Professional 12mm tempered glass manufacturer. 12mm toughened glass is the structural-grade first choice for glass floors, stair treads, commercial curtain walls — 4-5× stronger than annealed, ~30 kg/㎡. Max size 3300×12000mm. EN 12150 / CE / ASTM C1048 / AS-NZS 2208 certified. Indicative FOB price USD 15-22/㎡.
12mm tempered glass, 12mm toughened glass, 12mm tempered glass for balustrades, 12mm tempered glass flooring, 1/2 inch tempered glass1/2" Structural Grade Safety Glass for Balustrades, Glass Floors, Staircases & Commercial Façades
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Glass Thickness | 12mm(1/2") |
| Glass Type | Fully Tempered / Heat-Strengthened (optional) |
| Maximum Size | 3300 × 12000 mm |
| Processing | Cutting / Edging / Drilling / CNC / Lamination / IGU |
| Heat Soak Test | Available (EN 14179) |
| Low-Iron | Available |
| Laminated | Available (PVB / SGP) |
| IGU | Available |
| Certification | EN 12150 / CE / ASTM / AS-NZS |
| MOQ | Project-based |
| Price | Request Quote |
💡 12mm is the first truly "structural" thickness in the tempered glass family — it is not just a "filler panel" for railings, but a load-bearing component for glass floors, stair treads, and commercial curtain walls. The extra 4mm over 8mm delivers a ~3.4× increase in bending stiffness and ~60% reduction in deflection.
12mm Tempered Glass — also known as 12mm Toughened Glass or 1/2 Inch Tempered Glass — is a structural-grade safety glass produced by controlled thermal treatment. Quality 12mm float glass is heated to approximately 620-650℃ and then rapidly cooled with high-pressure, uniformly distributed air jets (rapid quenching). This creates a powerful surface compressive stress layer (≥ 95 MPa) while the interior retains compensating tensile stress, delivering 4 to 5 times higher impact and bending strength than ordinary annealed glass.
Unlike 8mm, which is positioned for "high-frequency, high-volume" applications, 12mm's unique positioning is: "glass that can carry load." It is widely specified for glass floors, glass walkways, stair treads, commercial curtain walls, and load-bearing balustrades — scenarios that demand not just "unbreakable" glass, but glass that does not flex, does not wobble, and can carry weight.
📸 (Suggested images: 12mm glass floor installation / commercial curtain wall large-format installation / stair tread load test / tempering furnace quenching diagram)
| Dimension | 8mm | 12mm | 15mm | 19mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Weight | ~20 kg/㎡ | ~30 kg/㎡ | ~37.5 kg/㎡ | ~47.5 kg/㎡ |
| Bending Stiffness (relative) | 1× | 3.4× | 5.6× | 10.6× |
| Max Unsupported Span | Short | Medium | Long | Very Long |
| Glass Floors | ❌ | ✅⭐ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Stair Treads | △ | ✅⭐ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Commercial Façade | △ | ✅⭐ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Frameless Balustrade | ✅ | ✅⭐ | △ | ❌ (too heavy) |
| Shower Doors | ✅⭐ | ✅ | ❌ (too heavy) | ❌ |
| Interior Partition | ✅⭐ | ✅ | △ | ❌ |
✅⭐ = First-choice | ✅ = Suitable | △ = Usable but not optimal | ❌ = Not recommended
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nominal Thickness | 12mm (1/2") |
| Glass Type | Fully Tempered |
| Glass Substrate | Clear / Low-Iron / Tinted (Grey/Bronze/Blue/Green) / Coated / Reflective |
| Maximum Size | 3300 × 12000 mm |
| Minimum Size | 300 × 300 mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ± 0.3mm |
| Dimension Tolerance | ± 0.05 - 0.1mm |
| Surface Compressive Stress | ≥ 95 MPa |
| Bending Strength | ≥ 150 MPa (4-5× annealed) |
| Steel Ball Impact (5mm) | 1040g ball @ 1m height — no break |
| Fragment Count | 40-60 pieces / 50×50mm |
| Thermal Shock ΔT | ≥ 200℃ |
| Light Transmittance (Clear 12mm) | ≥ 88% |
| Light Transmittance (Ultra-Clear 12mm) | ≥ 90% |
| U-Value (Monolithic) | 5.4 W/m²K |
| Sound Insulation Rw | 34(-2;-3) dB |
| Weight | ~30 kg/㎡ |
| Edgework | Flat Polish / Arrissed / Beveled / Pencil Edge / Seamed Edge |
| Hole Drilling | Available (edge distance ≥ 24mm) |
| Cut-outs / CNC | Available |
| Heat Soak Test (HST) | Optional (EN 14179) |
| Laminating | Available (PVB / SGP) |
| Insulating Glass (IGU) | Available (single / dual cavity, argon-filled) |
| Low-E Coating | Available |
| Ceramic Digital Printing | Available |
| Packing | Export Seaworthy Packing |
This is one of the most-searched long-tail queries from procurement managers. The unit weight of 12mm glass is approximately:
| Glass Area | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 m² | ~30 kg |
| 2 m² | ~60 kg |
| 5 m² | ~150 kg |
| 10 m² | ~300 kg |
| Single panel 1200×3000mm (3.6 m²) | ~108 kg |
💡 12mm is 50% heavier than 8mm, but delivers 3.4× the bending stiffness and load-bearing capability. In structural applications like glass floors, stair treads, and commercial curtain walls, this 4mm difference is decisive.
