Magnetic assemblies, devices and methods for producing optical effect layers comprising oriented non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of magnetic components, magnetic devices, and methods for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) on a substrate comprising magnetically oriented, non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, wherein the OEL provides the impression of a crescent-shaped element that moves or rotates when the OEL is tilted. In particular, this invention relates to magnetic components, magnetic devices, and methods for manufacturing the OEL as an anti-counterfeiting measure on secure documents or articles, or for decorative purposes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of protecting valuable documents and valuable commercial goods from counterfeiting and illegal copying. In particular, this invention relates to optical effect layers (OELs) that display viewing-dependent optical effects, magnetic components, apparatus, and methods for producing said OELs, ​​and the use of said OELs as anti-counterfeiting measures on documents. Background Technology

[0002] The production of safety elements and safety documents using inks, coating compositions, films, or layers containing magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, particularly non-spherical, optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, is known in the prior art.

[0003] For example, security features used in secure documents can be categorized as "covert" and "overt" security features. The protection provided by covert security features relies on the fact that these features are hidden, typically requiring specialized instruments and knowledge for detection. Overt security features, on the other hand, can be easily detected by unaided human senses; for example, these features may be visually visible and / or detectable by touch, but are still difficult to produce and / or replicate. However, the effectiveness of overt security features largely depends on their ease of identification as security features, because if users are aware of their existence and nature, they will essentially rely solely on these features for security checks.

[0004] Coatings or layers comprising oriented magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are disclosed, for example, in US 2,570,856; US 3,676,273; US 3,791,864; US 5,630,877 and US 5,364,689. The magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in the coating are capable of generating magnetically induced images, designs, and / or patterns by applying a corresponding magnetic field, resulting in localized orientation of the magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in the uncured coating, followed by curing of the coating. This results in a specific optical effect, namely, a highly counterfeit-resistant, fixed magnetically induced image, design, or pattern. Security features based on oriented magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles can be generated solely through the simultaneous use of magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles or a corresponding ink or composition containing said particles, and specific techniques for applying said ink or composition and for orienting said pigment particles in the applied ink or composition.

[0005] The moving-ring effect has been developed as an effective security element. The moving-ring effect consists of optical illusory images of objects, such as funnels, cones, bowls, circles, ellipses, and hemispheres, that appear to move in any xy direction depending on the tilt angle of the optical effect layer. Methods for generating the moving-ring effect are disclosed, for example, in EP 1710756 A1, US 8,343,615, EP 2306 222 A1, EP 2325677 A2, and US 2013 / 084411.

[0006] WO 2011 / 092502 A2 discloses an apparatus for producing moving ring images, which display a ring that appears to move noticeably when the viewing angle changes. The disclosed moving ring images can be obtained or generated using a device capable of orienting magnetic or magnetizable particles by means of a magnetic field, the magnetic field being generated by a combination of a soft magnetizable plate and a spherical magnet whose magnetic axis is perpendicular to the plane of the coating and disposed below the soft magnetizable plate.

[0007] Existing moving ring images are typically generated by arranging magnetic or magnetizable particles according to the magnetic field of a single rotating or static magnet. Because the magnetic field lines of a single magnet are typically relatively gently curved (i.e., have low curvature), changes in the orientation of the magnetic or magnetizable particles are relatively gradual across the surface of the OEL. Furthermore, when using only a single magnet, the strength of the magnetic field decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the magnet. This makes it difficult to obtain highly dynamic and well-defined features by means of the orientation of the magnetic or magnetizable particles, and results in a visual effect exhibiting blurred ring edges.

[0008] WO 2011 / 092502 A2 discloses an optical effect layer (OEL) comprising a plurality of magnetically oriented magnetic or magnetizable particles dispersed in a coating. The specific magnetic orientation pattern of the disclosed OEL provides an observer with an optical effect or impression of a moving ring when the OEL is tilted. The disclosed OEL is produced using an apparatus comprising a soft magnetizable plate and a spherical permanent magnet whose north-south axis is perpendicular to the plane of the coating, the coating comprising the magnetic or magnetizable particles to be oriented.

[0009] WO 2014 / 108404 A2 discloses an optical effect layer (OEL) comprising a plurality of magnetically oriented, non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles dispersed in a coating. The specific magnetic orientation pattern of the disclosed OEL provides an observer with the optical effect or impression of a toroidal object moving when the OEL is tilted. Furthermore, WO 2014 / 108404 A2 discloses an OEL that further exhibits the optical effect or impression of protrusions within a toroidal structure, caused by reflective areas in a central region surrounded by the toroidal structure. The disclosed protrusions provide the impression of a three-dimensional object, such as a hemisphere, existing in the central region surrounded by the toroidal structure.

[0010] WO 2014 / 108303 A1 discloses an optical effect layer (OEL) comprising a plurality of magnetically oriented, non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles dispersed in a coating. The specific magnetic orientation pattern of the disclosed OEL provides the observer with the optical effect or impression of multiple nested rings surrounding a common central region, wherein the rings exhibit apparent motion dependent on the viewing angle. Furthermore, WO 2014 / 108303 A1 discloses an OEL that further includes protrusions surrounded by and partially filling the central region defined by the innermost ring. The disclosed protrusions provide the illusion of a three-dimensional object, such as a hemisphere, existing within the central region.

[0011] CN 104442055 B and CN 204566894U disclose an apparatus for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) comprising a plurality of magnetically oriented, non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles dispersed in a coating. The specific magnetic orientation pattern of the disclosed OEL provides an observer with an optical effect or impression of a moving ring when the OEL is tilted. The disclosed OEL is produced using an apparatus comprising a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the second magnet expands the tilted magnetic region of the first magnet through magnetic coupling.

[0012] There is a need for a security feature that displays a striking, bright ring effect on a substrate with good quality, wherein the security feature can be easily verified, must be difficult to mass-produce with equipment readily available to counterfeiters, and can be provided in a large number of possible shapes and forms. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art discussed above.

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) on a substrate (x20) and the resulting optical effect layer (OEL), the method comprising the following steps:

[0015] i) Applying a radiation-curable coating composition comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles to the surface of a substrate (x20), the radiation-curable coating composition being in a first state, the first state being liquid.

[0016] ii) Exposing the radiation-curable coating composition to the magnetic field of a magnetic component (x00) to orient at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, the magnetic component (x00) comprising:

[0017] a) A first magnetic field generating device (x30) having a north-south magnetic axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and having a length L1;

[0018] b) A second magnetic field generating device (x40), whose north-south magnetic axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and has a length L3.

[0019] c) Flat electrode (x50) having a length L5,

[0020] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) have the same magnetic field direction.

[0021] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) faces the substrate (x20) and is disposed on the electrode (x50).

[0022] The second magnetic field generating device (x40) faces the environment and is disposed below the flat pole piece (x50).

[0023] The length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40).

[0024] Wherein the length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L5 of the flat pole piece (x50), and

[0025] The length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) is smaller than the length L5 of the pole piece (x50); and

[0026] iii) Curing the radiation-curable coating composition of step ii) at least partially to a second state, thereby fixing the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in their adopted positions and orientations.

[0027] The optical effect layer provides a crescent-shaped optical impression that moves and rotates when the substrate including the optical effect layer (OEL) is tilted.

[0028] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an optical effect layer (OEL) which is prepared by the method described herein.

[0029] In a further aspect, optical effect layers (OELs) are provided for use in protecting secure documents against forgery or fraud, or for decorative applications.

[0030] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a secure document or decorative element or object comprising one or more optical effect layers (OELs) as described herein.

[0031] In a further aspect, the present invention provides magnetic components (x00) as described herein for producing optical effect layers (OEL) (x10) and uses of said magnetic components (x00) for producing optical effect layers (OEL) (x10) on a substrate (x20) described herein.

[0032] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic component (x00) as described herein for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) thereof, wherein the magnetic component (x00) is disposed in a holder (x01) mounted on a transfer device, preferably a rotating magnetic cylinder.

[0033] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a printing apparatus for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) as described herein on a substrate, wherein the printing apparatus includes at least one of the magnetic components (x00) described herein. The printing apparatus described herein includes a rotating magnetic cylinder or a flatbed printing unit, wherein the rotating magnetic cylinder includes at least one of the magnetic components (x00) described herein, and the flatbed printing unit includes at least one of the magnetic components (x00) described herein.

[0034] In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of the printing apparatus described herein for producing optical effect layers (OELs) on a substrate, as described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates a magnetic assembly (100) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (110) on the surface of a substrate (120), wherein the magnetic assembly (100) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (130), particularly a disc-shaped or square magnetic field generating device having a length L1, b) a second magnetic field generating device (140), particularly a disc-shaped or square magnetic field generating device having a length L3, and c) a flat pole piece (150), particularly a flat square pole piece having a length L5.

[0036] Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows a cross-section of a magnetic component (100) enclosed in a retainer (101), wherein the magnetic component (100) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (130), particularly a disc-shaped or square magnetic field generating device, b) a second magnetic field generating device (140), particularly a disc-shaped or square magnetic field generating device, and c) a flat pole piece (150), particularly a flat square pole piece, and wherein the retainer (101) includes a dome-shaped cap (102) having a length L21, a center thickness L19 and an edge thickness L20, a bottom lock (103) having a length L23 and a thickness L22, and an optional wedge 104 having a length L25 and a thickness (L24).

[0037] Figure 3 A-3D illustrates the observation from different perspectives using the first and second magnetic field generating devices (130 and 140) as disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices. Figure 1 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (100) shown in the figure.

[0038] Figure 3 E illustrates the observations from different perspectives using the first and second magnetic field generating devices (130 and 140) when they are square magnetic field generating devices. Figure 1 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (100) shown in the figure.

[0039] Figure 4 The schematic diagram illustrates a magnetic assembly (200) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (210) on the surface of a substrate (220), wherein the magnetic assembly (200) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (230), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L1, b) a second magnetic field generating device (240), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L3, c) a flat pole piece (250), particularly a flat square pole piece or disk-shaped pole piece having a length L5, and d) a non-magnetic plate (260), particularly a square non-magnetic plate.

[0040] Figure 5 A-5C shows the observations from different perspectives using [the technology / method / approach]. Figure 4 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (200) shown in the figure.

[0041] Figure 6The schematic diagram illustrates a magnetic assembly (300) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (310) on the surface of a substrate (320), wherein the magnetic assembly (300) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (330), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L1, b) a second magnetic field generating device (340), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L3, c) a flat pole piece (350), particularly a flat square pole piece having a length L5, and d) a non-magnetic plate (360), particularly a square non-magnetic plate.

[0042] Figure 7 A-7B shows observations from different perspectives using [the technology / method / approach]. Figure 6 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (300) shown in the figure.

[0043] Figure 8 The schematic diagram illustrates a magnetic assembly (400) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (410) on the surface of a substrate (420), wherein the magnetic assembly (400) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (430), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L1, b) a second magnetic field generating device (440), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L3, c) a flat pole piece (450), particularly a flat square pole piece having a length L5, and d) a second flat pole piece (470), particularly a flat square second pole piece having a length L7.

[0044] Figure 9 A shows the observations from different perspectives using... Figure 8 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (400) shown in the figure.

[0045] Figure 10 The schematic diagram illustrates a magnetic assembly (500) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (510) on the surface of a substrate (520), wherein the magnetic assembly (500) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (530), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L1, b) a second magnetic field generating device (540), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L3, c) a flat pole piece (550), particularly a flat square pole piece having a length L5, d) a non-magnetic plate (560), particularly a square non-magnetic plate, and e) a second flat pole piece (570), particularly a flat square second pole piece.

