A spring-loaded center punch is designed to effectively break tempered glass, which is commonly used in vehicle windows. Tempered glass is manufactured through a thermal process that makes it significantly stronger than regular glass. However, when struck with sufficient force, such as by a spring-loaded center punch, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury.
The effectiveness of the spring-loaded center punch on tempered glass stems from the way this type of glass is constructed. Its strength allows it to withstand impact under normal conditions, but it will fracture when subjected to a concentrated force, making it easier to remove for rescue operations.
In contrast, safety glass is often a general term that encompasses tempered glass and laminated glass, while annealed glass is weaker and does not have the same shatter properties as tempered glass. Laminated glass, used in windshields, consists of layers that hold together even when broken, making it less effective for this type of tool, as it requires a different technique for removal.