Glass Strengthening

1.Thermal Tempering (Physical Tempering)

              Glass is heated to a high temperature (approx. 620–680°C) and then rapidly cooled using high-pressure air jets. This creates compressive stress on the surface and tensile stress inside, resulting in up to 5x greater strengththan standard annealed glass. Ideal for architectural glass, automotive displays, and safety-critical applications.

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Our physical (thermal) tempering line delivers consistent, high-quality results for a wide range of glass sizes and thicknesses. The process ensures excellent flatness and safety performance for demanding applications.

• Maximum Size: 2200 × 1600 mm

• Thickness Range: 2 – 18 mm

• Production Capacity: Up to 8,000 m² of tempered glass per day

• Flatness Tolerance: Longest edge × 5‰

• Equipment: South Physical Tempering Furnace with advanced airflow and real-time control

• Key Advantages:

   

  • Superior Airflow Management for uniform heat distribution

  • Accurate Temperature & Pressure Control for optimal stress profiles

  • Precision Tempering for consistent strength and optical quality

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• This process is ideal for producing high-strength safety glass for building façades, automotive interiors, industrial screens, furniture panels, and large cover glass components.

2.Chemical Strengthening Capabilities

Our chemical glass strengthening process is designed for ultra-thin, high-precision, and optically clear glass applications where traditional tempering is not feasible. By using a controlled ion exchange process, smaller sodium (Na⁺) ions in the glass surface are replaced with larger potassium (K⁺) ions, generating deep and uniform compressive stress without altering the shape or transparency of the glass.

This method is especially suitable for thin glass panels, curved or shaped parts, and high-value components requiring superior mechanical and optical performance.

• Maximum Size: 2300 × 1800 mm

• Thickness Range: 0.1 – 12 mm

• Batch Capacity: Up to 23 tons per cycle

• Flatness Tolerance: Longest edge × 1‰ (extremely flat)

• Equipment: Largest chemical strengthening furnace body in South China

• Key Advantages:

   

  • Ideal for Ultra-Thin Glass (smartphones, wearables, optical lenses)

  • Flawless Surface Finish with no visible distortion

  • Minimal Warping or Bending, even at micro-thickness levels

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This process is widely used in consumer electronics, medical devices, optical sensors, and automotive HUD displays where extreme clarity, high flexural strength, and dimensional accuracy are essential.

3.Cost Factors in Edge Finishing

🟢 Which Strengthening Method Offers the Best Optical Clarity?

• Chemical strengthening provides superior optical clarity with virtually no visual distortion, making it ideal for high-resolution display glass and optical-grade applications.

• Physical tempering may introduce minor optical warping due to rapid heating and cooling, especially in large or thin panels.​

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🔵 Can a Single Glass Panel Be Both Chemically and Physically Strengthened?

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• Generally, no. These are distinct processes suited for different use cases and glass compositions.

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  • Chemical strengthening is best for thin, delicate, or complex shapes.

  • Physical tempering is more appropriate for thicker, flat, and large-size panels.

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• Hybrid treatments are possible but rare, costly, and technically complex.

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🟡 What Types of Glass Are Compatible with Chemical Strengthening?

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• Aluminosilicate glass is the most suitable and widely used material for chemical strengthening.

• Soda-lime glass and other specialty compositions can also be chemically strengthened, depending on the ion-exchange profile and end-use requirements.

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🔴 How Does Chemically Strengthened Gorilla® Glass Compare to Standard Glass?

• Gorilla Glass outperforms regular chemically strengthened glass in every metric:

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  • Depth of Layer (DOL): ≥ 40 µm

  • Compressive Stress (CS): ≥ 650 MPa

  • Surface Quality: Smoother and more scratch-resistant

  • Impact Resistance: Significantly higher

  • Light Transmission: Gorilla Glass > 90%, ordinary glass ~86–87%

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🟠 What Are the Typical Stress Performance Standards?

• Corning® Gorilla® Glass:

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  • DOL > 40 µm

  • CS > 650 MPa

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• Float / Standard Glass:

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  • DOL > 8 µm

  • CS > 450 MPa

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🟣 Can Strengthened Glass Be Cut After Processing?

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• Only chemically strengthened glass can be cut or machined after treatment, using specialized tools and precautions.

• Tempered (physically strengthened) glass will shatter if cut post-process. All cutting must be done prior to tempering.

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🔘 When Should Glass Be Printed – Before or After Strengthening?

The correct printing process depends on the ink type and the strengthening method:

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For Physical Tempering:

• Ceramic inks: Print before tempering; the high heat fuses the ink to the glass surface.

• Low-temperature inks: Print after tempering, as these inks can’t withstand high temperatures.

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For Chemical Strengthening:

• Printing is possible both before and after strengthening.

• However, printing before chemical strengthening is usually preferred for better ink adhesion and long-term durability.