METHOD FOR PRODUCE A SECURITY FEATURE, SECURITY FEATURE FOR A DATA CARRIER, DATA CARRIER AND LAMINATED SHEET

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a security feature for a data carrier, a security feature for a data carrier, a data carrier with a security feature and a laminating sheet for producing a security feature.

[0002] Data storage devices such as valuable documents, such as passports and identification documents, ID cards, credit cards, bank cards, and the like, are increasingly being used in public areas, but also within companies. Optically variable security elements with a ferromagnetic material are well known. Magnetically orientable effect pigments, for example, are known under the trade name OVMI ("optically variable magnetic ink") from SICPA. Such color pigments with a magnetic moment are used for optically variable security elements. For this purpose, the pigments are aligned using an external magnetic cylinder immediately after printing, while the ink is still liquid. The ink's binder is then cured using a UV irradiator or UV dryer to fix the pigment alignments.

[0003] Document US 2021 / 0162795 A1 relates to a generic method for producing a security feature for a data carrier.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to simplify the production of security features with magnetically orientable effect pigments.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method for producing a security feature, a security feature for a data carrier, a data carrier, or a laminating sheet according to the independent patent claims. Embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] A method according to the invention for producing a security feature for a data carrier is defined in claim 1.

[0007] A basic idea of ​​the present invention is that the magnetically orientable effect pigments are aligned during the lamination process, which is carried out anyway.

[0008] Magnets (permanent or electromagnets) are incorporated or provided on the lamination sheet. During the lamination process, the ink is liquefied with the magnetic pigments, allowing them to be aligned in a specific direction. As the foil cools, the aligned magnetic pigments solidify. By aligning the magnetic pigments, security features can be realized, for example, with effects that create changing viewing directions.

[0009] The substrate with the film coated with varnish or ink, for example, a printed film, can be in the form of a sheet, continuous film, or roll. After lamination, individual security features or data carriers are then removed, for example, by punching the cards.

[0010] The process proposed here has the advantage of eliminating the need for additional UV drying. Since this additional UV drying is eliminated, production can be simplified.

[0011] The varnish or paint may be a solvent-based, water-based 1k or 2k system. The processing of such systems is simple, familiar, and easily integrated into the manufacturing process.

[0012] It may also be provided that the magnetically orientable effect pigments are encapsulated. Encapsulation protects the effect pigments from damage and aging and can improve the flow properties of the paint or varnish.

[0013] A security feature according to the invention for a data carrier is defined in claim 5 and is obtainable by the method described above. The same advantages and modifications apply as described above.

[0014] The film can be provided with a thickness of approximately 25–300 µm, preferably 50–150 µm. Especially when the ink or varnish is located on the back of the film, i.e., between the film and the substrate, a thin film, ideally combined with transparency or partial transparency, can lead to good visibility and good alignment of the pigments.

[0015] It can further be provided that the film is transparent and that the varnish or paint is arranged between the substrate and the film. In this way, the paint or paint is arranged in a protected manner on the back of the film, i.e., between the film and the substrate. The paint or paint can also be arranged on the back of the film. In this case, there is direct contact between the magnet and the paint or paint, or the magnetically orientable effect pigments, during production. This can improve the orientation of the pigments.

[0016] A data carrier according to the invention, such as a value document or a chip card, comprises a carrier on or in which a security feature as described above is arranged. The data carrier can also be a package, such as security packaging with a security seal, for example, for medications. The data carrier can also be such a security seal. The security feature can be arranged entirely within an opening of the data carrier. The opening with the security feature located therein can be covered, for example, by one or more films. Otherwise, the same advantages and modifications apply as described above.

[0017] The security document may be a passport or ID card. Ultimately, the security feature can be attached to any data carrier, such as a security document or a chip card.

[0018] A laminating sheet according to the invention for producing a security feature for a data carrier is defined in claim 10. The laminating sheet can be used in the method for producing a previously described security feature. Permanent or electromagnets can be provided as magnets. The magnets can be arranged, for example, in recesses in the laminating sheet. Otherwise, the same advantages and modifications apply as previously described.

[0019] It can be provided that several card positions are provided on the laminating sheet, and that at least one magnet is provided in each card position. Card positions are defined as the areas where the security features or data carriers are later removed from the substrate along with one or more foils. The magnets can be firmly fixed in the laminating sheet or inserted loosely and flexibly in a recess or cutout in the sheet.

