Standard Annealed Non-Safety Glass:
The "basic" glasses are commonly referred to as Annealed glass. Annealing is the controlled cooling of the glass during the manufacturing process. Annealed glass can be easily cut, polished and drilled. It will break on impact into large jagged pieces.
Bendheim manufactures Tempered Safety Glass:
Standard annealed glass can be heat treated in a sophisticated furnace to produce tempered safety glass. The glass is first cut to size and transferred to the furnace where it is heated to a precise softening point, then quickly air cooled. The process creates a glass approximately four times stronger than standard annealed glass. When broken, tempered safety glass shatters into many small fragments thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of major injury. It is used when safety, strength and thermal resistance are important considerations.
Bendheim manufactures Laminated Safety Glass:
Laminated glass is a combination of two or more glass sheets with one or more interlayers of plastic (PVB) or resin. In case of breakage, the interlayer holds the fragments together and continues to provide resistance to the passage of persons or objects. Laminated safety glass offers superior safety, security and sound transmission control.
Polished Edges:
Polished glass edges exhibit a smooth, glossy finish, and are recommended for exposed edge applications, such as glass shelves. Most Bendheim decorative glasses, 3/4" thick or greater, can be supplied with one or more polished edges, per your order.
Rounded Corners:
The four standard square glass corners are replaced with rounded dime-shaped corners to accommodate cabinet door openings requiring rounded-corner inserts. Examine your cabinet door carefully to determine your requirement. Dime-shape (small) corners cost slightly extra and must be specified at time of order. Larger rounded corners or other shapes may require templates, and are quoted on a per project basis. Note: Rounded corners are not offered with polished edges.