[0046] Figure 11 A shows the observations from different perspectives using... Figure 10 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (500) shown in the figure.

[0047] Figure 12The schematic diagram illustrates a magnetic assembly (600) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (610) on the surface of a substrate (620), wherein the magnetic assembly (600) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (630), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L1, b) a second magnetic field generating device (640), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device having a length L3, c) a flat pole piece (650), particularly a flat square pole piece having a length L5, d) a non-magnetic plate (660), particularly a square non-magnetic plate, and e) a magnetized plate (x80), particularly a square magnetized plate including engraved markings.

[0048] Figure 13 A shows the observations from different perspectives using... Figure 12 The image shows the OEL obtained by the magnetic component (600) shown in the figure.

[0049] Figure 14 The illustration shows a comparative magnetic assembly according to CN104442055 B and CN 204566894U for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (710) on the surface of a substrate (720), wherein the magnetic assembly includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (730), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device, and b) a second magnetic field generating device (740), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device.

[0050] Figure 15 A shows the observations from different perspectives using... Figure 14 The image shows the magnetic components obtained from the OEL.

[0051] Figure 16 This schematically illustrates the use of WO2014 / 108303 A1 for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (810) on the surface of a substrate (820). Figure 6 The comparative magnetic component d, wherein the magnetic component includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (830), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device, b) a second magnetic field generating device (840), particularly a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device, c) a non-flat pole piece (890), particularly a disk-shaped pole piece having a U-shaped cross section and d) a flat pole piece (891), particularly a flat disk-shaped pole piece.

[0052] Figure 17 A shows the observations from different perspectives using... Figure 16 The image shows the magnetic components obtained from the OEL. Detailed Implementation

[0053] definition

[0054] The following definitions are used to clarify the meaning of the terms discussed in the specification and listed in the claims.

[0055] As used in this article, the indefinite article “a” means one and more than one, and does not necessarily limit its noun to a single one.

[0056] As used herein, the term "about" means that the quantity or value in discussion can be a specified value or some other value near it. Generally, the term "about" indicating a specific value is intended to represent a range within ±5% of that value. As an example, the phrase "about 100" means a range of 100 ± 5, that is, from 95 to 105. Generally, when using the term "about," it can be expected that similar results or effects according to the invention can be obtained within ±5% of the specified value.

[0057] The term "substantially parallel" means a deviation of no more than 10° from a parallel arrangement, and the term "substantially perpendicular" means a deviation of no more than 10° from a perpendicular arrangement.

[0058] As used herein, the term "and / or" means that all or only one of the elements of the group may be present. For example, "A and / or B" should mean "A only, or B only, or both A and B". In the case of "A only", the term also covers the possibility that B is not present, i.e., "A only, but no B".

[0059] As used herein, the term "comprising" is intended to be non-exclusive and open-ended. Thus, for example, a dampening solution comprising compound A may include other compounds besides A. However, the term "comprising" also encompasses the more restrictive meaning of "consistently composed of" and "composed of" as in particular embodiments thereof, such that, for example, "a dampening solution comprising A, B and optional C" may also consist (substantially) of A and B or (substantially) of A, B and C.

[0060] The term "coating composition" refers to any composition capable of forming the optical effect layer (OEL) of the present invention on a solid substrate and can be applied preferably, but not exclusively, by a printing method. The coating composition comprises at least a plurality of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles and a binder.

[0061] As used herein, the term "Optical Effect Layer (OEL)" refers to a layer comprising at least a plurality of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles with magnetic orientations and a binder, wherein the orientation of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles is fixed or frozen (fixed / frozen) in the binder.

[0062] The term "magnetic axis" refers to a theoretical line connecting the corresponding north and south poles of a magnet and extending through said poles. This term does not include any specific direction of the magnetic field.

[0063] The term "magnetic field direction" refers to the direction of the magnetic field vector along the magnetic field lines outside the magnet, pointing from the North Pole to the South Pole (see Handbook of Physics, Springer 2002, pp. 463-464).

[0064] The term "curing" is used to describe a method of increasing the viscosity of a coating composition in response to a stimulus, thereby converting the material into a state in which non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are fixed / frozen in their current position and orientation and are no longer able to move or rotate, i.e., a cured, hardened, or solid state.

[0065] Where this specification refers to "preferred" embodiments / features, combinations of such "preferred" embodiments / features should also be considered as disclosed, provided that such combination of "preferred" embodiments / features is technically meaningful.

[0066] As used in this article, the term “at least” is intended to define one or more than one, such as one, two, or three.

[0067] The term "secure document" refers to a document that is typically protected against forgery or fraud by at least one security feature. Examples of secure documents include, but are not limited to, documents of value and commercial goods of value.

[0068] The term "security feature" is used to refer to an image, pattern, or graphic element that can be used for authentication purposes.

[0069] The present invention provides a method for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) on a substrate and the resulting optical effect layer (OEL), wherein the method includes step i) applying a radiation-curable coating composition comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, as described herein, to a surface of a substrate (x20), the radiation-curable coating composition being in a first state.

[0070] The application step i) described herein can be performed by a coating method such as roller coating and spray coating, or by a printing method. Preferably, the application step i) described herein is performed by a printing method, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of free screen printing, rotary gravure printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing and intaglio printing (also known in the art as engraved copperplate printing and engraved steel mold printing), more preferably from the group consisting of free screen printing, rotary gravure printing and flexographic printing.

[0071] Following the application of the radiation-curable coating composition described herein to the surface of the substrate described herein (step i), at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are oriented by exposing the radiation-curable coating composition to the magnetic field of the magnetic component (x00) described herein (step ii), thereby aligning at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles along the magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic component (x00).

[0072] Following or partially simultaneously with the step of orienting / aligning at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles by applying the magnetic field described herein, the orientation of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles is fixed or frozen. The radiation-curable coating composition thus must significantly have a first state, i.e., a liquid or paste state, wherein the radiation-curable coating composition is wet or sufficiently soft such that the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles dispersed in the radiation-curable coating composition are freely movable, rotatable, and / or orientable when exposed to a magnetic field; and a second cured (e.g., solid) state, wherein the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are fixed or frozen in their respective positions and orientations.

[0073] Therefore, a method for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) on a substrate described herein includes step iii), which involves at least partially curing the radiation-curable coating composition of step ii) to a second state, thereby fixing the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in their adopted positions and orientations. Step iii), which involves at least partially curing the radiation-curable coating composition, can be performed subsequently or partially simultaneously with step ii), which involves orienting / aligning at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles by applying the magnetic field described herein. Preferably, step iii), which involves at least partially curing the radiation-curable coating composition, is performed partially simultaneously with step ii), which involves orienting / aligning at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles by applying the magnetic field described herein. By "partially simultaneously," it means that the two steps are performed partially concurrently, i.e., the time for performing the respective steps partially overlaps. In the context described herein, when curing and orientation step ii) are performed partially concurrently, it must be understood that curing becomes effective after orientation, such that the pigment particles are oriented before the OEL is fully or partially cured or hardened.

[0074] The resulting optical effect layer (OEL) provides the observer with a crescent-shaped optical impression that moves and rotates when the substrate including the optical effect layer (OEL) is tilted.

[0075] The first and second states of a radiation-curable coating composition are provided by using a specific type of radiation-curable coating composition. For example, components of a radiation-curable coating composition other than non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles can take the form of ink or radiation-curable coating compositions, such as those used in security applications like banknote printing. The aforementioned first and second states are provided by using materials that exhibit an increase in viscosity upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. That is, when the fluid binder material cures or solidifies, the binder material transforms into a second state in which the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are fixed in their current position and orientation and are no longer able to move or rotate within the binder material.

[0076] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the components contained in a radiation-curable coating composition to be applied to a surface, such as a substrate, and the physical properties of the radiation-curable coating composition must meet the requirements of the method for transferring the radiation-curable coating composition to the substrate surface. Therefore, the binder materials contained in the radiation-curable coating compositions described herein are typically selected from those known in the art and depend on the coating or printing method used to apply the radiation-curable coating composition and the chosen radiation curing method.

[0077] In the optical effect layer (OEL) described herein, non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are dispersed in a radiation-curable coating composition comprising a cured binder material that fixes / freezes the orientation of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. The cured binder material is at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range included between 200 nm and 2500 nm. Thus, the binder material, at least in its cured or solid state (also referred to herein as a second state), is at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range included between 200 nm and 2500 nm, i.e., in the wavelength range typically referred to as the “spectrum” and including the infrared, visible, and UV portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such that the particles contained in the binder material in its cured or solid state and their orientation-dependent reflectivity can be perceived through the binder material. Preferably, the cured binder material is at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range included between 200 nm and 800 nm, more preferably between 400 nm and 700 nm. Here, the term "transparent" means that, at the wavelength of interest, the transmittance of electromagnetic radiation through a 20 μm layer of the cured binder material present in the OEL (excluding platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, but including all other optional components of the OEL in the presence of such a component) is at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70%. This can be determined, for example, by measuring the transmittance of a test piece of the cured binder material (excluding platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles) according to a well-established test method such as DIN 5036-3 (1979-11). If the OEL is used as a covert safety feature, typical technical means will be necessary for detecting the (full) optical effects produced by the OEL under various illumination conditions including selected invisible wavelengths; said detection requires that the wavelength of the selected incident radiation be outside the visible range, for example, in the near-UV range. In this case, it is preferable that the OEL includes luminescent pigment particles that exhibit luminescence in response to selected wavelengths outside the visible spectrum included in the incident radiation. The infrared, visible, and UV portions of the electromagnetic spectrum roughly correspond to wavelength ranges between 700-2500 nm, 400-700 nm, and 200-400 nm, respectively.

[0078] As described above, the radiation-curable coating compositions described herein depend on the coating or printing method used to apply the radiation-curable coating composition and the selected curing method. Preferably, the curing of the radiation-curable coating composition involves a chemical reaction that occurs in typical use of articles including the OEL described herein and is not reversed by a simple increase in temperature (e.g., up to 80°C). The terms "curing" or "curable" refer to a method that includes a chemical reaction, crosslinking, or polymerization in such a way that at least one component of the applied radiation-curable coating composition is converted into a polymeric material having a larger molecular weight than the starting material. Radiation curing advantageously results in a transient increase in the viscosity of the radiation-curable coating composition after exposure to curing irradiation, thereby preventing any further movement of pigment particles and thus preventing any loss of information after the magnetic orientation step. Preferably, the curing step (step iii) is carried out by radiation curing including UV-visible light radiation curing or by electron beam radiation curing, more preferably by UV-visible light radiation curing.

[0079] Therefore, suitable radiation-curable coating compositions of the present invention include radiation-curable compositions that can be cured by UV-Vis radiation (hereinafter referred to as UV-Vis radiation) or by electron beam radiation (hereinafter referred to as EB radiation). Radiation-curable compositions are known in the art and can be found in standard textbooks such as the series "Chemistry & Technology of UV & EB Formulation for Coatings, Inks & Paints", Volume IV, Formulation, C. Lowe, G. Webster, S. Kessel and I. McDonald, 1996, jointly published by John Wiley & Sons and SITA Technology Limited. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the radiation-curable coating composition described herein is a UV-Vis radiation-curable coating composition.

