Borosilicate glass and
tempered glass are two of the most common materials for daily drinking cups and tableware. Though both are safer and more durable than ordinary glass, they differ greatly in material composition, production technology, core performance and application scenarios. Understanding their differences helps suppliers and customers choose the right glassware for different usage needs.
First, they have distinct production principles and material properties.
Borosilicate glass is a chemically modified glass with boron trioxide added to its formula. This special composition gives it an ultra-low thermal expansion coefficient, making it structurally stable. In contrast, tempered glass is physically processed from ordinary soda-lime glass. It is made by heating standard glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it to form surface pressure, without changing its basic chemical composition.
The most obvious difference lies in thermal shock resistance.
Borosilicate glass boasts excellent heat resistance, able to withstand extreme temperature changes from -20°C to 400°C. It can hold boiling water, hot tea or even be heated directly without cracking. However, tempered glass has poor thermal stability. It cannot bear sudden temperature differences and may break when pouring boiling water or exposed to rapid heating and cooling.
In terms of safety and durability, each has its own strengths. Tempered glass features high physical impact resistance, being 4 to 5 times stronger than regular glass. When broken, it turns into small obtuse particles that reduce injury risks, making it shatter-resistant for daily collision scenarios. Borosilicate glass is less resistant to physical drops but has superior chemical stability. It is corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, odor-free, and never reacts with acidic or alkaline drinks like juice, coffee and tea, ensuring pure taste and healthy drinking.
For practical applications, borosilicate glass is ideal for high-temperature usage, such as heat-resistant drinking cups, teapots and laboratory utensils. Tempered glass is more suitable for cold and normal-temperature daily tableware, family cups and hotel glassware, focusing on drop resistance and daily safety. In conclusion, borosilicate glass excels in heat resistance and chemical stability, while
tempered glass wins in physical strength and impact resistance. Choosing the right material depends on specific usage environments and functional demands.
