What type of glass offers increased resistance to impact compared to regular glass of the same thickness?

Tempered glass is designed to offer increased resistance to impact compared to regular glass of the same thickness. The manufacturing process involves heating the glass to a temperature above its softening point and then rapidly cooling it. This process creates internal stresses that make the glass significantly stronger than standard or annealed glass.

When subjected to impact, tempered glass is less likely to chip, crack, or break and, if it does break, it typically shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. This characteristic enhances safety and makes it an ideal choice for applications where both resistance to impact and safety are crucial, such as in automotive windows, shower doors, and glass doors.

In contrast, other types of glass, such as laminated glass, while offering safety features through their layering, have a different structural integrity and are not as impact-resistant as tempered glass. Annealed or common glass does not undergo the strengthening process and is more susceptible to breakage.