Ilmatiiviitä

Ilmatiiviitä is Finnish term referring to multiple components or joints that are airtight, i.e., designed to prevent air exchange between two spaces. The word is often used in engineering and construction to describe seals, membranes, or assemblies that maintain hermeticity under operating conditions. The plural form ilmatiiviitä is used when discussing several such elements.

Applications: In construction, ilmatiiviitä elements are found in windows and doors, façade joints, penetrations for pipes and cables, and duct systems where airtight performance is required. In packaging and electronics, airtight seals protect contents from moisture, oxygen, and contaminants. In industrial equipment, vacuum systems and high-pressure vessels rely on ilmatiiviitä joints and enclosures to maintain pressure and purity.

Design and performance: Airtightness depends on material selection, joint geometry, mating surfaces, installation quality, and aging. Key performance metrics include low air permeability, resistance to pressure differences, and durability under temperature, UV exposure, and chemical contact.

Common forms and materials: gaskets and seals (tiivisteet), O-rings (O-rengas), sealants, tapes, and barrier membranes. Materials include elastomers such as NBR, EPDM, FKM, as well as metals and rigid plastics for specific uses. In electronics, hermetic sealing may employ ceramic-metal packages or vacuum-sealed enclosures.

Testing and standards: Air leakage and hermeticity are evaluated with methods such as pressure decay, leak testing with tracer gases (e.g., helium), and assembly-specific tests. International standards from ISO and EN specify procedures and performance criteria for airtightness in buildings, packaging, and industrial equipment.