Abstract: A furnace (2) has at least one furnace chamber (20) delimited by a wall (25); at least one opening (5) is provided in the wall (25). The opening is provided with at least one nozzle (50), configured to generate a sealing air flow. A glass semi-finished product (4) can be introduced into the furnace chamber.

Abstract: The invention locally deforms a flat surface of a substrate made of glass or a glass ceramic by applying heat exclusively within a locally limited region via the flat surface by laser radiation, a gas flame, infrared radiation, microwaves or a plasma discharge directed towards the flat surface of the substrate to soften the substrate at least on the flat surface within the locally limited region; applies a force acting on the softened flat surface within the locally limited region which deforms the softened surface of the substrate within the locally limited region; cools the substrate to obtain a set deformed surface within the locally limited region; and applies heat exclusively within the locally limited region via the flat surface of the substrate to produce a temperature and viscosity gradient inside the substrate laterally and orthogonal to the flat surface within the locally limited region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locally deforming a flat surface of a substrate made of glass or a glass-ceramic, and to an operating element that can be produced with the method. The method is characterised by the following method steps: applying heat exclusively within a locally limited region via the surface of the substrate by means of laser radiation, gas flame, infrared radiation, electrical microwaves or plasma discharge directed towards the surface of the substrate, in such a way that the substrate is softened at least on the surface within the locally limited region; applying a force acting on the softened surface within the locally limited region, such that the softened surface of the substrate is deformed within the region; and cooling the substrate to obtain a surface that is deformed and set within the local region.

Abstract: The invention is a method for permanent connection of two components by soldering employing a glass or metal solder as the solder material. A layer system providing adhesion is applied to both components, between which the solder material is introduced. the layer system is heated to a soldering temperature characteristic for the solder material and results in a permanent solder connection between both components after cooling. The layer system providing adhesion has an adhesive layer applicable directly to the component and a solderable layer. The adhesive layer, if a glass solder is used, contains oxidic, carbidic, or nitridic components or mixed compounds thereof and, if a metal solder is used, the adhesive layer contains carbidic or nitridic components or mixed compounds thereof.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a glass pane having at least one edge section delimiting the glass pane, for whose production the glass pane has been severed along the edge section with the aid of a severing procedure comprising a thermal energy introduction. The invention of the glass pane is enclosed at least sectionally and preferably along the entire edge section by a sheath immediately after production of the at least one edge section using a severing procedure comprising a thermal energy introduction.