Maximum Size: Up to 3300 × 12000 mm, subject to glass type, processing requirements, tempering furnace capability, and project configuration.
Tempering 12mm jumbo panels presents a technical challenge: medium-thickness glass is prone to roller wave distortion and stress non-uniformity during rapid quenching. Our 12m horizontal tempering furnace with imported CNC thermal control and multi-stage air pressure adjustment ensures 12mm jumbo panels achieve flatness tolerance ≤ 0.05mm/m with optical distortion controlled at Class 1 level.
📸 (Suggested images: 12mm jumbo panel exiting furnace / laser flatness inspection / commercial curtain wall installation site / vertical container loading)
| Project Type | Typical Panel Size | Panel Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial curtain wall | 1500 × 3500mm | 300+ | Spider fitting installation |
| Hotel glass balustrade | 1200 × 3000mm | 200+ | Base shoe channel |
| Glass stair treads | 300 × 1200mm | 100+ | Embedded metal channel |
| Glass floor walkway | 1000 × 2000mm | 50+ | SGP laminated |
| Luxury shower enclosure | 1000 × 2200mm | 80+ | Hinge holes pre-tempering |
⚠️ The "non-cuttable" nature of tempered glass means all fabrication must be completed before tempering. We provide full in-house pre-tempering deep processing.
Per the principle that each thickness page must have its own Search Intent + Application Intent + Procurement Intent, 12mm's unique positioning is "Structural & Commercial Grade — the first thickness that can truly carry load":
12mm is the economical starting point for glass flooring. When laminated with SGP (e.g., 12mm Toughened + 1.52mm SGP + 12mm Toughened), it can withstand pedestrian traffic, equipment handling, and live loads. Widely used for mall atrium glass bridges, exhibition hall walkways, and observation deck glass platforms.
12mm tempered glass is the standard thickness for glass stair treads. When installed in embedded metal channels or clamped fittings, it carries daily foot traffic while maintaining the "floating staircase" aesthetic.
While 8mm is the "cost-effective" option, 12mm balustrades are in the "rigid, zero-wobble" class. Specified for commercial buildings, hotels, and public spaces — when a person leans on it, there is virtually zero deflection.
12mm jumbo tempered glass is the economical solution for mid-low rise commercial curtain walls. Lighter and cheaper than 15mm/19mm, while providing sufficient wind load resistance.
12mm is the premium choice for luxury shower enclosures and steam rooms — substantial feel, high-end presence, and exceptional durability.
12mm tempered glass is suitable for mall entrance canopies and atrium skylights. At ~30 kg/㎡, it remains within acceptable structural load limits.
12mm is the high-safety specification for public pool fencing — more rigid than 8mm, resisting children climbing and external pushing forces.
12mm jumbo tempered glass is the standard for high-end retail storefronts — large-format frameless, minimalist lines, transparent product display.
| Application | Load-Bearing? | Recommended Composite | 12mm Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass floors / walkways | ✅ Yes | SGP laminated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Glass stair treads | ✅ Yes | PVB/SGP laminated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Structural balustrades | Partial | Monolithic / Laminated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Commercial curtain walls | ❌ No | IGU / Low-E | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-end shower doors | ❌ No | Monolithic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Glass canopies / skylights | Partial | SGP laminated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pool fencing | ❌ No | Monolithic / Laminated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Retail storefronts | ❌ No | Monolithic / Low-E | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Interior partitions | ❌ No | Monolithic / Laminated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Furniture tabletops | Partial | Monolithic | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Only list certifications you actually hold. Do not inflate for SEO.
| Test Item | Method | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Compressive Stress | Stress meter | ≥ 95 MPa |
| Fragment Pattern | 50×50mm fragment count | 40-60 pcs, no large shards |
| Flatness | Laser profilometer | ≤ 0.05mm/m |
| Optical Distortion | Optical scanner | Class 1 (min. visible distortion) |
| Dimensional Accuracy | CNC digital caliper | ± 0.1mm |
| Edge Quality | Visual + magnifier | No micro-cracks, no burrs |
| Light Transmittance | Spectrophotometer | ≥ 88% (Clear) |
| Steel Ball Impact | 1040g @ 1m | No breakage |
📄 Test reports available upon request. We provide real fragmentation test photos, stress test reports, HST temperature curves, and optical distortion inspection reports for your verification.
