lasielementit

Lasielementit is a Finnish term that describes elements and products comprised of glass, used across architecture, industry, and consumer goods. The term covers a range of items from flat glass panels to specialized glass components integrated into assemblies such as insulated glazing units, display covers, and laboratory glassware.

Glass is traditionally based on silica (SiO2) and modified by additives such as soda (Na2O) and lime (CaO). Common variants include soda-lime glass (the most widespread for windows and bottles), borosilicate glass (high thermal resistance), and lead glass or silicate glasses used for optics and decorative purposes. Glass can be tempered for strength, laminated for safety, or coated to modify reflectivity or insulation.

Manufacturing involves melting raw materials in furnaces, refining, and forming into shapes by float glass process for sheets, blowing or pressing for containers, and various forming methods for curved or specialty shapes. After forming, glass is annealed to relieve stresses; tempering or laminating can enhance mechanical strength and safety. Insulating glass units (IGUs) consist of two or more panes separated by an air or gas layer.

Applications span architecture (facades, windows), transportation (car, bus windows), electronics (screens, covers), packaging, and labware. Optical glass in instruments is engineered for precise refractive properties and low color dispersion.

Environmental aspects include recycling of post-consumer glass and energy considerations in melting. Glass is typically highly recyclable with many cycles without loss of quality, though some coatings or contaminants complicate recycling. Safety concerns include brittleness and the need for proper handling of shards and hot glass.