[0020] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1: a top view of a data carrier with a security element; Fig. 2: a cross-section of a data carrier in the partial area of ​​the security element; Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the production of a data carrier with a security feature using a laminating device; Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a laminating sheet for producing a security feature; and Fig. 4: a method for producing a security feature for a data carrier.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a data carrier 10. The data carrier 10 is a flat value document in a format suitable for permanent carriage by a person and can be a passport or identity document or the like. Likewise, the data carrier 10 can be a chip card. Fig. 1In the example shown, the data carrier 10 is an identification document. The data carrier 10 contains a security element 11, for example in the form of a symbol. The security element 11 occupies a partial area of ​​the upper side of the data carrier 10 and forms a security feature. It can be recognized by a person with the naked eye and can be checked for the presence of a predetermined feature or property. In an identification document used as an example, the security element 11 typically has a size of 0.25 cm² to 25 cm², although larger and possibly smaller dimensions are also possible. The security element 11 can be or contain an optically variable element that can convey a different image impression to the viewer at different viewing angles and, for example, can show a different color or brightness impression and / or a different graphic motif depending on the viewing angle.

[0022] The data carrier 10 contains additional personal data 12, such as the holder's first and last name. Furthermore, the ID card can contain further data 13, such as date of birth, nationality, issuing authority, date of issue, and the like.

[0023] The basic structure of the security element 11 will now be described with reference to the Figure 2 The cross sections shown are explained in more detail.

[0024] Figure 2ashows a schematic of a data carrier 10 in the partial area formed by the security element 11. It consists of several inner film layers 15 and two films 16 that form cover layers. To form a security feature, an ink 18 is applied to one of the films 15, 16. The ink can also be a varnish. The ink 18 is provided with magnetically orientable effect pigments. The film 15, 16, to which the varnish or ink 18 is applied, can be transparent or opaque. The overlying films must be partially transparent or transparent. The underlying films can be opaque, transparent, or partially transparent. The ink 18 can be arranged on or between different film layers 15, 16. The application can be made to exactly one film 15, 16 or to several films. The application is preferably carried out by printing.

[0025] The ink 18 can be present over the entire surface of a foil 15, 16 and correspond to the size of the security element 11 or, as indicated, can be applied partially, for example in the form of a pattern, symbol, letters, etc.

[0026] The films 15,16 can have a thickness of, for example, 25 µm - 300 µm, preferably 50 µm to 200 µm.

[0027] In a Fig. 2b In the variant shown, it can be provided that, instead of a separately applied color, a colored magnetic pigment film 17 is provided, which contains magnetically orientable effect pigments. The colored magnetic pigment film 17 can correspond to the size of the security element 11 or be larger and occupy approximately the entire surface of the data carrier. The magnetic pigment film 17 is applied between a first film 15 and a second film 15, 16.

[0028] The ink 18 or the magnetic pigment film 17 must be sufficiently heat-resistant so that the magnetically orientable effect pigments contained therein are not damaged during a lamination process.

[0029] The films 15 and 16 with the applied color 18 or the magnetic pigment film 17 are laminated to form a data carrier 10.

[0030] The color 18 present on the film 15 or the magnetic pigment film 17 may have been exposed to one or more magnets 19 over the entire surface or selectively during lamination, so that the effect pigments were specifically magnetically oriented and fixed in this position.

[0031] This targeted magnetic orientation is calculated prior to lamination to achieve a desired optical effect. For example, the magnetic field can cause the pigments to form a substantially homogeneous, reflective surface. The individual pigments can be arranged side by side, meaning that the pigments are arranged essentially along a surface normal to the film 15 or perpendicular to the surface of the security element 11.

[0032] The data carrier 10 may comprise additional layers, for example one or more protective layers or functional layers provided with other security elements.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the production of a security feature or a data carrier with a security feature 11 by means of a laminating device 20. The laminating device 20 is only shown in principle.

[0034] In particular, means for generating pressure and / or an elevated temperature are not shown. What is shown is the portion of the data carrier 10 in which the security feature 11 is formed.

[0035] Shown are two laminating sheets 21 and 22, between which the data carrier 10 is laminated in the partial area of ​​the security feature 11. In this processing step, the data carrier 10 is present in a large sheet or a continuous film in the form of a layer stack 14 consisting of films 15, 16, to which ink 18 has been applied as described or between which a magnetic pigment film 17 has been arranged. The layer stack 14 is moved between the two laminating sheets 21 and 22. The two laminating sheets 21 and 22 are then guided along the layer stack 14 to build up pressure on it. At the same time, a usually significant temperature increase is carried out in order to melt the plastic material of the layer stack 14 and cause it to flow.

[0036] A plurality of magnets 19 are embedded in the laminating sheet 21. The magnets 19 can be permanent or electromagnets and are aligned. They serve to align magnetically orientable effect pigments dissolved in the ink 18. For this purpose, the laminating sheet 21 contains a corresponding number of openings 21a into which the magnets 19 are inserted. During lamination, the ink 18 or the magnetic pigment film is heated to such an extent that the magnetically orientable effect pigments are again mobile.

