Chemically Strengthened Glass – The Supreme FAQ Guide

From the term alone, you would already know what a chemically strengthened glass is. In fact, it might even be the type of glass you’ve always wanted to get your hands on!

In order for us to know whether or not a chemically strengthened glass is what we really need, the best thing to initially do is to know more about what they are – and that’s what we’ll be talking about here in this guide!

In today’s guide, we’ll be talking about chemically strengthened glass. We will try and figure out what this type of glass is, as well as where you can find the best use of it.

How Strong is Chemically Strengthened Glass?

Why it’s called chemically strengthened glass is actually a no-brainer; it’s pretty self-explanatory.

It’s strong in the sense that it doesn’t break when bent – it’s ductile

But how strong is the “chemically strengthened glass” that they call in the market?

If we were to put it into perspective, regular glass is known to have tensile strength levels of about 7 megapascals or MPa. This is equivalent to about 1,015 pounds per square inch (psi). And with chemically strengthened glass, it’s known to have surface compression levels equivalent to 690 MPa, just over and above 100,000 psi.

NOTE: Surface compression levels are typically higher than the tensile strength.

Yes, that’s how strong chemically strengthened glasses are in that perspective.

How Glass is Strengthened: Glass Tempering vs. Chemically Strengthening Glass  

You’re not just limited to one methodology of strengthening glass.

Clip from a video of how glass is tempered

As a matter of fact, the two (2) most popular and most used options are chemical strengthening and thermal glass tempering – how do they differ?

While both chemically strengthening and thermal tempering processes modify and change the glass’s surface, they undergo different procedures.

In glass tempering, the piece of glass is processed in an intense heating procedure. After so, it’s cooled down rapidly. The sudden and extreme shift in the temperature is what allows the edges and the surface to compress, creating a tough and durable exterior surface.

Chemical strengthening, on the other hand, utilizes the ion exchange methodology. Unlike glass tempering, you would not just submerge the glass into highly elevated temperatures.

What you’ll do instead is to place the glass in a molten salt bath with potassium substances. This procedure will allow the larger potassium ions to migrate and move into the surface of the glass. In turn, it replaces the original and the smaller sodium ions on the glass’s surface.

Since they’re larger and they’re more compressed, the ions of the glass are tighter, giving the core of the glass tension, while the surface has full compression.

NOTE: The contents of the bath aren’t strictly programmed to be potassium and sodium. They depend on the application of the chemically strengthened glass.

If your application of the glass will be high impact, high pressure, and with extreme fluctuations of temperature, you would want to perform glass tempering. But, if the glass will be subject to challenging and chemically imbalanced environments, such as the medical, industrial, electronics, and electrical industry, chemically strengthened glass will be the most ideal.

Should You Go For a Chemically Strengthened Glass or a Toughened Glass?

Now that we know the difference between heat treating and chemical strengthening, it’s easier for us to know which one we need.

Toughened glass – a lot thicker and has the looks that it’s more brittle than chemically strengthened glass

You would want to go with a chemically strengthened glass if you’re looking for thin display applications and environments where chemical instability is present. In addition to that, chemically strengthened glass is also suited where optical distortion is minimal.

Going for a toughened or heat-strengthened glass is ideal if you are to use it in impact and pressure applications.

How Long is Chemically Strengthened Glass Submerged in the Potassium-Sodium Bath?

There isn’t a specific timeframe of how long or how short chemically strengthened glass is submerged in the molten bath.

Image of a heat-treated glass pane

But, the standard time is between 9 to 16 hours. The time depends on what the glass will be used for, the properties looked for by the client, as well as the optical distortion capacity they’re willing to see.

Can You Purchase Custom Chemically Strengthened Glass?

Yes! There are many manufacturers that offer custom chemically strengthened glass.

Custom-shaped chemically strengthened glass specific to the boat

If you’re in communication with a manufacturer now, you can ask and inquire if they’re offering chemically strengthened glass.

