What type of glass is known for its non-shattering properties and high impact resistance?

Tempered glass is known for its non-shattering properties and high impact resistance due to its manufacturing process. During production, the glass is heated to a high temperature and then rapidly cooled, a process that strengthens the glass by putting it under compression. This means that when tempered glass is broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, making it safer for use in various applications, such as in doors, windows, and automotive glass.

While other types of glass like laminated glass also offer impact resistance, they do so through a different mechanism. Laminated glass consists of layers of glass bonded with a plastic interlayer, which helps keep the glass together when shattered, but not specifically for high impact resistance in the same way that tempered glass is engineered to withstand impact stress.

Annealed glass does not undergo tempering and is more prone to shattering upon impact, making it less suitable for high-stress applications. Obscured glass refers to glass treated to create a pattern or texture, primarily for privacy, and does not inherently provide any specific benefits related to impact resistance or safety. Therefore, tempered glass is the preferred choice when looking for durability and safety against impacts.