Abstract: The present invention relates to additive, pigment or colorant materials which may be used for laser marking. The materials comprise oxides of bismuth and at least one additional metal. Preferred laser-markable bismuth-containing oxide compounds are of the formula BixMyOz, where M is at least one metal selected from Zn, Ti, Fe, Cu, Al, Zr, P, Sn, Sr, Si, Y, Nb, La, Ta, Pr, Ca, Mg, Mo, W, Sb, Cr, Ba and Ce, x is from about 0.3 to about 70, y is from about 0.05 to about 8, and z is from about 1 to about 100. The bismuth-containing material may be dispersed in a substrate which is subsequently irradiated by a laser to provide a contrasting mark in the irradiated region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additive, pigment or colorant materials which may be used for laser marking. The materials comprise oxides of bismuth and at least one additional metal. Preferred laser-markable bismuth-containing oxide compounds are of the formula BixMyOz, where M is at least one metal selected from Zn, Ti, Fe, Cu, Al, Zr, P, Sn, Sr, Si, Y, Nb, La, Ta, Pr, Ca, Mg, Mo, W, Sb, Cr, Ba and Ce, x is from about 0.3 to about 70, y is from about 0.05 to about 8, and z is from about 1 to about 100. The bismuth-containing material may be dispersed in a substrate which is subsequently irradiated by a laser to provide a contrasting mark in the irradiated region.

Abstract: A method of screen printing and laser ablating various types of substrates is disclosed. The process may be used to make decorated auto glass with additional indicia such as serial numbers, bar codes, and the like. The substrate with the applied coating may subsequently be shape formed and/or heat strengthened to produce a final product. The invention also provides a screen and a screen printed pattern which include a portion that is subsequently laser ablated to provide specific information such as serialization. In one embodiment, the screen printed and laser ablated glass substrate is fired. In another embodiment, screen printed patterns may be laser ablated with no subsequent heat treatment required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additive, pigment or colorant materials which may be used for laser marking. The materials comprise oxides of bismuth and at least one additional metal. Preferred laser-markable bismuth-containing oxide compounds are of the formula BixMyOz, where M is at least one metal selected from Zn, Ti, Fe, Cu, Al, Zr, P, Sn, Sr, Si, Y, Nb, La, Ta, Pr, Ca, Mg, Mo, W, Sb, Cr, Ba and Ce, x is from about 0.3 to about 70, y is from about 0.05 to about 8, and z is from about 1 to about 100. The bismuth-containing material may be dispersed in a substrate which is subsequently irradiated by a laser to provide a contrasting mark in the irradiated region.

Abstract: A method of laser marking substrates such as glass, ceramic, metal and plastic is disclosed. A marking material is applied to the surface of the substrate, followed by irradiation of a portion of the marking material to form a permanent marking on the substrate. The non-irradiated portion of the marking material is then removed from the substrate. The marking material may comprise glass frit or precursors thereof, inorganic pigments or precursors thereof, silicates, metal oxides, sulfides, nitrides and carbides, organometallic materials or metal powders. The marking method is highly versatile, can be performed quickly, and produces permanent marks of high resolution and contrast without damage to the substrate.

Abstract: Bismuth manganese oxide pigments are used as additives to various materials such as plastics, plastic or organic coating compositions, glass and ceramic coating compositions, and the like. The bismuth manganese oxide pigments preferably comprise Bi2Mn4O10 crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal structure. The pigments possess improved reflectance characteristics, particularly in the IR region, and may reduce IR-induced heat buildup.

Abstract: Bismuth manganese oxide green pigments are used as additives to various materials such as plastics, plastic or organic coating compositions, glass and ceramic coating compositions, and the like. The green bismuth manganese oxide pigments preferably comprise Bi12MnO20 crystallized in the cubic crystal structure. The pigments possess improved reflectance characteristics, particularly in the IR region, and may reduce IR-induced heat buildup.