Chances are, they would say yes because manufacturing or producing chemically strengthened glass with client specification is actually not that hard to do. In fact, it only requires a few materials – and they’ll often be available especially if you were able to produce or manufacture chemically strengthened glass.

Are Chemically Strengthened Glass Harder and Tougher?

Compared to other types of glass in its league; is chemically strengthened glass really harder, tougher, and more durable?

With its surface compression exceeding 650 megapascals, how hard and tough it is? Compared to other kinds and types of glass, you’ll see chemically strengthened glass to be broken, damaged, or cracked into larger pieces compared to the little shards when regular glass breaks.

Akin to how tempered glass breaks, it would not shatter and scatter into tiny bits; it’ll be cracked on the surface, with the core still compressed and intact.

With enough force, power, and pressure, you will be able to break through chemically strengthened glass completely.

Now, is chemically strengthened glass tougher and harder?

Can Chemically Strengthened Glass Crack?

With the compressive strength that it has, as well as the ductility and the moderate-to-high hardness levels, could chemically strengthened glass still crack? Or is it considered as an “uncrackable” type of glass?

Image of a cracked chemically strengthened glass

They’ve never been labeled as a crack-free type of glass – they’re just crack-resistant.

So, to answer the question, yes, you can still experience cracking of chemically strengthened glass. You will experience this in situations where you use the glass in environments and in situations that it’s not meant to for.

Chemically Strengthened Glass vs. Gorilla Glass: Which One is Better?

So how does Gorilla Glass compare to chemically strengthened glass in regular soda-lime glass?

Image of how Gorilla Glass is manufactured by Corning

Are they going to have the same level of strength?

After the chemical strengthening procedure on both glass types, both soda-lime glass and Gorilla Glass would have the same break and impact resistance. The distinctive factor between them is the ions in compression.

Chemically strengthened soda-lime glass keeps the compression ions almost near the glass’s surface. Making it more prone to wear such as abrasion, scratches, dents, etc.

Gorilla Glass that’s chemically strengthened, however, has its potassium ions deep down into the surface of the glass. This is what’s responsible for the scratch-resistance and the durability that Gorilla Glass has.

When it comes to breakage, impact, and pressure, they’ll have the same levels of resistance. But, if it already involves the surface of the glass, that’s where it begins to be different.

Chemically Strengthened Glass Characteristics You Need to Know  

High ductility and decreased brittleness – two of the properties of chemically strengthened glass

Some of the most notable properties of chemically strengthened glass include, but are not limited to:

• Improved and developed flexural strength
• Heightened and reinforced optical quality
• Retained or improved scratch resistance
• Fully-developed and heightened impact strength
• Highly developed impact strength

The ion exchange method places the larger potassium ions deep into the surface. It makes it seem like it’s hidden and surrounded by the smaller sodium ions like they’re protecting it.

Chemically Strengthened Glass’s Compressive Strength

One of the most eye-catching things about chemically strengthened glass is its surface compression or its compressive strength.

The compressive strength of chemically strengthened glass is at a staggering 690 MPA. And while this is a substantially higher number than the tensile strength, you could already see how strong it is.

How is Chemically Strengthened Glass Produced and Manufactured?

Understanding the process of how chemically strengthened glass is manufactured is a relatively easy thing to do.

One of the processes in producing and in manufacturing chemically strengthened glass

Akin to other kinds and compositions of glass, it is just a regular type of glass, just reinforced and treated chemically.

Here’s a quick outline of how chemically strengthened glass is manufactured.

Step 1: Mixing, Melting, and Refining Raw Materials

Did you know that glass is just actually powdered sand along with other contents and materials? It’s not anything special – you just need to have liquid sand, plus of course, other compounds such as Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Oxide, Dolomite, and other things.

You mix them all up and melt them until they reach highly elevated temperatures that do not go below 3090 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1700 degrees Celsius.

Slowly, you will notice the powdered content melt and turn into a molten liquid state.

Step 2: Float Bath

After the content is melted, the next process is to shape the glass into whatever the shape is or float it.