[0080] Preferably, the UV-Vis radiation-curable coating composition comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of radical curable compounds and cationic curable compounds. The UV-Vis radiation-curable coating compositions described herein can be hybrid systems and comprise mixtures of one or more cationic curable compounds and one or more radical curable compounds. The cationic curable compounds are cured via a cationic mechanism, which typically involves activating one or more photoinitiators by radiation, the photoinitiators releasing cationic species, such as acids, which then initiate curing to react and / or crosslink the monomers and / or oligomers, thereby curing the radiation-curable coating composition. The radical curable compounds are cured via a radical mechanism, which typically involves activating one or more photoinitiators by radiation, thereby generating free radicals, which then initiate polymerization to cure the radiation-curable coating composition. Different photoinitiators can be used depending on the monomers, oligomers, or prepolymers used to prepare the binder included in the UV-Vis radiation-curable coating compositions described herein. Suitable examples of free radical photoinitiators are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, acetophenone, benzophenone, benzyl dimethyl ketal, α-amino ketones, α-hydroxy ketones, phosphine oxides and phosphine oxide derivatives, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Suitable examples of cationic photoinitiators are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, onium salts such as organic iodonium salts (e.g., diaryliodonium salts), oxonium salts (e.g., triaryloxonium salts), and sulfonium salts (e.g., triarylsulfonium salts), and mixtures of two or more thereof. Other examples of available photoinitiators can be found in standard textbooks such as “Chemistry & Technology of UV & EB Formulation for Coatings, Inks & Paints,” Volume III, “Photoinitiators for Free Radical Cationic and Anionic Polymerization,” 2nd ed., J. V. Rivicello & K. Dietliker, edited by G. Bradley, and published in 1998 by John Wiley & Sons in conjunction with SITA Technology Limited. It is also advantageous to include a sensitizer together with one or more photoinitiators to achieve effective curing. Typical examples of suitable photosensitizers include, but are not limited to, isopropyl-thioxanthone (ITX), 1-chloro-2-propoxy-thioxanthone (CPTX), 2-chloro-thioxanthone (CTX), and 2,4-diethyl-thioxanthone (DETX) and mixtures of two or more thereof.One or more photoinitiators contained in the UV-Vis radiation-curable coating composition are preferably present in a total amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, more preferably about 1% to about 15% by weight, said weight percentage being relative to the total weight of the UV-Vis radiation-curable coating composition.

[0081] The radiation-curable coating compositions described herein may further comprise one or more taggants and / or one or more machine-readable materials selected from the group consisting of magnetic materials (different from the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein), luminescent materials, conductive materials, and infrared-absorbing materials. As used herein, the term "machine-readable material" means a material that exhibits at least one distinguishing characteristic not discernible to the naked eye and can be contained in a layer to provide a method for identifying the layer or an article containing the layer using a specific identification instrument.

[0082] The radiation-curable coating compositions described herein may further comprise one or more coloring components selected from the group consisting of organic pigment particles, inorganic pigment particles, and organic dyes, and / or one or more additives. The latter includes, but is not limited to, compounds and materials used to adjust the physical, rheological, and chemical parameters of the radiation-curable coating composition, such as viscosity (e.g., solvents, thickeners, and surfactants), uniformity (e.g., anti-settling agents, fillers, and plasticizers), foaming properties (e.g., defoamers), lubricity (waxes, oils), UV stability (light stabilizers), adhesion, antistatic properties, storage stability (polymerization inhibitors), etc. The additives described herein may be present in the radiation-curable coating composition in amounts and forms known in the art (including so-called nanomaterials in which at least one of the additives has a size in the range of 1 to 1000 nm).

[0083] The radiation-curable coating compositions described herein comprise the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein. Preferably, the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are present in an amount of about 2% by weight to about 40% by weight, more preferably about 4% by weight to about 30% by weight, said weight percentage being relative to the total weight of the radiation-curable coating composition comprising the binder material, the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, and other optional components of the radiation-curable coating composition.

[0084] The non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein are defined as having non-isotropic reflectivity to incident electromagnetic radiation due to their non-spherical shape, wherein the cured or hardened binder material is at least partially transparent. As used herein, the term "non-isotropic reflectivity" means that the proportion of incident radiation from a first angle reflected by the particle to a specific (observation) direction (second angle) is a function of the particle's orientation; that is, a change in the particle's orientation relative to the first angle can result in a different magnitude of reflection towards the observation direction. Preferably, the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein have non-isotropic reflectivity to incident electromagnetic radiation in a portion or all of the wavelength range of about 200 to about 2500 nm, more preferably about 400 to about 700 nm, such that a change in the particle's orientation results in a change in the reflection from the particle towards a specific direction. As those skilled in the art will know, the magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein differ from conventional pigments, which display the same color at all viewing angles, while the magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein exhibit anisotropic reflectivity as described above.

[0085] Non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are preferably ellipsoidal, platelet-shaped, or needle-shaped particles, or a mixture of two or more thereof, with platelet-shaped particles being more preferred.

[0086] Suitable examples of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein include, but are not limited to, pigment particles comprising: magnetic metals selected from the group consisting of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), gadolinium (Gd), and nickel (Ni); magnetic alloys of iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and mixtures thereof; magnetic oxides of chromium, manganese, cobalt, iron, nickel, and mixtures thereof; and mixtures thereof. The term "magnetic" in relation to metals, alloys, and oxides refers to ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metals, alloys, and oxides. Magnetic oxides of chromium, manganese, cobalt, iron, nickel, or mixtures thereof can be pure or mixed oxides. Examples of magnetic oxides include, but are not limited to, iron oxides such as hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4), chromium dioxide (CrO2), magnetic ferrite (MFe2O4), magnetic spinel (MR2O4), and magnetic hexagonal ferrite (MFe2O4). 12 O 19 ), magnetic positive ferrite (RFeO3), magnetic garnet M3R2(AO4)3, where M represents a divalent metal, R represents a trivalent metal and A represents a tetravalent metal.

[0087] Examples of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein include, but are not limited to, pigment particles comprising a magnetic layer M made of one or more of the following substances: magnetic metals such as cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), gadolinium (Gd), or nickel (Ni); and magnetic alloys of iron, cobalt, or nickel, wherein the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles may be a multilayer structure comprising one or more additional layers. Preferably, the additional layer is: layer A, which is independently made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of, for example, metal fluorides such as magnesium fluoride (MgF2), silicon oxide (SiO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium oxide (TiO2), zinc sulfide (ZnS), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), more preferably silicon dioxide (SiO2); or layer B, which is independently made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metals and metal alloys, preferably from the group consisting of reflective metals and reflective metal alloys, and more preferably from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), and even more preferably aluminum (Al); or a combination of one or more layers A such as those mentioned above and one or more layers B such as those mentioned above. Typical examples of the above-mentioned multilayered sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles include, but are not limited to, A / M multilayer structures, A / M / A multilayer structures, A / M / B multilayer structures, A / B / M / A multilayer structures, A / B / M / B multilayer structures, A / B / M / B / A / multilayer structures, B / M multilayer structures, B / M / B multilayer structures, B / A / M / A multilayer structures, B / A / M / B multilayer structures, and B / A / M / B / A / multilayer structures, wherein layer A, magnetic layer M, and layer B are selected from those mentioned above.

[0088] At least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein may be composed of non-spherical optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles and / or non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles without optically variable properties. Preferably, at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein are composed of non-spherical optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. In addition to allowing easy detection, verification, and / or identification using independent human senses of inks, radiation-curable coating compositions, coatings, or layers containing the non-spherical optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein—and the obvious security features provided by the color-changing properties of the non-spherical optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles against potential for counterfeiting—the optical properties of the flake-like optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles can also be used as a machine-readable tool for verifying OEL (Original Equipment Flask). Therefore, the optical properties of non-spherical, optically variable, magnetic, or magnetizable pigment particles can simultaneously serve as implicit or semi-implicit security features in the identification process where the optical (e.g., spectral) properties of pigment particles are analyzed. The use of non-spherical, optically variable, magnetic, or magnetizable pigment particles in radiation-curable coating compositions used to produce OELs enhances the prominence of OELs as security features in secure document applications because such materials (i.e., non-spherical, optically variable, magnetic, or magnetizable pigment particles) are reserved for the secure document printing industry and are not commercially available to the public.

[0089] Furthermore, due to their magnetic properties, the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein are machine-readable, and therefore coatings or layers made from the radiation-curable coating compositions described herein and containing those pigment particles can be detected, for example, using a specific magnetic detector. Radiation-curable coating compositions containing the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein can therefore be used as implicit or semi-implicit security elements (identification tools) for secure documents.

[0090] As described above, preferably, at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are composed of non-spherical optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. These may more preferably be selected from the group consisting of non-spherical magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles, non-spherical magnetic cholesterol-type liquid crystal pigment particles, non-spherical interference-coated pigment particles containing magnetic materials, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0091] Magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles are known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed, for example, in US 4,838,648; WO 2002 / 073250 A2; EP 0 686 675 B1; WO 2003 / 000801 A2; US 6,838,166; WO 2007 / 131833 A1; EP 2 402 401 A1 and the documents cited herein. Preferably, the magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles comprise pigment particles having a five-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structure and / or pigment particles having a six-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structure and / or pigment particles having a seven-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structure.

[0092] The preferred five-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structure includes an absorber / dielectric / reflector / dielectric / absorber multilayer structure, wherein the reflector and / or absorber are also magnetic layers. Preferably, the reflector and / or absorber are magnetic layers containing nickel, iron and / or cobalt, and / or magnetic alloys containing nickel, iron and / or cobalt, and / or magnetic oxides containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) and / or cobalt (Co).

[0093] The preferred six-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structure includes an absorber / dielectric / reflector / magnetic / dielectric / absorber multilayer structure.

[0094] Preferred seven-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structures include absorber / dielectric / reflector / magnetic / reflector / dielectric / absorber multilayer structures, such as those disclosed in US 4,838,648.

[0095] Preferably, the reflector layer described herein is independently made of: selected from the group consisting of metals and metal alloys, more preferably selected from the group consisting of reflective metals and reflective metal alloys, more preferably selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), niobium (Nb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and alloys thereof, even more preferably selected from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and alloys thereof, and even more preferably aluminum (Al). Preferably, the dielectric layer is independently made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metal fluorides such as magnesium fluoride (MgF2), aluminum fluoride (AlF3), cerium fluoride (CeF3), lanthanum fluoride (LaF3), sodium aluminum fluoride (e.g., Na3AlF6), neodymium fluoride (NdF3), samarium fluoride (SmF3), barium fluoride (BaF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), and lithium fluoride (LiF) and metal oxides such as silicon oxide (SiO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium oxide (TiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). More preferably, it is selected from the group consisting of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), and even more preferably, it is magnesium fluoride (MgF2). Preferably, the absorber layer is independently made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), rhodium (Rh), niobium (Nb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), their metal oxides, their metal sulfides, their metal carbides, and their metal alloys; more preferably, a material selected from the group consisting of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), their metal oxides, and their metal alloys; and even more preferably, a material selected from the group consisting of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and their metal alloys. Preferably, the magnetic layer comprises nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and / or cobalt (Co); and / or a magnetic alloy containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and / or cobalt (Co); and / or a magnetic oxide containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and / or cobalt (Co). When magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles comprising a seven-layer Fabry-Perot structure are preferred, it is particularly preferred that the magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles comprise a seven-layer Fabry-Perot absorber / dielectric / reflector / magnetic body / reflector / dielectric / absorber multilayer structure composed of a Cr / MgF2 / Al / M / Al / MgF2 / Cr multilayer structure, wherein M is a magnetic layer containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) and / or cobalt (Co); and / or a magnetic alloy containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) and / or cobalt (Co); and / or a magnetic oxide containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) and / or cobalt (Co).

