To this day, tempered glass is sometimes referred to as “Bastie glass” after de la Bastie.

Siemens glass

In 1877, German inventor and businessman Friedrich Siemens developed a different tempering process. By pressing molten glass in cool moulds, Siemens was able to produce tempered glass stronger than any de la Bastie had developed. The resultant product was called “compressed glass” or “Siemens glass”.

Early uses of tempered glass

Tempered glass, taking on the name “safety glass”, found its first practical use in World War I. One of those uses was in the lenses of gas masks.

Following the excellent performance of tempered glass under battlefield conditions, this “safety glass” began to be used more widely, particularly in car windshields.

Modern safety glass standards

Today most countries, including Australia, have various standards, codes and regulations regarding the use of safety glass in everything from glass whiteboards to aeroplane windows to shower fixture installation. This mass-adoption of safety glass regulations has led to a boom in the tempered glass industry.

The advantages of tempered glass

Our tempered glass boards aren’t just a dream to use, the application of tempered glass comes with its own array of advantages. At a glance, tempered glass is:

1.  Safe

2.  Strong

3.  Scratch resistant

4.  Toughened

5.  Heat resistant.

Tempered glass is safe

Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass so it resists breakage. You’d have to really give it your all to break one of our glass whiteboards. That said, in the unlikely event that tempered glass does break, it does so as safely as possible.

Upon breaking, tempered glass disperses into blunt, pebble-like pieces. This is a far cry from the large sharp shards of traditional glass. It’s this safety factor that’s led to tempered glass being used in passenger vehicles, shower doors and other applications where safety and strength are valued.

Tempered glass is strong

Tempered glass is far, far stronger than traditional glass. This is because glass in tension breaks about fives times easier than it does in compression. Tempered glass has both forces acting against each other, with compression outweighing the tension.

Typical glass will break at 6,000 pounds per square inch (psi) while tempered glass, according to federal specifications, must have a surface compression of at least 10,000 psi. And most tempered glass will break at approximately 24,000 psi - far stronger than concrete.

Tempered glass is scratch and damage resistant

Because tempered glass is stronger than conventional glass, it’s more resistant to scratches or knocks. It’s the reason our tempered glass boards are so tough and durable, able to weather everyday use without blemish.

Tempered glass is heat resistant

When regular glass is exposed to heat it can shatter. Tempered glass, on the other hand, can withstand much higher temperatures. For this reason, tempered glass is required in bathrooms where exposure to hot water is likely.

A tempered glass board is the last glass whiteboard you’ll ever need to buy

Tempered glass is tough, durable, safe and versatile. It’s little wonder our glass whiteboards come with a lifetime warranty.

Scratch and stain-resistant, tempered glass makes for the perfect whiteboard surface. It’s why we at JustBoards put so much stock in them.

Ready to experience the matchless quality of tempered glass with a JustBoards glass whiteboard?

Get in touch today! Great service, great prices and Australia-wide delivery to your door. Call us today on 1800 654 917 or send an email to info@justboards.com.au