Steinfort Glas in Franeker is our supplier of toughened glass. They have the largest horizontal tempering furnace in the Netherlands. First, they cut the glass sheet to size and chamfer the edges. The glass is then placed in that special furnace, which heats up to 650 degrees, causing the material to soften and expand slightly. They then cool the glass very quickly.
Because the outer surface cools faster than the core, a constant tension is created. And that tension ensures that the glass is up to five times stronger than normal glass. Steinfort’s toughened glass complies with the NEN-EN 12150-1 standard and bears the CE mark, in accordance with the European standard NEN-EN 12150-2.
No shards, just granules
There are even more advantages. Tempered glass is more resistant to extreme temperature fluctuations. And should the glass break after all? Then you won’t be sweeping up sharp shards, but (lots of) tiny granules.
Mandatory in public buildings
Yes, toughened glass is more expensive. But it offers better protection and is safer. It has long been mandatory in public buildings such as schools, offices and museums. We go one step further. The outer panels of our display cases are always made from toughened safety glass.
