Tempered glass is a heat treated glass. The glass is heated first, followed by the surface being cooled rapidly. This process results in leaving the center of the glass relatively hot, when compared to the center. When the center of the glass does cool, the surface and edges are compressed.
This process is what causes tempered glass to break down into relatively small and harmless pieces, in order to prevent potential injuries. When glass breaks, it can create large shards that pose a threat to anyone that may come in contact with it. “Dicing,” as the process is called when tempered glass shatters, helps reduce the likelihood of serious injury, as a direct result of contact with the window.
Impact-resistant glass is created by use of a safety glaze for laminated glass. This type of glass is created by bonding together two or more panes of glass with a thin clear film between the panes. The thickness of this film can range, as can the UV tint or color. This film also helps to hold the glass in place, making it resistant to impact.