[0096] The magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles described herein can be multilayer pigment particles considered safe for human health and the environment and based on, for example, five-layer, six-layer, and seven-layer Fabry-Perot multilayer structures, wherein the pigment particles comprise one or more magnetic layers containing a magnetic alloy having a substantially nickel-free composition comprising about 40% to about 90% by weight of iron, about 10% to about 50% by weight of chromium, and about 0% to about 30% by weight of aluminum. Typical examples of multilayer pigment particles considered safe for human health and the environment can be found in EP 2 402 401 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0097] The magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles described herein are typically manufactured using conventional deposition techniques for depositing different desired layers onto a mesh. After depositing the desired number of layers, for example by physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or electrolytic deposition, the stack of layers is removed from the mesh by dissolving the release layer in a suitable solvent or by stripping the material from the mesh. The resulting material is then broken into flake-shaped pigment particles, which must be further processed by grinding, milling (e.g., jet milling) or any suitable method to obtain pigment particles of the desired size. The resulting product consists of flat, flake-shaped pigment particles with broken edges, irregular shapes, and varying aspect ratios. Further information on the preparation of suitable flake-shaped magnetic thin-film interference pigment particles can be found, for example, in EP 1710756 A1 and EP 1 666 546 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] Suitable magnetic cholesterol-type liquid crystal pigment particles exhibiting optically variable properties include, but are not limited to, magnetic monolayer cholesterol-type liquid crystal pigment particles and magnetic multilayer cholesterol-type liquid crystal pigment particles. Such pigment particles are disclosed, for example, in WO2006 / 063926 A1, US 6,582,781, and US 6,531,221. WO 2006 / 063926 A1 discloses monolayers with other specific properties such as magnetizability and high brightness and color-changing properties, and pigment particles obtained therefrom. The disclosed monolayers and pigment particles obtained therefrom by comminuted said monolayers include three-dimensionally cross-linked cholesterol-type liquid crystal mixtures and magnetic nanoparticles. US 6,582,781 and US 6,410,130 disclose cholesterol-type multilayer pigment particles comprising sequence A. 1 / B / A 2 A 1 and A 2They may be the same or different and each includes at least one cholesterol-type layer, and B is an intermediate layer that absorbs the cholesterol from layer A. 1 and A 2 All or part of the transmitted light is transmitted and magnetism is imparted to the intermediate layer. US6,531,221 discloses plate-like cholesterol-type multilayer pigment particles comprising sequence A / B and optional C, wherein A and C are absorbing layers containing magnetically imparted pigment particles, and B is a cholesterol-type layer.

[0099] Suitable interference coating pigments comprising one or more magnetic materials include, but are not limited to, structures comprising a substrate selected from the group consisting of a core coated with one or more layers, wherein at least one core or one or more layers are magnetic. For example, suitable interference coating pigments include: cores made of magnetic materials such as those described above, said cores coated with one or more layers made of one or more metal oxides, or they have structures comprising cores made of synthetic or natural mica, layered silicates (e.g., talc, kaolin, and sericite), glass (e.g., borosilicates), silicon dioxide (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), graphite, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Additionally, one or more other layers, such as coloring layers, may be present.

[0100] The non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein may be surface treated to protect them from any degradation that may occur in the radiation-curable coating composition and / or to promote their incorporation into the radiation-curable coating composition; typically, corrosion-inhibiting materials and / or wetting agents may be used.

[0101] The method for producing the optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) described herein on the substrate (x20) described herein includes step ii) of exposing a radiation-curable coating composition to a magnetic field of a magnetic component (x00) described herein. The magnetic component (x00) and the method for using said magnetic component (x00) to produce those OELs (x10) as described herein on the substrate (x20) described herein, said OEL comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles oriented in a radiation-curable coating composition as described herein.

[0102] The magnetic component (x00) includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (x30) having a length L1 as described herein, b) a second magnetic field generating device (x40) having a length L3 as described herein, and c) a flat pole piece (x50) having a length L5 as described herein.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the magnetic component (x00) described herein is disposed or enclosed in a holder (x01) mounted on a transfer device, wherein the transfer device is a rotating magnetic cylinder or a magnetic alignment printing unit. Preferably, the magnetic component (x00) described herein is disposed or enclosed in a holder (x01) described herein, wherein the holder (x01) is mounted on a rotating magnetic cylinder, particularly on a circumferential or transverse groove of the rotating magnetic cylinder.

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic component (x00) used to produce the optical effect layer described herein is preferably disposed or enclosed in a retainer (x01) described herein, wherein the retainer (x01) includes a dome-shaped cap (x02) (i.e., a cap with a curved surface) to protect the magnetic component (x00) from contamination and mechanical damage and to provide a smooth surface to support the substrate (x20) carrying the OEL (x10). The retainer (101) and the dome-shaped cap (102) have a length and width L21, a thickness L19 at the center of the dome-shaped cap (102), and a thickness L20 at the edge of the dome-shaped cap (102). The upper surface of the dome-shaped cap (102) is curved, and its curvature is the curvature of a circle having a radius (LR). The outer upper surface of the dome-shaped cap (x02) conforms seamlessly to the outer surface of the transfer device described herein, and preferably to the outer surface of the rotating magnetic cylinder described herein, wherein the magnetic component (x00) described herein is disposed or enclosed. The dome-shaped cap (x02) serves as a separator between the magnetic component (x00) and the substrate (x20) supporting the OEL (x10). For example... Figure 2 As shown, the dome cover (102) may further include a recess to secure the first magnetic field generating device (130) to alignment with the second magnetic field generating device (140) and the flat electrode (150).

[0105] The retainer (x01) described herein includes a bottom lock (x03) to protect the magnetic component (x00) from contamination and mechanical damage. The bottom lock (x03) has a length and width L23 and a thickness L24. The bottom lock (x03) can be inserted into the bottom surface of the dome cover (x02) so as to be flush with the bottom surface of the dome cover (x02).

[0106] The dome-shaped cover (x02) and bottom lock (x03) of the retainer (x01) described herein are independently made of one or more non-magnetic materials selected from the same group of low-conductivity materials, non-conductivity materials and mixtures thereof, such as the non-magnetic material described herein for the non-magnetic plate (x60).

[0107] The retainer (x01) described herein may further include a non-magnetic wedge (x04) for supporting the magnetic assembly (x00) and altering the distance A1 between the upper surface of the magnetic assembly (x00) and the substrate (x20) carrying the OEL (110). The non-magnetic wedge (x04) has a length L25 and a thickness L24. The non-magnetic wedge (x04) described herein is made of one or more non-magnetic materials selected from the same group of low-conductivity materials, non-conducting materials, and mixtures thereof, such as the non-magnetic material described herein for the non-magnetic plate (x60). Advantageously, the dome cap (x02) and the non-magnetic wedge (x04) provide a suitable distance between the magnetic assembly (x00) and the substrate (x20) in contact with the dome cap (x02).

[0108] The retainer (x01) described herein may further include a non-magnetic substrate (x41) to secure the second magnetic field generating device (x40) in alignment with the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the flat electrode (x50). The non-magnetic substrate (x41) typically includes cavities adapted to receive the second magnetic field generating device (x40), said cavities preferably having the same shape and size as the second magnetic field generating device (x40). The non-magnetic substrate (x41) described herein is made of one or more non-magnetic materials selected from the same group of low-conductivity materials, non-conducting materials, and mixtures thereof, such as the non-magnetic material described herein for the non-magnetic plate (x60).

[0109] The north-south magnetic axes of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20), and both the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) have the same magnetic field direction, that is, both the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) have their north poles pointing towards the substrate (x20) (e.g., Figure 1-6 As shown), or both have their south poles pointing towards the substrate (x20) surface.

[0110] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) is positioned above the second magnetic field generating device (x40) at a distance A2 other than zero (i.e., the first and second magnetic field generating devices (x30, x40) are not in direct contact), because at least the flat electrode (x50) described herein exists between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40). Figure 1-6 As shown, the first magnetic field generating device (x30) faces the surface of the substrate (x20) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) faces the environment.

[0111] Since the flat electrode (x50) is disposed between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the first magnetic field generating device (x30) does not directly contact the second magnetic field generating device (x40). The distance A2 between the lower surface of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the upper surface of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) is preferably between about 1 and about 15 mm, and more preferably between about 1 and about 10 mm.

[0112] The distance (A1) between the uppermost surface of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the lower surface of the substrate (x20) facing the magnetic component (x00) described herein is preferably between about 0 and about 5 mm, more preferably between about 0 and about 2.5 mm, and even more preferably between about 0 and about 1 mm.

[0113] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) can have any shape or can have different shapes. The second magnetic field generating device (x40) can be a ring-shaped magnetic field generating device, such as a circular ring-shaped magnetic field generating device, or a solid magnetic field generating device (i.e., a magnetic field generating device that does not include the central region of the material of the magnetic field generating device). Preferably, the magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) independently have a disk shape (referred to herein as a "disk-shaped" magnetic field generating device) or a parallelepiped shape, preferably a square shape (referred to herein as a "square" magnetic field generating device). Preferably, the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and / or, preferably the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices or square magnetic field generating devices. According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices. According to another preferred embodiment, the magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are square magnetic field generating devices. For embodiments including a disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (x30, x40), the lengths L1 and L3 described herein refer to and correspond to the diameter of the disc-shaped device. For embodiments including a square magnetic field generating device (x30, x40), the lengths L1 and L3 described herein refer to and correspond to the width of the square device.

[0114] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) has a length L1 (diameter L3 in the case of a disc magnetic field generating device or width L1 in the case of a square magnetic field generating device) that is smaller than the length L3 (diameter L3 in the case of a disc magnetic field generating device or width L3 in the case of a square magnetic field generating device) of the second magnetic field generating device (x40).

[0115] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) described herein can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with the second magnetic field generating device (x40) described herein. Preferably, and for mechanical balance reasons, the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) described herein are arranged symmetrically, or in other words, the first and second magnetic field generating devices (x30, x40) described herein are aligned at their centers.

[0116] According to a preferred embodiment and for mechanical balance reasons, the magnetic component (x00) described herein includes a first magnetic field generating device (x30) as a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device and a second magnetic field generating device (x40) as a disk-shaped magnetic field generating device, wherein the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (x30) is symmetrically disposed above the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (x40), that is, the origin or center (i.e., the point where the diameters intersect) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (x30) is aligned with the origin of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (x40) (see [link]). Figure 1-6 ).

[0117] According to another preferred embodiment and for mechanical balance reasons, the magnetic component (x00) described herein includes a first magnetic field generating device (x30) as a square magnetic field generating device and a second magnetic field generating device (x40) as a square magnetic field generating device, wherein the first square magnetic field generating device (x30) is symmetrically disposed above the second square magnetic field generating device (x40), that is, the origin or center of the first square magnetic field generating device (x30) (i.e., the point where the diagonals intersect) is aligned with the origin of the second square magnetic field generating device (x40) (see [reference]). Figure 1 ).

