Heat Soak Test
Heat Soak Test is a thermal verification test applied to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage in tempered glass caused by nickel sulphide (NiS) inclusions. In line with project specifications and requests, Camglass applies the Heat Soak Test to fully tempered glass in accordance with EN 14179.
During the test, tempered glass panes are held at a defined temperature in a controlled furnace. This ensures that panes containing critical inclusions break in the production environment before installation.
Glass that passes the test can be used as single glazing or in laminated and insulating glass units. It provides additional assurance especially on high-rise facades and in areas where glass replacement is difficult, costly or access is limited.
Key Features
Reduced Breakage Risk
Significantly lowers the probability of spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulphide.
Standard Compliant
Applied with a controlled thermal cycle in accordance with EN 14179.
Project Assurance
Reduces risk and cost in applications where glass replacement is difficult.
Related Production Processes
Before the test: Cutting and edge grinding; drilling and CNC processing depending on the fixing detail, followed by full tempering. For printed or painted options, surface applications are completed before tempering.
Subsequent processes: Lamination or insulating glass assembly depending on the product build-up.
Applications
High-Rise Facades
Glass Balustrades
Canopies
Spider Facade Systems
Technical Details
Technical Specifications | Product Information |
|---|---|
Applied to | Fully tempered flat glass |
Glass options | Clear, low-iron, tinted, ceramic printed and enamel painted |
Glass combinations | Single glazing, laminated glass or insulating glass unit |
Purpose | Reducing the risk of spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulphide (NiS) |
Technical reference | Heat Soak Test: EN 14179; flat tempered glass: EN 12150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heat Soak Test?
It is a thermal verification test in which tempered glass is held at a defined temperature in a controlled furnace. By causing panes with nickel sulphide inclusions to break in the production environment before use, it reduces the risk of spontaneous breakage on site. Camglass applies the test in accordance with EN 14179.
For which projects is the Heat Soak Test recommended?
It is preferred especially on high-rise facades, glass balustrades and canopies, spider facade systems, and in applications where glass replacement is difficult or costly. The decision to apply it is based on the project specification.
Does the Heat Soak Test completely eliminate the risk of breakage?
No. The Heat Soak Test significantly reduces the risk of spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulphide, but does not eliminate it completely. For this reason, suitable laminated build-ups are also considered for applications where post-breakage integrity is required.
