Glass is a simple, durable, and versatile material that is used in a variety of products, from windows and glass bottles to mirrors and laboratory equipment. While there are dozens of different types, two most common types of glass are annealed and tempered.

Annealed glass is most common type of glass. It is sometimes referred to as “float glass” because it is created by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin. The molten glass is slowly cooled resulting in a uniform thickness and flat surface. Because this type of glass is not heat-treated, it is relatively soft and can be easily cut and shaped. However, due to its softer structure, annealed glass is more prone to breakage when impacted, and will typically shatter into large, sharp pieces.

Tempered glass, on other hand, is created through a heat-treating process. Tempered glass is heated to temperatures of up to 600 degrees Celsius before being rapidly cooled. The molecules in glass are rearranged during cooling process, making glass much stronger than annealed glass. Tempered glass also has a lower risk of breakage than annealed glass, as when it does break, it usually shatters into small, rounded pieces that are much less likely to cause injury.

In addition to different types of glass, there are also various styles that can be used for different applications. For example, bulletproof, tinted, and laminated glass are all popular forms of glass that offer additional protection and privacy.

The most common type of glass is annealed glass, due to its relative affordability and ease of use. However, depending on needs of project, tempered glass can provide a greater degree of strength and safety. No matter which type of glass is chosen, use of glass in any construction project can be a great way to boost strength and aesthetic appeal of the structure.