[0118] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are preferably made independently of a high-coercivity material (also known as a strongly magnetic material). A suitable high-coercivity material is defined as having the maximum energy product (BH). max At least 20 kJ / m 3 Preferably at least 50 kJ / m 3 More preferably at least 100 kJ / m 3 Or even better, at least 200 kJ / m 3The materials are preferably made of one or more sintered or polymer-bonded magnetic materials selected from the group consisting of: Alnicos, such as Alnico 5 (R1-1-1), Alnico 5 DG (R1-1-2), Alnico 5-7 (R1-1-3), Alnico 6 (R1-1-4), Alnico 8 (R1-1-5), Alnico 8 HC (R1-1-7), and Alnico 9 (R1-1-6); and MFe 12 O 19 Hexagonal ferrites (e.g., strontium hexagonal ferrite (SrO*6Fe2O3) or barium hexagonal ferrite (BaO*6Fe2O3)), hard ferrites of the formula MFe2O4 (e.g., cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) or magnetite (Fe3O4)), wherein M is a divalent metal ion, ceramics 8 (SI-1-5); selected from RECo5 (RE = Sm or Pr), RE2TM 17 (RE=Sm, TM=Fe, Cu, Co, Zr, Hf), RE2TM 14 Rare earth magnetic materials from the group B (RE = Nd, Pr, Dy, TM = Fe, Co); anisotropic alloys of Fe, Cr, Co; and materials selected from the group PtCo, MnAlC, REcobalt5 / 16, and REcobalt14. Preferably, the high coercivity materials of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are selected from the group consisting of rare earth magnetic materials, and more preferably from the group consisting of Nd2Fe4B and SmCo5. Particularly preferred are materials comprising permanent magnetic fillers such as strontium-hexagonal ferrite (SrFe) in a plastic or rubber matrix. 12 O 19 or neodymium-iron-boron (Nd2Fe) 14 B) Powdered, easily processable permanent magnetic composite materials.

[0119] The magnetic component (x00) described herein includes c) the flat electrode (x50) described herein. By "flat", it means that the electrode does not include any protrusions or protrusions extending to the outer surface of the electrode, i.e., it lacks any protrusions or protrusions extending to the outer surface of the electrode. Figure 1-6 This indicates a magnetic assembly (x00) including flat pole pieces (x50), while comparing... Figure 8 This indicates magnetic components including non-flat pole pieces (x90), particularly pole pieces including notches and U-shaped cross sections and flat pole pieces (x91).

[0120] The flat electrode (x50) described herein is disposed between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40), or in other words, the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is disposed above the flat electrode (x50), and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) is disposed below the flat electrode (x50). The flat electrode (x50) may be in direct contact with the first and second magnetic field generating devices (x30, x40), or may be detached from the first and second magnetic field generating devices (x30, x40).

[0121] The electrode refers to a structure made of a material with high magnetic permeability, preferably with a permeability of about 2 to about 1,000,000 N·A. -2 Between (Newtons per square ampere), more preferably between about 5 and about 50,000 N·A -2 Between, and more preferably between about 10 and about 10,000 N·A -2 Between. The pole piece is used to guide the magnetic field generated by the magnet. The flat pole piece (x50) described herein can be made of iron or of a plastic material in which magnetizable particles are dispersed. Preferably, the flat pole piece (x50) described herein is made of iron.

[0122] The flat electrode (x50) is a solid flat electrode, and more preferably a flat disc-shaped electrode or a flat square electrode.

[0123] The flat electrode (x50) described herein has a length L5, wherein the length L5 is greater than the length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40). For embodiments including a flat, disc-shaped electrode (x50), the length L5 described herein refers to and corresponds to the diameter of the electrode (x50). For embodiments including a flat, square electrode (x50), the length L5 described herein refers to and corresponds to the width of the electrode.

[0124] The flat electrode (x50) can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) described herein. Preferably, and for mechanical balance and design purposes, the flat electrode (x50) is arranged symmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) described herein.

[0125] according to Figure 1 and 2As shown in one embodiment of 3A-3D, the magnetic component (100) described herein includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (130) described herein, particularly a first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (130), b) a second magnetic field generating device (140) described herein, preferably a second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (140), and c) a flat pole piece (150) described herein, preferably a flat square pole piece (150); wherein the north-south magnetic axes of the first and second disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices (130, 140) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (120) and their respective north poles point towards the substrate (120); wherein the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (130) The diameter (L1) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (130) is smaller than the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (140), and the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (140) is smaller than the diameter (L5) of the flat square pole piece (150); wherein the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (130) directly contacts and is disposed on the flat square pole piece (150); wherein the square pole piece (150) directly contacts and is disposed on the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (140); and wherein the origin of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (130) (i.e., the point where the diameters intersect), the origin of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (140), and the origin of the flat square pole piece (150) are aligned. Preferably, the distance (A1) between the uppermost surface of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (130) and the lower surface of the substrate (120) facing the magnetic component (100) described herein is preferably between about 0 and about 5 mm, more preferably between about 0 and about 2.5 mm, and even more preferably between about 0 and about 1 mm.

[0126] The magnetic component (x00) described herein may further include a non-magnetic plate (x60).

[0127] The non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein serves as a spacer between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40). The non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein is disposed between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40). The non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein can be disposed below the flat electrode sheet (x50) (see example...). Figure 4 Alternatively, it can be placed on a flat electrode (x50) (see example). Figure 3 ).

[0128] The non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein is independently made of one or more non-magnetic materials. The non-magnetic materials are preferably selected from the group consisting of: low-conductivity materials, non-conducting materials and mixtures thereof, such as engineering plastics and polymers, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, and austenitic steel (i.e., non-magnetic steel). Engineering plastics and polymers include, but are not limited to, polyaryl ether ketone (PAEK) and its derivatives, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyether ether ketone ketone (PEEKK), and polyether ketone ether ketone ketone (PEKEKK); polyacetal, polyamide, polyester, polyether, copolyether ester, polyimide, polyetherimide, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, fluorinated and perfluorinated polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and liquid crystal polymers. Preferred materials are PEEK (polyetheretherketone), POM (polyoxymethylene), and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). (Polyamide) and PPS.

[0129] The non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein can have any shape. Preferably, the non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein is a disc-shaped non-magnetic plate or a square non-magnetic plate, more preferably a square non-magnetic plate.

[0130] The non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein has a length L7. For embodiments including a disc-shaped non-magnetic plate (x60), the length L7 described herein refers to and corresponds to the diameter of the non-magnetic plate. For embodiments including a square non-magnetic plate (x60), the length L7 described herein refers to and corresponds to the width of the non-magnetic plate.

[0131] According to the preferred embodiment and for mechanical balance reasons, the length L7 of the non-magnetic plate (x60) (the diameter L7 in the case of the disc-shaped non-magnetic plate; the width L7 in the case of the square non-magnetic plate) is the same as the length L5 of the flat electrode (x50).

[0132] The non-magnetic plate (x60) can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), and the flat pole piece (x50) described herein. Preferably, and for mechanical balance reasons, the non-magnetic plate (x60) is arranged symmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), and the flat pole piece (x50) described herein.

[0133] according to Figure 4In one embodiment shown, the magnetic component (200) described herein includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (230) described herein, particularly a first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (230), b) a second magnetic field generating device (240) described herein, preferably a second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (240), c) a flat pole piece (250) described herein, preferably a flat square pole piece or a flat disk-shaped pole piece (250), and d) a non-magnetic plate (260) described herein, preferably a square non-magnetic plate (260); wherein the north-south magnetic axes of the first and second disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices (230, 240) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (220) and their respective north poles point towards the substrate (220); wherein the diameter (L1) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (230) is smaller than the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (230), and the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (230) is smaller than that of the flat square pole piece (240). The width (L5) of the electrode (250) is smaller than the diameter (L5) of the disc-shaped electrode (250), and the width (L5) of the flat square electrode (250) or the diameter (L5) of the disc-shaped electrode (250) is the same as the width (L7) of the square non-magnetic plate (260); wherein the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (230) is in direct contact with and disposed on the flat square electrode (250) or the flat disc-shaped electrode (250); wherein the flat disc-shaped electrode or the flat A flat square pole piece (250) is in direct contact with and disposed on a square non-magnetic plate (260); wherein the square non-magnetic plate (260) is in direct contact with and disposed on a second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (240); and wherein the origin of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (230), the origin of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (240), the origin of the square flat pole piece (250) or the disc-shaped pole piece (250), and the origin of the square non-magnetic plate (260) are aligned. Preferably, the distance (A1) between the uppermost surface of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (230) and the lower surface of the substrate (220) facing the magnetic component (200) described herein is preferably between about 0 and about 5 mm, more preferably between about 0 and about 2.5 mm, and even more preferably between about 0 and about 1 mm.

[0134] according to Figure 6In another embodiment shown, the magnetic component (300) described herein includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (330) described herein, particularly a first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (330), b) a second magnetic field generating device (340) described herein, preferably a second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (340), c) a flat pole piece (350) described herein, preferably a flat square pole piece (350), and d) a non-magnetic plate (360) described herein, preferably a non-magnetic square plate (360); wherein the north-south magnetic axes of the first and second disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices (330, 340) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (320) and their respective north poles point towards the substrate (320); wherein the diameter (L1) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (330) is smaller than the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (340). The diameter (L3) of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (340) is smaller than the width (L5) of the flat square pole piece (350), and the width (L5) of the flat square pole piece (350) is the same as the width (L7) of the non-magnetic square plate (360); wherein the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (330) is in direct contact with and disposed on the square non-magnetic plate (360); wherein the square non-magnetic plate (360) is in direct contact with and disposed on the flat square pole piece (350); wherein the flat square pole piece (350) is in direct contact with and disposed on the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (340); and wherein the origin of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (330), the origin of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (340), the origin of the square flat pole piece (350), and the origin of the square non-magnetic plate (360) are aligned. Preferably, the distance (A1) between the uppermost surface of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (330) and the lower surface of the substrate (320) facing the magnetic component (300) described herein is preferably between about 0 and about 5 mm, more preferably between about 0 and about 2.5 mm, and even more preferably between about 0 and about 1 mm.

[0135] The magnetic component (x00) described herein may further include a second flat pole piece (x70). The second flat pole piece (x70) described herein is disposed below the second magnetic field generating device (x40) and is therefore environmentally oriented (see [link]). Figure 8 and 10 ).

[0136] The second flat electrode (x70) is a solid flat electrode, more preferably a flat disc-shaped electrode or a flat square electrode, and even more preferably has the same shape as the flat electrode (x50).

[0137] The second flat electrode (x70) is a structure made of a material with high magnetic permeability, such as the flat electrode (x50) described herein. Preferably, the second flat electrode (x70) described herein is made of iron.

[0138] The second flat electrode (x70) described herein has a length L9. For embodiments including a second flat disc-shaped electrode (x70), the length L9 described herein refers to and corresponds to the diameter of the second flat electrode (x70). For embodiments including a second flat square electrode (x70), the length L9 described herein refers to and corresponds to the width of the second flat electrode. According to a preferred embodiment, and for mechanical balance and design purposes, the length L9 of the second flat square electrode (x70) is the same as the length L5 of the flat electrode (x50).

[0139] The second flat electrode (x70) can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat electrode (x50), and the non-magnetic plate (x60) (when present) described herein. Preferably, and for mechanical balance reasons, the second flat electrode (x70) is arranged symmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat electrode (x50), and the non-magnetic plate (x60) (when present) described herein.