[0037] During lamination, the magnets 19 are brought closer to the layer stack 14 and thus to the ink 18 or the magnetic pigment film. Depending on the orientation of the magnets 19, the effect pigments that are currently moving are also magnetically aligned. The ink 18 or the magnetic pigment film can then cure as usual during lamination. This fixes the effect pigments in the targeted orientation.

[0038] The varnish or paint 18 can be a solvent-based, water-based 1k or 2k system. The magnetically orientable effect pigments can be encapsulated.

[0039] No openings 21a with magnets 19 are provided in the opposite laminating sheet 22. If a corresponding optical effect is desired on the back of the security feature 11 or the data carrier 10, the laminating sheet 22 can also have openings 21a with magnets 19.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a laminating sheet 21 for the production of a security feature 11 or a data carrier 10.

[0041] The lamination sheet 21 comprises a plurality of card positions 21b, with at least one magnet 19 provided in an opening 21a in each card position 21b. Within the card position 21b, the magnet 19 or the opening 21a is arranged at a predetermined position at which the desired optical effect is to be visible after production.

[0042] It is possible to provide several magnets 19 or openings 21a within a card position 21b.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a method for producing a security feature 11 for a data carrier 10.

[0044] In a first step 100, a data carrier 10 is provided. The data carrier 10 can, for example, consist of a plastic such as PET, PEC, PC, PVC or PP.

[0045] In a second step 110, a varnish or paint 18 with magnetically orientable effect pigments is applied to one or more films 15, 16. The application takes place, for example, in a printing process.

[0046] As an alternative to applying a color containing magnetically orientable pigments, a separate colored magnetic pigment film can also be applied, which contains magnetically orientable pigments over the entire surface or at least in the area of ​​the security element 11.

[0047] The magnetic effect pigments contain magnetic material, so that, if they are or have been made mobile, they can be oriented using a magnetic field. The pigments are mobile in the liquid ink 18 or in the melted magnetic pigment film 17. Therefore, in a lamination process, the ink 18 is specifically liquefied or the magnetic pigment film 17 is melted. In a third step 120, the data carrier 10 is laminated with the films 15. The subsequent application of pressure and heat fixes the superimposed films 15.

[0048] The lamination is carried out by means of two laminating sheets 21, 22 arranged opposite one another. At least one laminating sheet 21 has at least one or expediently, as in Fig. 3 indicated, several magnets 19.

[0049] During lamination, the varnish or ink 18 is first liquefied, or the magnetic pigment film is melted. This causes the magnetically orientable effect pigments contained therein to become mobile. Once the effect pigments are mobile, they are aligned by the magnets 19. The magnets 19 can be permanent or electromagnets. In the case of electromagnets, they are activated, for example, at the start of the lamination process or shortly thereafter.

[0050] Additional embossing steps can be performed during lamination.

[0051] After lamination, the sheet can be divided into individual data carriers 10. This can be done, for example, using a laser or a punching tool.

[0052] The sequence of steps is not necessarily limited to this order. For example, the application of a varnish or paint can also be performed first. In particular, the three steps of lamination, liquefaction, and alignment can occur simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

[0053] This method produces the previously described security element 11 or data carrier 10. The previously described laminating sheet 21 is used.

Claims

1. Method for producing a security feature (11) for a data medium (10), with the steps of: - providing at least two foils (15, 16); - applying a varnish or an ink (18) with magnetically orientable effect pigments to one foil (15, 16); - laminating the foils (15, 16) by means of a laminating plate (21) which has at least one magnet (19), the following steps being performed during lamination: - liquefying the ink (18) with magnetically orientable effect pigments; and - aligning the magnetically orientable effect pigments by means of the magnets (19).

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that instead of an ink (18), a magnetic pigment foil (17) with magnetically orientable effect pigments is applied between a first foil (15) and a second foil (15, 16).

3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ink (18) is a solvent-containing, water-based 1-component or 2-component system.

4. Method according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnetically orientable effect pigments are encapsulated.

5. Security feature for a data medium (10), obtainable by the method according to any of Claims 1 to 4.

6. Security feature for a data medium (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the foil (15, 16) has a thickness of 25 - 300 µm, preferably of 50 - 200 µm.

7. Security feature according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the foil (15, 16) is transparent and in that the varnish or the ink (18) is arranged between the substrate (15) and the foil (16).

8. Data medium (10), such as a value document or a chip card, with a carrier on or in which a security feature (11) according to any of Claims 5 to 7 is arranged.

9. Data medium (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the value document is a passport or identity document.

10. Laminating plate (21) for producing a security feature (11) for a data medium (10) in a method according to any of Claims 1 to 4, comprising a magnet (19) configured for the alignment of magnetically orientable effect pigments.

11. Laminating plate (21) according to Claim 10, characterized in that multiple card positions (21b) are provided on the laminating plate (21) and in that at least one magnet (19) is provided in each card position (21b) .