Abstract: Glass manufacturing apparatus can comprise a laser apparatus defining a laser path intersecting an outer peripheral surface of a roll. In some embodiments, methods of cleaning a roll of a glass manufacturing apparatus can comprise irradiating a target location on surface material formed on the roll with a laser beam and producing a relative movement between the roll and the target location while removing a portion of the surface material from an area of the outer peripheral surface of the roll with the laser beam. In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon can comprise passing glass-forming material through a gap defined between first and second rotating rolls and removing surface material from an area of an outer peripheral surface of the first roll with a first laser beam.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for forming a glass article in which molten glass is heated in a refractory vessel by establishing an electrical current in the molten glass between opposing powered electrodes along a first electrical path. The melting vessel includes a precious metal component in contact with the molten glass, and at least one non-powered electrode proximate the precious metal component. The at least one non-powered electrode and the precious metal component form second and third electrical paths, respectively, in parallel with the first electrical path such that an electrical current in the second electrical path is decreased, thereby reducing an electrochemical reaction in the precious metal component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for forming a glass article in which molten glass is heated in a refractory vessel defining a space interior to the refractory vessel. A precious metal component is exposed to the interior space. The apparatus includes first and second electrodes exposed to the interior space. A first electrical power source configured to supply a first electrical current is connected between the first and second electrodes. A second electrical power source is connected between the precious metal component and at least one of the first electrode or a first auxiliary electrode and configured to provide a second electrical current out-of-phase with the first electrical current.

Abstract: A mold for shaping glass-based material can include a mold body having a surface, wherein at least a portion of the mold body near the surface comprises at least about 90% by weight nickel and from about 0.2% to about 0.35% by weight manganese; and a nickel oxide layer on the surface of the mold body. The nickel oxide layer has first and second opposing surfaces wherein the first surface of the nickel oxide layer contacts and faces the surface of the mold body and the second surface of the nickel oxide layer includes a plurality of grains. The plurality of grains has an average grain size of about 150 ?m or less.

Abstract: A mold for shaping glass-based material can include a mold body having a surface, wherein at least a portion of the mold body near the surface comprises at least about 90% by weight nickel and from about 0.2% to about 0.35% by weight manganese; and a nickel oxide layer on the surface of the mold body. The nickel oxide layer has first and second opposing surfaces wherein the first surface of the nickel oxide layer contacts and faces the surface of the mold body and the second surface of the nickel oxide layer includes a plurality of grains. The plurality of grains has an average grain size of about 150 ?m or less.