[0140] according to Figure 8In one embodiment shown, the magnetic component (400) described herein includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (430) described herein, particularly a first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (430), b) a second magnetic field generating device (440) described herein, preferably a second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (440), c) a flat pole piece (450) described herein, preferably a flat square pole piece (450), and d) a second flat pole piece (470) described herein, preferably a second flat square pole piece (470); wherein the north-south magnetic axes of the first and second disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices (430, 440) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (420) and their respective north poles point towards the substrate (420); wherein the diameter (L1) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (430) is smaller than the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (440), the second The diameter (L3) of the disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (440) is smaller than the width (L5) of the flat square pole piece (450), and the width (L5) of the flat square pole piece (450) is the same as the width (L7) of the second flat square pole piece (470); wherein the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (430) is in direct contact with and disposed on the flat square pole piece (450); wherein the flat square pole piece (450) is in direct contact with and disposed on the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (440); wherein the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (440) is in direct contact with and disposed on the second flat square pole piece (470); and wherein the origin of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (430), the origin of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (440), the origin of the flat square pole piece (450), and the origin of the second square pole piece (470) are aligned. Preferably, the distance (A1) between the uppermost surface of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (430) and the lower surface of the substrate (420) facing the magnetic component (400) described herein is preferably between about 0 and about 5 mm, more preferably between about 0 and about 2.5 mm, and even more preferably between about 0 and about 1 mm.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the magnetic component (x00) described herein includes a first magnetic field generating device (x30), a second magnetic field generating device (x40) described herein, a flat pole piece (x50) described herein, a non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein, and a second flat pole piece (x70) described herein.

[0142] according to Figure 10In one embodiment shown, the magnetic component (500) described herein includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (530) described herein, particularly a first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (530), b) a second magnetic field generating device (540) described herein, preferably a second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (540), c) a flat pole piece (550) described herein, preferably a flat square pole piece (550), d) a second flat pole piece (570) described herein, preferably a second flat square pole piece (570), and e) a non-magnetic plate (560) described herein, preferably a square non-magnetic plate (560); wherein the north-south magnetic axes of the first and second disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices (530, 540) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (520) and their respective north poles point towards the substrate (520); wherein the diameter (L1) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (530) is smaller than the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (540), and the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (540) is smaller than the flat pole piece (550). The width (L5) of the square pole piece (550) is the same as the width (L7) of the non-magnetic square plate (560) and the width (L9) of the second flat square pole piece (570); wherein the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (530) is in direct contact with and disposed on the flat square pole piece (550); wherein the flat square pole piece (550) is in direct contact with and disposed on the non-magnetic square plate (560); wherein the non-magnetic A square plate (560) is in direct contact with and disposed on a second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (540); wherein the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (540) is in direct contact with and disposed on a second flat square pole piece (570); and wherein the origins of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (530), the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (540), the square flat pole piece (550), the second flat square pole piece (570), and the origin of the non-magnetic square plate (560) are aligned. Preferably, the distance (A1) between the uppermost surface of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (530) and the lower surface of the substrate (520) facing the magnetic component (500) described herein is preferably between about 0 and about 5 mm, more preferably between about 0 and about 2.5 mm, and even more preferably between about 0 and about 1 mm.

[0143] The magnetic component (x00) described herein may further include a magnetizing plate (x80) comprising one or more surface reliefs, engravings, and / or cutouts representing one or more markings, wherein the magnetizing plate (x80) is disposed above the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and thus faces the substrate (x20) (see...). Figure 12As used herein, the term "marking" shall mean design and pattern, including but not limited to symbols, alphanumeric symbols, graphics, letters, words, numbers, logos, and drawings. One or more surfaces of the marked magnetized plate (x80) are embossed, engraved, and / or cut out to transfer to the OEL in its non-cured state by locally modifying the magnetic field generated by the magnetic component (x00) described herein. Advantageously, the magnetized plate (x80) may be included on the upper surface of the dome-shaped cap (x02) described herein.

[0144] Suitable examples of surface relief, engraving and / or cut-out magnetized plates (x80) used in this invention can be found in WO 2005 / 002866 A1, WO 2008 / 046702 A1 and WO 2008 / 139373 A1.

[0145] The magnetizing plate (x80) described herein has a length L11. For embodiments including a square magnetizing plate (x80), the length L11 described herein refers to and corresponds to the width of the magnetizing plate.

[0146] The magnetizing plate (x80) can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat pole piece (x50), and the non-magnetic plate (x60) (when present) described herein. Preferably, and for mechanical balance reasons, the magnetizing plate (x80) is arranged symmetrically with the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat pole piece (x50), the non-magnetic plate (x60) (when present), and the second flat pole piece (x70) (when present).

[0147] Magnetized plates (x80) including one or more engraved and / or cutouts as described herein can be made of any machinable permanent magnet material, such as permanent magnet composites comprising permanent magnet powder in a malleable metal or polymer matrix. Preferably, the magnetized plates (x80) described herein are polymer-bonded plates of magnetic materials, i.e., magnetized plates (x80) made of composite materials comprising polymers. The polymer (e.g., rubber-like or plastic-like polymers) serves as a structural binder, and the permanent magnet powder material serves as an extender or filler. Magnetized plates made of composite materials comprising polymers and permanent magnet powder materials advantageously combine the desired magnetic properties (high coercivity) of fragile and poorly machinable ferrite, Alnico, rare earth, or other magnets with the desired mechanical properties (flexibility, machinability, impact resistance) of malleable metal or plastic materials.

[0148] Preferred polymers include rubber-based flexible materials such as nitrile rubber, EPDM hydrocarbon rubber, polyisoprene, polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

[0149] Preferred permanent magnet powder materials include cobalt, iron and their alloys, chromium dioxide, general-purpose magnetic oxide spinel, general-purpose magnetic garnet, including calcium hexagonal ferrite, strontium hexagonal ferrite and barium hexagonal ferrite (CaFe2+, Cr ... 12 O 19 SrFe 12 O 19 BaFe 12 O 19 Universal magnetic ferrites such as hexagonal ferrites, universal alnico alloys, universal samarium-cobalt (SmCo) alloys, and universal rare earth-iron-boron alloys (e.g., NdFeB), as well as their permanent magnetic chemical derivatives (as indicated by the term "universal") and mixtures thereof. Plates made from composite materials including polymers and permanent magnet powders are available from many different sources, such as from the ARNOLD Group. Alternatively, it can be obtained from Materialiali Magnetici, Albarate, Milano, IT (Plastoferrite).

[0150] The magnetized plate (x80) described herein, especially the magnetized plate (x80) made of a composite material including the polymer and permanent magnet powder material described herein, can be obtained in any desired size and form, for example as a thin flexible plate that can be bent and machined, for example using commonly available mechanical ablation tools and machines, as well as jet or liquid ablation tools or laser ablation tools cut to a certain size or shape.

[0151] The magnetized plate (x80) described herein, particularly a magnetized plate (x80) made of a composite material including the polymer and permanent magnet powder material described herein, may have one or more surface engravings and / or cuts produced by any cutting or engraving method known in the art, including but not limited to casting, molding, hand engraving, or ablation tools selected from the group consisting of mechanical ablation tools (including computer-controlled engraving tools), jet or liquid ablation tools, by chemical etching, electrochemical etching, and laser ablation tools (e.g., CO2). 2- Magnetization plates (x80) described herein, particularly those made of composite materials including the polymers and permanent magnet powder materials described herein, can also be cut or shaped to specific sizes and shapes, rather than being engraved. Holes can be cut from them, or cut pieces can be assembled onto a support.

[0152] One or more engravings and cutouts of a magnetized plate (x80), particularly a magnetized plate (x80) made of a composite material comprising the polymer and permanent magnet powder material described herein, may be filled with a polymer that may contain a filler. The filler may be a soft magnetic material used to alter the magnetic flux at the locations of one or more engravings and / or cutouts, or it may be any other kind of magnetic or non-magnetic material to alter magnetic field characteristics or simply to create a smooth surface. The magnetized plate (x80), particularly a magnetized plate (x80) made of a composite material comprising the polymer and permanent magnet powder material described herein, may be additionally surface-treated to promote contact with the substrate, thereby reducing friction and / or wear and / or electrostatic charging in high-speed printing applications.

[0153] Preferably, the magnetized plate (x80) described herein is made of a composite material comprising the polymer and permanent magnet powder material described herein, preferably made of plastic ferrite, and includes more than one engraving. The plastic ferrite plate is engraved using a mechanical engraving tool or preferably using an automated CO2 engraving tool. 2- Nd-YAG laser engraving tools are used to engrave desired high-resolution patterns in the form of markings.

[0154] The magnetized plate (x80) described herein, made of a composite material including the polymer and permanent magnet powder material described herein, preferably made of plastic ferrite, can be provided as a preformed plate and one or more engravings, with surface irregularities representing markings subsequently applied according to the specific requirements of use.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the magnetic component (x00) described herein includes a first magnetic field generating device (x30), a second magnetic field generating device (x40) described herein, a flat pole piece (x50) described herein, a non-magnetic plate (x60) described herein, and a magnetized plate (x80) described herein.

[0156] according to Figure 12In one embodiment shown, the magnetic component (600) described herein includes a) a first magnetic field generating device (630) described herein, particularly a first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (630), b) a second magnetic field generating device (640) described herein, preferably a second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (640), c) a flat pole piece (650) described herein, preferably a flat square pole piece (650), d) a non-magnetic plate (660) described herein, preferably a square non-magnetic plate (660), and e) a magnetized plate (680) described herein, preferably a square magnetized plate (680). The north-south magnetic axes of the first and second disc-shaped magnetic field generating devices (630, 640) are substantially perpendicular to the substrate (620), and their respective north poles point towards the substrate (620). The magnetizing plate (680) described herein is preferably a square magnetizing plate (680). The diameter (L1) of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (630) is smaller than the diameter (L3) of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (640), the diameter (L3) of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (630) is smaller than the width (L5) of the flat square pole piece (650), and the width (L60) of the flat square pole piece (660) is smaller than the diameter (L5). 5) The width (L7) of the non-magnetic square plate (660) is the same, and the width (L11) of the square magnetized plate (680) is greater than the diameter (L1) of the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (630), greater than the diameter (L3) of the second disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (640), greater than the width (L5) of the flat square pole piece (650), and greater than the width (L7) of the non-magnetic square plate (660); wherein the first disk-shaped magnetic field generating device (630) directly contacts and is disposed on the flat square pole piece (650); wherein the flat square pole piece (650) directly contacts and And it is disposed on a non-magnetic square plate (660); wherein the non-magnetic square plate (660) is in direct contact with and disposed on a second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (640); wherein the square magnetized plate (680) is in direct contact with and disposed on a first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (630) and is in direct contact with a substrate (620); and wherein the origin of the first disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (630), the origin of the second disc-shaped magnetic field generating device (640), the origin of the square flat pole piece (650), the origin of the square magnetized plate (680), and the origin of the non-magnetic square plate (660) are aligned.

[0157] The materials of the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat pole piece (x50), the optional non-magnetic plate (x60), the optional second flat pole piece (x70), the optional magnetizing plate (x80), and the distances (A1) and (A2) are selected. This ensures that the magnetic field generated by the interaction of the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic components (x00) is suitable for producing the optical effect layer described herein. The first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat electrode (x50), the optional non-magnetic plate (x60), the optional second flat electrode (x70), and the optional magnetizing plate (x80) can interact such that the magnetic field of the resulting magnetic component (x00) can orient non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles on a substrate in an uncured radiation-curable coating composition, the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles being disposed in the magnetic field of the magnetic component to produce a moving and rotating crescent-shaped optical impression when the substrate, including the optical effect layer (OEL), is tilted.

[0158] The present invention further provides a printing apparatus including a transfer device, said transfer device being one or more magnetic components (x00) as described herein, wherein said magnetic components (x00) are mounted to a circumferential groove of the rotating magnetic cylinder, and a printing assembly including a transfer device, said transfer device being one or more flat printing units as described herein and one or more magnetic components (x00) as described herein, wherein said magnetic components (x00) are mounted to a recess of the flat printing unit.

[0159] A rotating magnetic cylinder is defined as a device used, in conjunction with, or as part of a printing or coating apparatus, and which carries one or more magnetic components described herein. In embodiments, the rotating magnetic cylinder is part of a rotating sheet-fed or roll-fed industrial printing press that operates continuously at high printing speeds.

