Is tempered glass impact resistant?

Tempered glass is significantly more impact resistant than standard annealed glass, but it is not completely 'shatterproof.' The tempering process—which involves intense heating followed by rapid cooling—creates a state of high compression on the surface and tension in the core. This internal stress makes the glass much tougher and more flexible, allowing it to withstand impacts that would easily shatter regular glass. It is particularly resistant to blunt force and high wind loads, which is why it is used in everything from basketball backboards to high-rise windows. However, tempered glass has a specific vulnerability: its edges. A sharp impact on the edge of a tempered glass pane can cause the entire sheet to shatter instantly. Furthermore, while it is impact resistant against many common accidents, it is not designed to stop intentional forced entry with heavy tools or ballistic threats. For those levels of security, laminated glass or specialized security glazing like Riot Glass is required. In summary, while tempered glass offers excellent protection against accidental impacts and everyday wear and tear, its primary benefit is the safe way it breaks rather than being an impenetrable barrier.