A glass tempering furnace is a specialized piece of equipment used in the glass manufacturing industry to temper glass, making it stronger and safer than untreated glass. Tempering involves heating the glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it to create internal stresses, resulting in increased strength and durability.
Glass tempering furnaces vary in size, capacity, and features depending on the specific needs of the glass manufacturer. Advanced furnaces may incorporate technologies such as convection heating, infrared radiation, or computerized control systems to achieve precise heating and cooling profiles and optimize energy efficiency.
Tempered glass produced by these furnaces is widely used in various applications, including windows, doors, shower enclosures, glass facades, automotive windows, and furniture. Its increased strength and safety features make it less likely to break into sharp, dangerous shards when subjected to impact or stress, making it ideal for use in environments where safety is paramount.
Flat Glass Tempering Furnace
Flat Bend Glass Tempering Furnace
Forced Convection Tempering Furnace
Double Chamber Glass Tempering Furnace
SC-E Series Energy Efficient Bidirectional Flat-bend Forced convection Tempering Furnace Witch Pass-by Section
SC-E Series Energy Efficient Forced Convection Double Chamber Tempering Furnace With Pass-by Section
SC-E Series Energy Efficient Forced Convection Single Chamber Tempering Furnace With Pass-bY Section
SC-Z Series High-end High Stress Fireproof Tempering Furnace
Technological Innovation
Multiple Optimization
Energy Saving and Environmental Protection
Tailor-made Intelligent Manufacturing
System Intelligence
Process Digitization
Glass sheets are loaded onto a conveyor system or rollers, which transport them into the tempering furnace.
Automated systems ensure proper spacing between glass sheets to allow for uniform heating and cooling.
The glass sheets enter a preheating chamber where they are gradually heated to a specific temperature, typically between 600 to 700 degrees Celsius (1112 to 1292 degrees Fahrenheit).
The preheating phase ensures even distribution of heat across the glass surfaces.
The glass moves into the main heating chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures. The temperature and duration of heating are carefully controlled based on the thickness and type of glass being processed.
The goal is to bring the glass to a state where it can be shaped without causing distortion or damage.
After reaching the desired temperature, the glass is rapidly cooled using forced air jets. This process is known as quenching or air quenching.
The quenching process imparts compressive stresses to the outer surfaces of the glass while the interior remains in a state of tension.
The rapid cooling is essential for creating the strength and safety features of tempered glass.
The tempered glass sheets exit the furnace and undergo a thorough quality inspection.
Automated systems or operators check for defects, such as uneven tempering, surface imperfections, or other irregularities.
Any defective pieces are typically removed from the production line.
Once inspected and approved, the tempered glass sheets are ready for further processing, if necessary, or they can be packaged for shipment.
Strength
Tempered glass is significantly stronger than untreated glass.
Safety
When broken, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
Thermal Resistance
Tempered glass has better resistance to thermal stress compared to regular glass.
Application Versatility
Used in various applications where safety and durability are critical.
Glass sheets are initially cut to the desired size and shape.
The edges are usually polished or smoothed to prevent any potential weak points during the tempering process.
The glass sheets undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove any contaminants or residues that could affect the tempering quality.
The glass is loaded onto a conveyor system or into a chamber where it undergoes preheating. The purpose is to bring the entire sheet to a uniform temperature before the tempering process begins.
The glass is moved into the main heating chamber or furnace, where it is subjected to very high temperatures. The specific temperature and duration of heating depend on the type and thickness of the glass.
For most glass, the temperature ranges from 600 to 700 degrees Celsius (1112 to 1292 degrees Fahrenheit).
During this stage, the glass becomes pliable without losing its shape.
After reaching the desired temperature, the glass is rapidly cooled, or quenched, using high-pressure air jets. The process is crucial for inducing internal stresses in the glass.
The rapid cooling causes the outer surfaces of the glass to cool and contract faster than the inner part, creating a state of compression on the surface and tension in the interior.
The tempered glass is carefully inspected for quality. Automated systems or operators check for any defects, such as uneven tempering, surface imperfections, or residual stresses.
Any defective pieces are typically removed from the production line.
Once inspected and approved, the tempered glass sheets are ready for use in various applications.
Tempered glass is known for its strength and safety features. When broken, it fractures into small, relatively harmless pieces, reducing the risk of injury.