughened glass shatters into small, granular pieces rather than sharp, jagged shards.
2. Safety:
   • The small, dull-edged fragments are less likely to cause injury compared to regular glass.
3. Hole Formation:
   • Unlike laminated glass, which tends to hold together due to the plastic interlayer, toughened glass does not have a layer bonding the pieces together.
   • Consequently, when toughened glass breaks, it can leave a large hole and the entire panel might collapse.
4. Applications:
   • While this fragmentation feature is a safety advantage in certain situations, such as car windows allowing quick exit in an emergency, it might not be suitable for applications requiring the glass to stay intact upon breakage.

Comparative Overview: Toughened vs. Laminated Glass

• Laminated Glass:
  • Contains an interlayer that holds the glass together even when broken, preventing the formation of a hole and maintaining a barrier.
• Toughened Glass:
  • Shatters completely into small pieces, potentially creating a hole and offering no barrier post-breakage.

In essence, the choice between toughened and laminated glass, or a combination of the two, depends on the specific requirements of an application, considering factors such as safety, security, and structural integrity.