Which type of glass is known for being extremely durable and often used in fixtures?

Tempered glass is renowned for its exceptional durability and strength, making it a popular choice for lighting fixtures and other applications where resilience is essential. This type of glass undergoes a heat treatment process that increases its strength and makes it less susceptible to breakage under thermal or mechanical stress. When tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, which enhances safety.

The manufacturing process of tempered glass involves heating it to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, a process that enhances its structural integrity. Because of these properties, it is often used in situations where it will be subjected to impact or where safety is a concern, such as in outdoor or public lighting applications.

The other types of glass mentioned do not possess the same level of strength and impact resistance as tempered glass. For instance, triplex glass consists of layers that can provide some safety features but is generally not as durable as tempered glass. Bound glass does not refer to a specific type of durable glass and is often used in contexts unrelated to lighting. Etched glass is primarily decorative and may reduce strength due to the etching process.