Glass pricing is heavily influenced by size, quantity, substrate, Low-E, Low-Iron, processing, drilling, packing, port, Incoterms, and destination. A single fixed price is misleading.
USD 15 - 22 / ㎡(200 ㎡ MOQ, Clear 12mm, standard edgework)
| Thickness | Indicative FOB (USD/㎡) | Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| 5mm | 8 - 12 | Shower doors / splashbacks |
| 6mm | 9 - 14 | Windows / canopies |
| 8mm | 12 - 18 | Balustrades / partitions (sweet spot) |
| 12mm | 15 - 22 | Structural / commercial façade |
| 15mm | 22 - 35 | Jumbo façade / hotel lobby |
| 19mm | 35 - 55 | Structural / landmark buildings |
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Glass size | High |
| Order quantity | High |
| Glass type (Clear / Ultra-Clear / Tinted) | High |
| Processing complexity (holes, cutouts, shapes) | Medium-High |
| Low-Iron / Low-E | Medium-High |
| Lamination (PVB/SGP) | High |
| HST required | Medium |
| Certification requirements | Medium |
| Packaging method | Medium |
| Destination port | High |
💡 Send us your project drawings and we will provide a precise quotation within 2 business days.
A: Yes — and it is the economical starting point for glass flooring. Monolithic 12mm has limited uniform load capacity, but in practice glass floors use laminated composite structures such as 12mm Toughened + 1.52mm SGP + 12mm Toughened, achieving uniform load ≥ 5.0 kN/㎡ and concentrated load ≥ 1.5 kN. Even if one ply breaks, the SGP interlayer maintains structural integrity. We recommend SGP lamination is mandatory for all glass floor projects — monolithic use is not acceptable.
A: 12mm glass weighs approximately 30 kg/㎡. It is 50% heavier than 8mm (~20 kg/㎡), but delivers 3.4× the bending stiffness. In structural applications like glass floors, stair treads, and commercial curtain walls, this 4mm difference is decisive.
A: No. Once tempered, all sizes and edges are fixed. 12mm tempered glass cannot be cut, drilled, or ground. All processing must be done before tempering — which is why we strongly advise clients to provide precise dimension drawings and let us handle full CNC cutting, drilling, and edgework before tempering.
A: Maximum single-panel fabrication size is 3300 × 12000 mm. Oversized panels require careful transportation and installation planning — we provide professional export packaging and ocean-secure bracing.
A: Yes — but only before tempering. We support round holes, square holes, slotted holes, counter-sunk holes, hinge holes, floor spring holes, and spider fitting holes. Hole edge distance must be ≥ 2× glass thickness (≥ 24mm); hole distance from panel edge ≥ 4× glass thickness (≥ 48mm).
A: Ordinary tempered glass may spontaneously break due to nickel sulfide (NiS) inclusions. Our optional Heat Soak Test (EN 14179) holds the glass at 290℃ for ≥ 2 hours, triggering any defective panes to break before shipment — reducing the field breakage rate from 0.3% to < 0.1%. For glass floors, stair treads, and high-rise curtain walls — HST is strongly recommended as mandatory.
A: Clear 12mm tempered glass offers ≥ 88% light transmittance; with an Ultra-Clear (Low-Iron) substrate, transmittance reaches ≥ 90%, eliminating the green edge tint for superior visual clarity.
A: Absolutely — and strongly recommended. 12mm tempered glass as the outer or inner lite of laminated glass (with PVB/SGP interlayer) is the standard for glass floors, stair treads, and skylights. As one lite of an IGU paired with another tempered glass or Low-E glass, it enhances acoustic, energy, and safety performance for commercial curtain walls.
A:
A: Standard MOQ is 20 ㎡ (approximately 2 crates). Project orders can be negotiated. Sample orders in small quantities are supported. Standard lead time is 20-30 days; 20-30 days for panels with holes or cutouts. Please send your drawings for a precise quotation.
Browse our tempered glass series:
7 .19mm Ultra-Clear Structural Tempered Glass – Ultra-heavy structural
8. 22mm Tempered Glass for Extreme Loads – Extreme structural
9. 25mm Jumbo Tempered Glass for Heavy Loads – Military / nuclear grade
10. Heat Soaked Tempered Glass (5mm-25mm) – HST certified supplier
Please provide the following information to receive a quotation:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Project / Company | Project name & company |
| Country | Destination country |
| Required Quantity | Area required (㎡) |
| Glass Size | Per-panel dimensions (W × H) |
| Glass Type | Clear / Ultra-Clear / Tinted |
| Edgework | Edge treatment requirements |
| Holes / Cut-outs | Hole & cutout requirements |
| HST Required? | Heat Soak Test needed? |
| Certification | Required standards |
| Target Delivery Date | Desired lead time |
| Contact email | |
| Upload Drawing | Upload drawing (PDF/DWG/CAD) ⭐ |
📧 Upload your drawings for a precise quote: tomron1688@jgmail.com
🌐 Website: www.jumbotemperedglass.com