The idea of floating is to pour it into a vat or a trough, allowing the creation of thin flat glass sheets. It is then cooled quickly as it’ll harden, and it’ll go onto the next step, which is…

Step 3: Annealing

In glasswork, annealing is a heat treatment procedure of modifying the physical and chemical properties of the glass. What this does is decrease the hardness level of the glass, while increasing the level of ductility.

The glass is then annealed into the recommended hardness and ductility properties.

Step 4: Inspection

After all the physical and chemical alterations, a professional or a worker checks out the piece of glass and evaluates it.

Should it be within the requirements of the client, then they’ll mark it as a product that successfully passed quality. On the other hand, they’ll modify it by cutting it, reheating it, or by annealing it again.

Step 5: Ion Exchange Method

The last and final step in the manufacturing of chemically strengthened glass is to do the chemical strengthening procedure – and it’s called the ion-exchange procedure.

In this process, the glass is placed and submerged in a molten potassium salt bath that’s at about 300 degrees Celsius.

These larger, more compact, and more compressed potassium ions allow the surface of the glass to be tighter. Thus, making it stronger, more durable, and tougher than regular glass.

Finishing and Final Assessment

After the procedure, the chemically strengthened glass will undergo a couple of tests and evaluations to see and check if it really has the level of surface compression that it claims to have.

If it does, then it’s ready to be packaged and delivered to your respective businesses and clients!

Common Applications With Chemically Strengthened Glass

While its versatility is what made it one of the best in the first place, the most common uses and applications you can have with chemically strengthened glass is with electronic instruments and devices, smartphones and other mobile devices, cameras, monitors, and so on.

Chemically strengthened glass can be used in diverse industries and sectors

In fact, that’s what most chemically strengthened glass manufacturers focus on. How they would improve its application in the electronic devices industry.

But, that’s not just limited to that. As a matter of fact, chemically strengthened glass gained a lot of notion in other industries and sectors too, including:

• Automotive and Aerospace Sector
• Defense and Military Industry
• Power Tools and Accessories Industry

These are the most customary applications chemically strengthened glass has.

What is the Maximum Size of Chemically Strengthened Glass?

The maximum dimensions and sizes of chemically strengthened glass will actually depend on the manufacturer.

Researcher examining the chemically strengthened glass produced

Here with us at SXET, the minimum size that we have for our glass is 3mm in diameter, with the max size of 345 mm x 435 mm.

How Much Does a Chemically Strengthened Glass Cost?

Asking for the cost or for the price of chemically strengthened glass is relative. Of course, this will depend on many factors, such as the size, the shape, the thickness, as well as the manufacturer you’re getting it from, of course.

Regular prices retail at about $4 to $5 per piece (per square); about $18 per square meter; this is for the regular-quality ones.

If you’re looking for ultra-thin chemically strengthened glass, you can expect rates and prices upwards of $20 per square – or about $35 per square meter.

Can I Purchase Chemically Strengthened Glass Wholesale or in Bulk?

Yes! As a matter of fact, many chemically strengthened glass manufacturers prefer selling it in bulk or in wholesale because it’s less hassle for them and it guarantees their sale!

In return, you get lower fees and prices for your purchase!

When you purchase chemically strengthened glass wholesale, though, it is imperative that you know what exactly it is you need. Simple misinformation can lead to big and unwanted changes in the supply you are about to get.

How to Choose the Chemically Strengthened Glass Manufacturer to Work With

Since the market is already saturated with thousands and thousands of glass manufacturers, how do you choose the best to work with?

Choosing the Location of the Manufacturer

You can start by deciding which country your manufacture you want to be in.

There are manufacturers all over the world – from China, Thailand, Vietnam, to Germany, Spain, Italy, the United States, and many more!

There will never be a shortage of it in the market.

How Much Budget You’ll Need

After you decide, the next step is to consider the fees surrounding your purchase. If you are in the United States and you think that it’ll be a lot cheaper because there’ll be no shipping, think again.

