What type of glass is typically heated during the manufacturing process?

The correct choice is tempered glass because this type undergoes a specific heating process during its production. In the manufacture of tempered glass, the material is heated to high temperatures and then quickly cooled. This process increases the strength and safety of the glass, making it more resistant to impact and thermal stress.

Tempered glass is designed to break into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, enhancing safety in the event of breakage. The heating and rapid cooling create a compression layer on the surface, contributing to its durability.

Other types of glass mentioned, like laminated, frosted, and annealed glass, do not involve this particular heating procedure. Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two layers of glass, which provides impact resistance and holds the layers together upon shattering. Frosted glass is created through a process of sandblasting or acid etching and doesn’t require heating. Annealed glass, while it can be heated, is cooled slowly to relieve internal stresses without the quick temperature changes involved in tempering, making it less strong than tempered glass.

Understanding the manufacturing processes for different types of glass is essential, especially in applications where safety and strength are critical.