Ferro Corporation

Sean T Weir

Daniel Russell Swiler

George E Sakoske

Ronald M Harris

Joseph E Sarver

David C Kapp

Terry J Detrie

Dennis R Gilmore

Stephen Rozwood

Gary L Nuccetelli

Bertram Gardner

Various laser marking compositions and related methods are described. The laser marking compositions utilize one or more populations of particles having certain average particle sizes or a range of sizes. Marks or other indicia formed using the compositions and methods exhibit increased contrast, improved substrates bonding, and greater dispersability.

Laser marking compositions and related methods

The present invention provides mixed metal oxide based special effect pigments that can be incorporated into optically thin binder systems to produce a 'metal flake' appearance that is superior to the 'metal flake' appearance presently achievable using conventional special effect pigments. Special effect pigments according to the invention comprise at least 10 wt % of mixed metal oxides that exhibit the McConnellite (CuCrO) crystal structure. Other metallic elements can be incorporated into the crystal lattice structure to alter the appearance effect of the pigments.

Special effect pigments

The present invention provides methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a marking material is applied to a substrate to form a mark that is contrastable from the substrate in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The mark is covered with a film, which can be a bonded coating or a non-bonded covering sheet, that comprises an amount of one or more inorganic pigments such that the film appears opaque in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum but is sufficiently transmissive in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the detection of the mark covered by the film. The non-visible marks can be applied to articles such as automobile parts, aircraft parts and other articles of manufacture to deter counterfeiting.

Methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods

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Bridgeville, PA, United States of America

Sean T Weir