More often than not, you’ll find rates from Chinese manufacturers to be the most economical and the most practical even if there are shipping and freight fees involved.

Test the Quality Out

Once you’re final with the rates and prices, the next step you want to consider is quality. Is it just right that you chose a Chinese glass supplier over an American one? Would they have the same quality?

While many people think that quality is the main and the primary factor, it’s actually not. It’s always the location because where the manufacturer is can dictate how the business can move and operate.

Communication and Response Time

So you’re sure of the quality, how about the response time? Do they respond to queries fast and urgently? Are they capable of returning your messages in hours?

Communication between your manufacturer or your supplier is key in making sure that you get not only quality products, but services as well.

Production Capacity

Last but definitely not least is the production capacity. Ask yourself, would my business be fine with the production or the manufacturing capacity of the supplier I’ll be working with?

Imagine choosing the chemically strengthened glass manufacturer that has complete 5-star ratings across everything – from client experience, price, and even communication.

However, they’re only capable of producing 100 pieces of chemically strengthened glass panes per day. And you need a minimum of 1,000 squares per day. So, that already negates that specific manufacturer’s chance of working with you.

All of the points we listed might not be relevant. However, based on demand and client requirements, they’re the most effective ways of helping businesses find their suppliers.

Why Work With Chinese Chemically Strengthened Glass Manufacturing Companies?

Contrary to popular belief, Chinese chemically strengthened glass manufacturing companies aren’t always subject to low and poor quality of work.

The image of Chinese businesses and suppliers producing low-quality work is because of the image the Americans have established.

When, in reality, we outperform them in every aspect of the glass business. In fact, Chinese chemically strengthened glass manufacturing companies can offer:

Higher Profitability

Since the prices of Chinese chemically strengthened glass are much more affordable, you can expect better and higher profitability for your business.

The formula is simple – you buy low, then sell high. Since it came through you, you did the marketing, you brought it to them, you have every right to adjust the price.

Better Shipping and Freight Rates

Let’s imagine that your business dwells in the United States and you choose a manufacturer from Spain.

You’ll think that the rates of delivery and freight will be cheaper than that of a Chinese manufacturer because it’s nearer, right? But no, that’s not exactly what the case is.

In fact, many Chinese manufacturers are in partnerships with freight and delivery companies. This allows business owners like you to think less about the prices of you having your products shipped and delivered.

Larger Network

Possibly the most influential factor in choosing a Chinese chemically strengthened glass manufacturer is that you’ll be introduced to a vast and large network of businesses in the same industry.

You have the chance to meet the suppliers of your manufacturers – and even other businesses within the supply chain.

This means better business for you because you’ll be having access to more than what your competitors have access to!

While there are a ton more reasons why working with a Chinese glass manufacturer is the most recommended, these are three (3) of the most sought-after reasons why you should!

Why is SXET the Best Chemically Strengthened Glass Supplier You Could Trust?

And out of the tens of thousands of Chinese chemically strengthened glass manufacturers, which one should you trust?

We here at SXET have been working hard in the industry for more than a decade. Employed with the best, the most experienced, and the most skillful engineers and experts, you will never have a problem choosing the chemically strengthened glass that you need for your business.

We Offer Custom Chemically Strengthened Glass

All of our clients trust us to procure, design, and create the chemically strengthened glass they need. For us to help you with this, what you need to do is to submit a sketch of how you want the glass to look like.

Should you be interested in customizing the content, too, you can indicate it on the sketch.

SXET’s chemically strengthened glass never received negative feedback. As a matter of fact, we were always welcomed with commendations coming from all of the businesses and clients we’ve had in the past.

Does SXET Offer Warranty on Chemically Strengthened Glass?

All of the glass panes and the units we sell here at SXET have one (1) year’s worth of warranty. We have our client experience and customer satisfaction team to help you with it so don’t worry!

If you ever find yourself in dire need of a trustworthy chemically strengthened glass supplier, don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can also send us an email – we will give you a free quote!