Card-form data carrier having laser-activatable pigments, and method for producing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a card-form data carrier (10) which has at least one film (11) with a first surface (11a) and an opposite second surface (11b), wherein the film (11) has been produced by means of an extrusion process, wherein laser-activatable pigments (12) have been incorporated into at least parts of the film (11), wherein the pigments (12) are designed such that they are activatable by means of at least one laser (20), with the result that an irreversible colour change (30) of the film (11) can be brought about. The invention also relates to a method for producing a card-form data carrier.

Description

[0001] Card-shaped data carrier with laser-activated pigments and manufacturing process

[0002] The invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier with laser-activatable pigments and a manufacturing method for such a card-shaped data carrier.

[0003] A variety of card-shaped data storage devices are known from the state of the art, such as smart cards, chip cards, particularly those using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, integrated circuit cards, dual-interface cards, or identification cards. In particular, the use of smart cards, such as credit cards or debit cards, has become established for executing financial transactions. Card-shaped data storage devices such as valuable documents, such as passports and ID cards, ID cards, and the like, are increasingly being used in public areas, but also within companies.

[0004] The card-shaped data carrier typically has a card body with a module opening for accommodating a chip module or other electronic components for contact-based and / or contactless data communication. The card body is often formed from multiple films, with the individual films being bonded to form a film layer composite by means of lamination using pressure and heat. Design films or transparent cover films, so-called overlay films, with security features are preferably provided on the surface of the card body. Optical security features on card-shaped data carriers are known and are generally intended to increase protection against counterfeiting. Furthermore, it is known to personalize data carriers using an easer, whereby the personalization can also serve as a security feature. However, in this case, personalization is usually only possible in black.This limits the design options and the variability of security features. The object of the present invention is to provide a card-shaped data carrier that simplifies personalization while simultaneously improving the security of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0005] This object is achieved by a card-shaped data carrier and a method for producing such a card-shaped data carrier according to the independent patent claims. Refinements and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Features and details described in connection with the card-shaped data carrier according to the invention also apply in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that reciprocal reference can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention with regard to the disclosure.

[0006] Within the scope of the application, the invention can preferably be used for smart cards, in particular for credit cards and debit cards. However, it can also preferably be used for security documents, such as identification documents.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a card-shaped data carrier is provided which has at least one film with a first surface and an opposite second surface, wherein the film is produced by means of an extrusion process, wherein laser-activatable pigments are at least partially integrated into the film, wherein the pigments are designed such that they can be activated by means of at least one laser, whereby an irreversible color change of the film can be produced.

[0008] The application provides laser-activated pigments that can be activated by a laser to produce an irreversible color change. In other words, pigments that can cause chromism, i.e., a color change or a color change, can be provided. The color change of the individual pigments can produce an overall color change of the film comprising the individual pigments. Preferably, thermochromatic pigments or photochromatic pigments can be used here. Thermochromatic pigments can produce a color change or a color change upon heating, i.e., an increase in temperature. In other words, the color change is induced by heat, in particular by the conversion of laser energy into thermal energy.Photochromatic pigments can induce a color change through light irradiation, particularly through laser light and its absorption. In general, any pigment that can be activated by a laser can be used to effect a color change or chromism. In general, a distinction can be made between reversible and irreversible chromism.

[0009] In particular, in the case of irreversible chromism, the color change remains and is therefore permanent.

[0010] In other words, due to the laser-activatable pigments, the film can have an initial color in a first state, particularly in a non-heated state, and a different final color in a second state, particularly in a heated state, due to the color change. The change of state from the initial color to the final color is described in the application as a color change. As already mentioned, this change of state is intended to be irreversible.

[0011] The invention has the advantage that the laser-activatable pigments can be used to color personalize films of security documents, such as identity documents or smart cards. This increases the security against forgery of the security document or smart card, since color personalization represents an additional security feature. This security feature can be easily verified optically and can also be easily integrated into the security document or smart card. Preferably, exactly one laser can be provided for activating the laser-activatable pigments. The use of multiple lasers, for example four lasers for the colors red, green, blue, and black, can therefore be dispensed with.This reduces the cost of laser personalization of the card-shaped data carrier and simplifies the manufacturing process of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0012] Preferably, it can be provided that the laser is adjustable. In particular, it can be provided that a laser power of the laser is variably adjustable. This has the advantage that the adjustability of the laser allows the laser energy to be precisely adapted to activate the pigments for the color change. For example, the frequency of the laser and thus the laser power can be increased and consequently a different color change can be achieved. In particular, it can also be provided that the laser power is adjusted in sections along the film in order to achieve colorful colors or color patterns. For example, the laser power can be adjusted in a first area of ​​the film for a color change to a blue final color and in a second area of ​​the film for a color change to a red final color.In particular, the laser power and thus also the laser energy can be variably adjusted to the desired laser personalization of the card-shaped data carrier. Furthermore, complex colors and thus also complex patterns or shapes, such as a passport photo of the card-shaped data carrier's user, can advantageously be implemented as a security feature.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the laser can be configured as an Nd:YAG laser, a CO2 laser, or a UV laser. The use of an Nd:YAG laser not only enables the described adjustability of the laser, but also very precise focusing of the laser energy or the laser beam. This makes even very complex patterns or shapes suitable for laser personalization. Consequently, both the design options and the counterfeit security of the card-shaped data carrier can be increased. Generally, however, other adjustable lasers, such as a CO2 laser, fiber laser, or similar, are also conceivable.

