N-LASFN9
N-LASFN9 is a dense lanthanum flint glass with very high refractive index, part of the lead-free N-series optical catalogue, with a glass transition near 700 °C.
Reference datasheet — N-LASFN9 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
What is N-LASFN9?
N-LASFN9 is a dense lanthanum flint glass with very high refractive index, part of the lead-free N-series optical catalogue, with a glass transition near 700 °C. Engineers use it to shorten optical paths and correct aberrations in compact high-power elements and moulded aspheres; it is supplied annealed, as pressed blanks or as gobs for precision moulding (AN, PA, GOB). It is brittle and diamond-work only (machinability rating 30) and is not diamond-turnable. Stain class is 0 but climatic class is 2, so alkaline cleaners and long condensation exposure must be avoided. N-LASFN9 has a density of 4.44 g/cm³ (0.16 lb/in³), heavier than 75% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 115 GPa (16.7 Msi).
What is N-LASFN9 used for?
- High-index aspheric lenses
- Compact camera modules
- Endoscope optics
Advantages
- Stiff — 115 GPa (16.7 Msi), better than 85% of glass grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 0.79 W/m·K (0.456 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of glass grades
- Heavy — 4.44 g/cm³ (0.16 lb/in³), worse than 75% of glass grades
N-LASFN9 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among glass grades.
Physical4
N-LASFN9 has a density of 4.44 g/cm³ (0.16 lb/in³), heavier than 75% of glass grades.
Mechanical10
The elastic modulus is 115 GPa (16.7 Msi).
Thermal5
N-LASFN9 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 0.79 W/m·K (0.456 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of glass grades. Thermal expansion is 7.4 µm/m·K (4.11 µin/in·°F).
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), worse than 53% of glass grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of N-LASFN9 takes about 90 MJ of energy and emits 7 kg of CO₂ — more than 66% of glass grades. Typical recycled content is 3%.
Manufacturability2
N-LASFN9's machinability is poor (30/100, better than 71% of glass grades).
Common Calculations2
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the glass family
Yield strength against density for every glass grade FabDigit runs. N-LASFN9 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with N-LASFN9
Is N-LASFN9 easy to machine?
Diamond grind and loose-abrasive/CeO2 polish only; brittle with moderate hardness, so use light infeed and copious coolant — not diamond-turnable (glass, not IR chalcogenide).
Can N-LASFN9 be welded?
Not weldable; joining is by optical contacting, UV/epoxy cementing or elastomeric mounting.
Can N-LASFN9 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot-pressable into near-net blanks and mouldable aspheres above Tg ≈ 700 °C; every hot step must be followed by controlled annealing to restore catalogue index.
N-LASFN9 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| La2O3principal index-raising constituent of the LaSF family; exact fraction proprietary | — | |
| B2O3network former in lanthanum borate-silicate melts | — | |
| SiO2network former, minor fraction in this glass type | — | |
| ZnOmelt/viscosity modifier | — | |
| ZrO2index and durability additive | — | |
| Nb2O5/Ta2O5high-index heavy-metal oxides used in modern lead-free LaSF glasses | — | |
| PbOlead- and arsenic-free 'N-' formulation | ≤ 0 | 0 |
What surface finishes work on N-LASFN9?
Takes λ/10 polish and standard AR/dielectric coatings; store and clean carefully (stain class 0 but climatic class 2) and avoid alkaline cleaners and long condensation exposure.
How much does N-LASFN9 cost?
N-LASFN9 is a high-cost glass ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
N-LASFN9 — frequently asked
What is N-LASFN9 used for?
N-LASFN9 is typically used for high-index aspheric lenses, compact camera modules and endoscope optics. In short: very high index glass; compact aspheres and modules; not diamond-turnable.
Is N-LASFN9 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, better than 71% of glass grades). Diamond grind and loose-abrasive/CeO2 polish only; brittle with moderate hardness, so use light infeed and copious coolant — not diamond-turnable (glass, not IR chalcogenide).
Can N-LASFN9 be welded?
Not weldable; joining is by optical contacting, UV/epoxy cementing or elastomeric mounting.
What surface finishes work on N-LASFN9?
Takes λ/10 polish and standard AR/dielectric coatings; store and clean carefully (stain class 0 but climatic class 2) and avoid alkaline cleaners and long condensation exposure.
Can N-LASFN9 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot-pressable into near-net blanks and mouldable aspheres above Tg ≈ 700 °C; every hot step must be followed by controlled annealing to restore catalogue index.
What is the maximum service temperature of N-LASFN9?
N-LASFN9 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does N-LASFN9 cost?
N-LASFN9 is a high-cost glass ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- N-LASF9 optical glass data sheet — SCHOTT AG (2023)
- Optical Glass Catalogue (TIE technical information series) — SCHOTT AG (2022)
- H-ZLAF series lanthanum dense flint glass data — CDGM (2023)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4: Ceramics and Glasses — ASM International (1991)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.