Tempered glass and heat-strengthened glass are both heat-treated but differ in strength and application.

Tempered Glass:

· Cooling Process: Fast, creating high surface compression (10,000 psi).

· Strength: Four to five times stronger than annealed glass.

· Safety: Breaks into small, blunt pieces; meets safety standards (CPSC 16 CFR 1201, ANSI Z97.1).

· Uses: Doors, shower enclosures, windows, furniture.

Heat-Strengthened Glass:

· Cooling Process: Slower, resulting in lower surface compression (3,500-7,500 psi).

· Strength: Twice as strong as annealed glass.

· Safety: Breaks into larger pieces; not classified as safety glazing.

· Uses: where a higher level of thermal resistance is required, but the full strength of tempered glass is not necessary