The present invention relates to a process for making an etched pattern comprising a step of depositing onto a printable metal surface droplets of an ink composition provided by a printing method, wherein the ink composition comprises a first ink vehicle being water, a second ink vehicle being an organic compound and an etchant being an acid or abase according to the Brnsted definition, characterized in that the ink composition has a pH in the range of from (0) to (4) or from (9) to (14). The invention further relates to substrates having a metal surface with an etched pattern, to the use of such substrates in various applications, to articles comprising the inventive substrate and to the use of the inventive process for the production of metal products.

A method for producing a reflection-reducing layer system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes depositing an organic layer on the substrate, generating a nanostructure in the organic layer by a plasma etching process, applying a cover layer to the nanostructure, wherein the organic layer, the nanostructure and the cover layer together form a reflection-reducing structure, wherein the cover layer comprises an inorganic material or an organosilicon compound, and wherein the cover layer is at least 5 nm thick and performing a post-treatment after applying the cover layer, wherein a material of the organic layer is at least partially removed, decomposed or chemically converted, and wherein an effective refractive index n.sub.eff,2 of the reflection-reducing structure after the post-treatment is smaller than an effective refractive index n.sub.eff,1 of the reflection-reducing structure before the post-treatment.

A method for fabricating a timepiece component made of conductive material includes: making a base from conductive material; coating the base with a first layer of sacrificial metal protection material; etching a recessed decoration mechanically or with a laser; coating the first recessed decoration and the remaining part of the first layer with a second metal and/or coloured decorative treatment layer; and removing each first sacrificial metal protection layer by chemical devices, to obtain a blank including a first decoration formed by the remaining part of the second layer.

A method for producing pigments comprises the steps of creating a first layer on a substrate, structuring the first layer and detaching the pigments from the substrate. In the present case, the first layer is a crack-forming layer, so that the first layer is structured by the arising of cracks. Prior to detaching the pigments, a pigment layer is applied onto the first layer structured by the cracks.

A method for producing pigments having a specified contour, comprises the steps of creating a pigment layer on a starting substrate; detaching from the starting substrate; and structuring the pigment layer into a plurality of the pigments; characterized by bringing into contact the pigment layer with an intermediate substrate, wherein the pigment layer adheres at least in sections to the intermediate substrate; and separating intermediate substrate and starting substrate.

The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.

Dental appliances having ornamental designs and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, a method of providing a design on a dental appliance having a geometry configured to receive teeth includes providing the appliance, and altering an appearance of at least a portion of the appliance to provide the design on the appliance.

A method for adhering embellishments to a glass substrate. The method provides a depression in the glass matching the shape of the embellishment, allowing for a lower profile and protecting the adhesive from water and solvents, thus reducing the chance of the embellishment falling off of the glass.

An interior component of a vehicle, the interior component including a metal surface element that includes at least one graphic feature, wherein the at least one graphic feature is configured as an engraving that is fabricated by material removal, and wherein the engraving includes a micro perforation made from a plurality of boreholes.

A method for producing a reflection-reducing layer system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes depositing an organic layer on the substrate, generating a nanostructure in the organic layer by a plasma etching process, applying a cover layer to the nanostructure, wherein the organic layer, the nanostructure and the cover layer together form a reflection-reducing structure, wherein the cover layer comprises an inorganic material or an organosilicon compound, and wherein the cover layer is at least 5 nm thick and performing a post-treatment after applying the cover layer, wherein a material of the organic layer is at least partially removed, decomposed or chemically converted, and wherein an effective refractive index n.sub.eff,2 of the reflection-reducing structure after the post-treatment is smaller than an effective refractive index n.sub.eff,1 of the reflection-reducing structure before the post-treatment.