[0160] A flatbed printing unit refers to a unit used in, or in conjunction with, a printing or coating apparatus, or part of such apparatus, and which carries one or more magnetic components described herein. In an embodiment, the flatbed printing unit is part of a sheet-fed industrial printing press that operates discontinuously.

[0161] Printing apparatus including the rotating magnetic cylinder or the flatbed printing unit described herein may include a substrate feeder for supplying substrates, such as those described herein, having a layer of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles as described herein, such that a magnetic component generates a magnetic field acting on the pigment particles to orient them to form an optical effect layer (OEL). In embodiments of the printing apparatus including the rotating magnetic cylinder described herein, the substrate is supplied by the substrate feeder in sheet or web form. In embodiments of the printing apparatus including the flatbed printing unit described herein, the substrate is supplied in sheet form.

[0162] Printing apparatus including the rotating magnetic cylinder or the flatbed printing unit described herein may include a coating or printing unit for applying a radiation-curable coating composition comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles described herein onto a substrate, the radiation-curable coating composition comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles oriented by a magnetic field generated by the apparatus described herein to form an optical effect layer (OEL). In embodiments of the printing apparatus including the rotating magnetic cylinder described herein, the coating or printing unit operates according to a rotating, continuous process. In embodiments of the printing apparatus including the flatbed printing unit described herein, the coating or printing unit operates according to a longitudinal, discontinuous process.

[0163] Printing apparatus including the rotating magnetic cylinder or the platform-shaped printing unit described herein may include a curing unit for at least partially curing a radiation-curable coating composition containing non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles that have been magnetically oriented by the apparatus described herein, thereby fixing the orientation and position of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles to produce an optical effect layer (OEL).

[0164] According to one embodiment, and provided that the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are flake-shaped pigment particles, the method for manufacturing the optical effect layer (OEL) described herein may further include the step of exposing the radiation-curable coating composition described herein to the dynamic magnetic field of a first magnetic field generating device to achieve biaxial orientation of at least a portion of the flake-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, said step being performed after step i) and before step ii). A method including the step of exposing the coating composition to the dynamic magnetic field of the first magnetic field generating device to achieve biaxial orientation of at least a portion of the flake-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, prior to the step of further exposing the coating composition to a second magnetic field generating device, particularly to the magnetic field of the magnetic component described herein, is disclosed in WO 2015 / 086257 A1. After exposing the radiation-curable coating composition to the dynamic magnetic field of the first magnetic field generating device described herein, and while the radiation-curable coating composition is still sufficiently wet or soft such that the flake-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles therein can be further moved and rotated, the flake-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles can be further reoriented by using the device described herein.

[0165] Biaxial orientation means aligning the plate-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in such a way that they are constrained by two principal axes. That is, each plate-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particle can be considered to have a major axis in the plane of the pigment particle and a minor axis orthogonal to the plane of the pigment particle. The major and minor axes of the plate-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are each oriented according to a dynamic magnetic field. Effectively, this results in adjacent plate-like magnetic pigment particles being spatially close to each other and thus substantially parallel to each other. For biaxial orientation to be achieved, the plate-like magnetic pigment particles must undergo a strongly time-dependent external magnetic field. In other words, biaxial orientation aligns the planes of the plate-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles such that the planes of the pigment particles are oriented substantially parallel to the planes of adjacent (in all directions) plate-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. In an embodiment, both the major axis of the plane of the plate-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particle and the minor axis perpendicular to the aforementioned major axis are oriented by a dynamic magnetic field, such that adjacent (in all directions) pigment particles have major and minor axes aligned with each other.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the step of biaxially oriented lamellar magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles results in magnetic orientation, wherein the two principal axes of the lamellar magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are substantially parallel to the substrate surface. For this alignment, the lamellar magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are planarized in the radiation-curable coating composition on the substrate and oriented along both their X and Y axes (WO 2015 / 086257 A1). Figure 1(As shown in the diagram) parallel to the substrate surface. According to another embodiment, the step of performing biaxial orientation of the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles results in magnetic orientation, wherein the first axis of the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles lies in an XY plane substantially parallel to the substrate surface, and the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis at a substantially non-zero elevation angle relative to the substrate surface. According to another embodiment, the step of performing biaxial orientation of the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles results in magnetic orientation, wherein the XY plane of the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles is substantially parallel to the surface of the imaginary spheroid.

[0167] A particularly preferred magnetic field generating device for biaxially orienting sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles is disclosed in EP 2157141 A1. The magnetic field generating device disclosed in EP 2157141 A1 provides a dynamic magnetic field that changes its direction to force the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles to vibrate rapidly until the two principal axes, the X-axis and the Y-axis, become substantially parallel to the substrate surface; that is, the sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles rotate until they achieve a stable sheet-like structure in which the X-axis and Y-axis are substantially parallel to the substrate surface and planarized in said two dimensions.

[0168] Other particularly preferred magnetic field generating devices for biaxially oriented sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles include linear permanent magnet Halbach arrays, i.e., assemblies comprising multiple magnets with different magnetization directions. A detailed description of Halbach permanent magnets is given by ZQZhu et D. Howe (Halbach permanent magnet machines and applications: a review, IEE. Proc. Electric Power Appl., 2001, 148, pp. 299-308). The magnetic field generated by such Halbach arrays has the property that it is concentrated on one side while weakening to almost zero on the other. Co-pending application EP 14195159.0 discloses suitable devices for biaxially oriented sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, wherein the devices include Halbach cylindrical assemblies. Other particularly preferred magnetic field generating devices for biaxially oriented sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are spinning magnets comprising disk-shaped spinning magnets or magnetic assemblies magnetized primarily along their diameter. Suitable rotating magnets or magnetic assemblies are described in US2007 / 0172261 A1, which generate radially symmetrical, time-variable magnetic fields that cause biaxial orientation of sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in an uncured or unhardened coating composition. These magnets or magnetic assemblies are driven by a shaft (or spindle) connected to an external motor. CN102529326 B discloses examples of magnetic field generating devices including rotating magnets suitable for biaxially orienting sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. In a preferred embodiment, a suitable magnetic field generating device for biaxially orienting sheet-like magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles is a shaftless, disk-shaped rotating magnet or magnetic assembly constrained within a housing made of a non-magnetic, preferably non-conductive material, and driven by one or more magnetic wire coils wound around the housing. Examples of such shaftless disk-shaped rotating magnets or magnetic components are disclosed in WO 2015 / 082344 A1 and co-pending application EP 14181939.1.

[0169] The substrates described herein are preferably selected from the group consisting of: paper or other fibrous materials such as cellulose, paper-containing materials, glass, metals, ceramics, plastics and polymers, metallized plastics or polymers, composite materials and mixtures or combinations thereof. Typical paper, paper-like or other fibrous materials are made from a variety of fibers, including but not limited to Manila hemp, cotton, flax, wood pulp and blends thereof. As is known to those skilled in the art, cotton and cotton / flax blends are preferred for banknotes, while wood pulp is commonly used for security documents other than banknotes. Typical examples of plastics and polymers include polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), polyamides such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutadiene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene 2,6-naphthylene oxide (PEN), polyesters, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Spunbond olefin fibers, for example, are used in trademarks. Those sold below can also be used as substrates. Typical examples of metallized plastics or polymers include the aforementioned plastic or polymer materials on which metals are deposited continuously or discontinuously on their surfaces. Typical examples of metals include, but are not limited to, aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), gold (Au), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag), combinations thereof, or alloys of two or more of the aforementioned metals. The metallization of the aforementioned plastic or polymer materials can be accomplished by electrodeposition, high-vacuum coating, or sputtering. Typical examples of composite materials include, but are not limited to, paper and at least one plastic or polymer material such as those described above, as well as multilayer structures or laminates incorporating plastic and / or polymer fibers into paper or fibrous materials such as those described above. Of course, the substrate may further contain additives known to those skilled in the art, such as sizing agents, brighteners, processing aids, reinforcing or humectant agents, etc. The substrates described herein can be in the form of a mesh (e.g., a continuous sheet of the aforementioned materials) or a sheet. The OEL according to the invention should be produced on the security document, and to further enhance the level of security and resistance to forgery and illegal copying of the security document, the substrate may include printed, coated, laser-marked, or laser-perforated markings, watermarks, anti-counterfeiting security threads, fibers, divination boards, luminescent compounds, windows, foils, labels, and combinations thereof. Similarly, to further enhance the level of security and resistance to forgery and illegal copying of the security document, the substrate may include one or more marking or tracer substances and / or machine-readable substances (e.g., luminescent substances, UV / visible / IR absorbing substances, magnetic substances, and combinations thereof).

[0170] The optical effect layer (OEL) described herein can be directly applied to a substrate on which it is intended to remain permanently (e.g., for banknote applications). Alternatively, for production purposes where the OEL can subsequently be removed, the optical effect layer (OEL) can also be applied to a temporary substrate. This can, for example, facilitate OEL production, particularly when the adhesive material is still in its fluid state. The temporary substrate can then be removed from the OEL after the coating composition has been at least partially cured to produce the OEL.

[0171] Optionally, the adhesive layer may be present on the OEL or on a substrate including an optical effect layer (OEL), said adhesive layer on the side of the substrate opposite to or on the side of the OEL disposed therein, and on the same side as the OEL. Thus, the adhesive layer may be applied to the optical effect layer (OEL) or to the substrate. Such articles can be attached to a wide variety of documents or other articles or articles without printing or other methods including machines and considerable effort. Optionally, the substrate described herein, including the OEL, may be in the form of a transfer foil, which may be applied to the document or article in a separate transfer step. For this purpose, the substrate is provided with a release coating on which the OEL is produced as described herein. More than one adhesive layer may be applied to the produced OEL.

[0172] This article also describes substrates containing more than one layer, such as two, three, or four layers, optical effect layers (OELs) obtained by the methods described herein.

[0173] This document also describes articles comprising an optical effect layer (OEL) produced according to the present invention, particularly security documents, decorative elements, or objects. Articles, particularly security documents, decorative elements, or objects, may comprise more than one layer (e.g., two layers, three layers, etc.) of OEL produced according to the present invention.

[0174] As described above, an optical effect layer (OEL) produced according to the present invention can be used for decorative purposes as well as for the protection and authentication of security documents. Typical examples of decorative elements or objects include, but are not limited to, luxury goods, cosmetic packaging, motor vehicle parts, electronic / electrical appliances, furniture, and nail polish.

[0175] Secure documents include, but are not limited to, documents of value and commercial goods of value. Typical examples of documents of value include, but are not limited to, banknotes, contracts, bills, checks, vouchers, stamp duty stamps and tax labels, agreements, etc., and identity documents such as passports, ID cards, visas, driver's licenses, bank cards, credit cards, transaction cards, access documents or cards, admission tickets, public transport tickets or certificates, etc., preferably banknotes, identity documents, authorization documents, driver's licenses, and credit cards. The term "commercial goods of value" refers, particularly to cosmetics, nutritional products, pharmaceuticals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, beverages or food, electronic / electrical products, textiles, or jewelry, i.e., packaging materials that should be protected against counterfeiting and / or illegal reproduction to guarantee the contents of the packaging, such as packaging materials for genuine pharmaceutical products. Examples of such packaging materials include, but are not limited to, labels such as brand identification labels, tamper-evident labels, and seals. It should be noted that the disclosed substrates, documents of value, and commercial goods of value are given for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0176] Optionally, the optical effect layer (OEL) can be produced onto an auxiliary substrate such as a security thread, security strip, foil, label, window, or tag, thereby transferring it to the security document during the separation step.

