‘Tufglas’ is fabricated by heating annealed glass to over 600 C and cooling it rapidly, which locks the outer surfaces of the glass in a state of high compression, and the core or centre of the glass in compensating tension.

This creates a product that, under uniform loading, is up to five times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness. Under the Australian Standard AS 1288 – 2006 Glass in buildings – Selection and installation, toughened glass is considered to have a wind resistance 2.5 times that of annealed glass.

In the event of breakage the particles are small, have blunt edges and are relatively harmless compared with the sharp splinters resulting from the breakage of annealed glass. The toughening process also greatly reduces the risk of thermal breakage.

‘Tufglas’ is manufactured in accordance with AS/NZ 2208 – Safety glazing materials in buildings and AS/NZ 2080 – Safety glazing for land vehicles.