[0177] Example

[0178] Figure 1-12 The magnetic components depicted are used to orient the non-spherical, optically variable magnetic pigment particles in the printing layer of the UV-curable screen printing inks listed in Table 1, thereby producing... Figure 1 The optical effect layer (OEL) is shown in B-11. Figure 14 and 16 The comparative components described herein are used to orient the non-spherical, optically variable magnetic pigment particles in the printing layer of the UV-curable screen printing inks listed in Table 1, thereby producing Figure 15 Comparative optical effect layers (OELs) are shown in A and 17A.

[0179] UV-curable screen-printed ink was applied to black commercial paper (Credit Standard Paper BNP 90g / m2, from Papierfabrik Louisenthal, 50×50mm) by hand screen printing using a T90 screen, forming a coating approximately 20μm thick (36mm×36mm). The substrate carrying the applied layer of UV-curable screen-printed ink was placed on a magnetic assembly. Simultaneously with the alignment step, the magnetic alignment pattern of the thus obtained non-spherical optically variable pigment particles was created using a Phoseon (Type FireFlex 50×75mm, 395nm, 8W / cm²) screen. 2 The UV-LED lamps use UV curing to fix the printed layer containing pigment particles.

[0180] Table 1. UV-curable screen printing inks (coating compositions):

[0181]

[0182] (*) Gold to Green Optical Variable Magnetic Pigment Particles, having a flake shape with a diameter d50 of about 9 μm and a thickness of about 1 μm, are available from Viavi Solutions, Santa Rosa, CA.

[0183] Devices and materials

[0184] The first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are made of NdFeB N30. For example... Figure 1-12 As shown, the magnetic component (x00) independently includes a first magnetic field generating device (x30) and a second magnetic field generating device (x40), wherein the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is disposed on the second magnetic field generating device (x40), and wherein the north-south magnetic axes of the two devices (x30, x40) are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and the north pole points towards the substrate (x20).

[0185] like Figure 1-12 As shown, the magnetic component (x00) independently includes a flat pole piece (x50), wherein the flat pole piece (x50) is disposed between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40). The flat pole piece (x50) is independently made of iron.

[0186] like Figure 4 , 6As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the magnetic component (x00) independently includes a non-magnetic plate (x60), wherein the non-magnetic plate (x60) is disposed between the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40). The non-magnetic plate (x60) (when present) is independently made of POM.

[0187] like Figure 8-10 As shown, the magnetic component (x00) independently includes a second flat pole piece (x70), which is disposed below the second magnetic field generating device (x40) and faces the environment. The second flat pole piece (x70) (when present) is independently made of iron.

[0188] The magnetized plate (x80) including the markings (x80) in the shape of "50" is made of plastic ferrite (from MaxBaermann GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach). The magnetized plate (x80) is magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20), and then a pattern with a geometric design (“50” mark) measuring 2.5mm × 3.0mm is engraved on a computer-controlled mechanical engraving table. The engraving of the square magnetized plate (x80) has an engraving depth of approximately 0.2mm and a line width of approximately 1mm. Figure 12 As shown, the magnetic component (600) independently includes a magnetization plate (680), wherein the magnetization plate (680) is disposed above the first magnetic field generating device (630) and below the substrate (620).

[0189] Non-flat electrodes (x90) and flat electrodes (x91) (when present) are made of iron independently.

[0190] The dimensions and shapes of the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat pole piece (x50), the non-magnetic plate (x60), the second flat pole piece (x70), and the magnetizing plate (x80) of embodiments E1-E13 are provided in Table 2. The distance A1 between the upper surface of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the lower surface of the substrate (x20) facing the magnetic component (x00) of embodiments E1-E13, and the distance A2 between the upper surface of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) and the lower surface of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) are provided in Table 2.

[0191] The dimensions and shapes of the first magnetic field generating device (x30), the second magnetic field generating device (x40), the flat electrode (x91), and the non-flat electrode (x90) of Comparative Examples C1-C2 are provided in Table 3. The distance A1 between the upper surface of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the lower surface of the substrate (x20) facing the magnetic component (x00) of Comparative Examples C1-C2, and the distance A2 between the upper surface of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) and the lower surface of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) are provided in Table 3.

[0192] The retainer (x01) is used independently to insert the magnetic components (x00) used in the preparation of Examples 1-13 (E1-E13) and Comparative Examples 1-2 (C1-C2). Figure 2 The retainer (101) depicted is used to prepare Example E3, wherein the retainer (101) includes a domed cap (102), a bottom lock (103), a non-magnetic wedge (104), and a non-magnetic substrate (141). The retainer (101) has a length and width (L21) of about 40 mm, a center thickness (L19) of about 15.15 mm, and an edge thickness (L20) of about 14.80 mm. The curvature (LR) of the upper surface of the domed cap (102) is the curvature of a circle with a radius (LR) of about 137.5 mm. The length and width (L23) of the bottom lock (103) of the retainer (101) is about 32 mm, and the thickness (L22) is about 3 mm. The length and width (L25) of the non-magnetic wedge (104) is about 30 mm, and the thickness (L24) is about 5.8 mm. Figure 2 The retainer (101) depicted further includes a non-magnetic substrate (141) comprising a cavity adapted to receive a second magnetic field generating device (140). The non-magnetic substrate (141) is a square plate having a length (L25) of approximately 30 mm and a thickness (L4) of approximately 2 mm, and includes a disc-shaped cavity having a diameter (L3) of approximately 20 mm. The dome-shaped cap (102) and bottom lock (103) of the retainer (101) are made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The non-magnetic wedge (104) and the non-magnetic substrate (141) are independently made of POM.

[0193] Examples 1-13 (E1-E13) and Comparative Examples 1-2 (C11-C2) were prepared independently, wherein the magnetic component (x00) was encapsulated in a retainer (x01) having the same external dimensions as the retainer (101) of Example 3 (E3) described above. The thickness of the wedge (x04) was adapted to vary the distance (A1), and the non-magnetic substrate (x41) was adapted to be assembled into the second magnetic field generating device (x40).

[0194] use Figure 1-12The resulting OEL (x10) produced from the magnetic component (x00) shown is obtained by tilting the substrate (x20) at different viewing angles between -30° and +30°. Figure 3 As shown in A-13A, and a description of the optical impression of the OEL is provided in Table 2.

[0195] use Figure 14-16 The magnetic component production shown in the image yielded a comparative OEL by tilting the substrate between -30° and +30° at different viewing angles. Figure 15 As shown in A-17A, and a description of the optical impression of the OEL is provided in Table 3.

[0196]

[0197]

Claims

1. A method for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) on a substrate (x20), the method comprising the steps of: i) Applying a radiation-curable coating composition comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles to the surface of a substrate (x20), the radiation-curable coating composition being in a first state, the first state being liquid. ii) Exposing the radiation-curable coating composition to the magnetic field of a magnetic component (x00) to orient at least a portion of the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, the magnetic component (x00) comprising: a) A first magnetic field generating device (x30) having a north-south magnetic axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and having a length L1; b) A second magnetic field generating device (x40), whose north-south magnetic axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and has a length L3. c) A flat electrode (x50) lacking any protrusions or protrusions extending to the outer surface of the flat electrode (x50) and having a length L5. The first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) have the same magnetic field direction. The first magnetic field generating device (x30) faces the substrate (x20) and is disposed on the flat electrode (x50). The second magnetic field generating device (x40) faces the environment and is disposed below the flat pole piece (x50). The length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40). Wherein the length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L5 of the flat pole piece (x50), and The length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) is less than the length L5 of the flat electrode (x50); and iii) Curing the radiation-curable coating composition of step ii) at least partially to a second state, thereby fixing the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in their adopted positions and orientations. The optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) provides a crescent-shaped optical impression that moves and rotates when the substrate (x20) including the optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) is tilted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic component (x00) further comprises a non-magnetic plate (x60).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the non-magnetic plate (x60) is made of polyoxymethylene (POM).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic component (x00) further comprises a second flat pole piece (x70) having a length L9, wherein the second flat pole piece (x70) is disposed below the second magnetic field generating device (x40) and thus faces the environment.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic component (x00) further comprises a magnetizing plate (x80), the magnetizing plate (x80) comprising one or more engravings and / or cutouts representing one or more marks. The magnetizing plate (x80) is disposed on the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and thus faces the substrate (x20).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the magnetizing plate (x80) is made of a composite material comprising a polymer and a permanent magnet powder material.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flat electrode (x50) is made of iron.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) are disk-shaped magnetic field generating devices and their lengths L1 and L3 correspond to their diameters, or square magnetic field generating devices and their lengths L1 and L3 correspond to their widths.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles are selected from the group consisting of magnetic thin film interference pigments, magnetic cholesterol-type liquid crystal pigments, and mixtures thereof.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein step iii) and step ii) are performed partially simultaneously.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles are flake-shaped pigment particles, and wherein the method further comprises the step of exposing the radiation-curable coating composition to the dynamic magnetic field of the first magnetic field generating device to cause at least a portion of the flake-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles to biaxial orientation, the step being performed after step i) and before step ii).

12. An optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) produced by any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A security document or decorative element or object comprising one or more optical effect layers (OEL) as described in claim 12 (x10).

14. A magnetic assembly (x00) for producing an optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) on a substrate (x20), the OEL providing the impression of a crescent-shaped element that moves or rotates when the optical effect layer (OEL) (x10) is tilted, and comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles oriented in a cured radiation-curable coating composition, wherein the magnetic assembly (x00) comprises: a) A first magnetic field generating device (x30) having a north-south magnetic axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and having a length L1; b) A second magnetic field generating device (x40), whose north-south magnetic axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (x20) and has a length L3. c) A flat electrode (x50) lacking any protrusions or protrusions extending to the outer surface of the flat electrode (x50) and having a length L5. The first magnetic field generating device (x30) and the second magnetic field generating device (x40) have the same magnetic field direction. The first magnetic field generating device (x30) faces the substrate (x20) and is disposed on the flat electrode (x50). The second magnetic field generating device (x40) faces the environment and is disposed below the flat pole piece (x50). The length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40). Wherein the length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L5 of the flat pole piece (x50), and The length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) is less than the length L5 of the flat electrode (x50).

15. The magnetic component (x00) according to claim 14, further comprising a non-magnetic plate (x60) and / or Further comprising a second flat pole piece (x70) having a length L9, wherein the second flat pole piece (x70) is disposed below the second magnetic field generating device (x40) and thus faces the environment, and wherein the length L1 of the first magnetic field generating device (x30) is less than the length L9 of the second flat pole piece (x70), and the length L3 of the second magnetic field generating device (x40) is less than the length L9 of the second flat pole piece (x70), and / or It further includes a magnetization plate (x80) comprising one or more engravings and / or cuts representing one or more marks, wherein the magnetization plate (x80) is disposed on the first magnetic field generating device (x30) and thus faces the substrate (x20).

16. The magnetic assembly (x00) of claim 15, wherein the magnetizing plate (x80) is made of a composite material comprising a polymer and a permanent magnet powder material.

17. The magnetic component (x00) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the magnetic component (x00) is disposed in a holder (x01) mounted on the transfer device.

18. The magnetic assembly (x00) according to claim 17, wherein the transfer device is a rotating magnetic cylinder.

19. A printing apparatus comprising a rotating magnetic cylinder or a platform-shaped printing unit, the rotating magnetic cylinder comprising at least one of the magnetic components (x00) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, and the platform-shaped printing unit comprising at least one of the magnetic components (x00) according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

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