[0014] Preferably, the laser-activatable pigments are metal pigments or metal oxide pigments. For example, molybdenum oxide compounds or titanium oxide compounds can be used. Likewise, metal salt compounds, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or molybdenum salts, can also be used as laser-activatable pigments. In general, any materials that can be activated by a laser to produce a color change are conceivable for the pigments. The pigments are preferably integrated into the film using an extrusion process. This has the particular advantage that the pigments are distributed and stored in a protected manner within the film, and no separate printing ink needs to be applied to the film.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the film is essentially transparent. In particular, complete transparency is not provided here due to the laser-activatable pigments present within the film. In other words, the film has an essentially transparent starting color or, in other words, is initially colorless. Due to the initial colorlessness, a maximum color impression can be achieved for the final color after activation of the laser-activatable pigments. For example, a color change from an essentially transparent starting color to a red final color can be achieved. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the film is white or, in other words, has a white starting color. It is also conceivable that the film is colored or, in other words, has a colored starting color, such as red, green or blue.A colored starting color for the film has the advantage that the starting color, combined with the color change of the laser-activated pigments, can result in a mixed final color and a desired, modified overall color impression. Overall, the selection of the starting color of the film can optimize the color impression of the card-shaped data carrier. Any combination of starting colors and final colors is conceivable.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the color change of the foil can be visually visible. This has the advantage of creating a security feature that can be verified particularly easily, for example, by a user of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0017] Advantageously, the laser-activatable pigments can be activated at a temperature greater than the extrusion temperature of the film, preferably 300°C. This has the particular advantage that the color change of the film does not occur uncontrollably during extrusion, but can occur in a controlled manner on the formed film after extrusion. In other words, an optimal temperature range can be selected in which the laser-activatable pigments can be activated without adversely affecting the film or films of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0018] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that, to create a multicolored image on the first surface of the film, the color change of the film can be controlled by means of the laser. For example, a single-color color change can be provided for single-color personalization, or a multicolor color change can be provided for multicolor personalization. As already described, the laser power can be controlled in sections along the film in order to achieve bright colors or color patterns on the film.

[0019] Preferably, the card-shaped data carrier can have at least one transparent overlay film arranged on the first surface of the film in such a way that the color change of the film is visible. The color change of the film can preferably represent a security feature of the card-shaped data carrier. The longevity of the achieved security feature can be guaranteed by means of the overlay film. At the same time, the security feature can be easily recognized and verified due to the transparency of the overlay film.

[0020] Preferably, the laser-activatable pigments may have a pigment size of at least 1 gm and at most 60 gm.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the laser-activatable pigments can be distributed homogeneously within the film or along at least one edge of the film. A uniform color change can advantageously be achieved by means of a homogeneous distribution. Distribution along the edges of the film, in particular, allows for edge personalization of the film or the card-shaped data carrier.

[0022] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the color change is generated along at least one edge of the film. In particular, the color change can be generated along all edges of the film. A specific color impression can therefore be achieved along the entire edge of the film. For example, multicolored edges or even multicolored logos can be generated along the edges of the film. Edge personalization of the card-shaped data carrier can, in particular, further increase counterfeit security. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for colored core films. This particularly improves warehousing and logistics.

[0023] Preferably, it can be provided that the card-shaped data carrier has at least one light-diffracting or light-refracting structure, in particular wherein at least one laser beam of the laser for activating the laser-activatable pigments can be guided through the light-diffracting or light-refracting structure. In general, several such structures can be provided for the card-shaped data carrier. The light-diffracting or light-refracting structure can be referred to as a lens structure in the context of the application. It is preferably provided that the lens structure is arranged on a surface of the card-shaped data carrier, in particular on an outer film of the card-shaped data carrier. Preferably, the lens structure can be arranged on a first surface and on an opposite second surface of the card-shaped data carrier. In general, the lens structure can comprise a surface relief in the form of a lenticular grid.Individual lenses can be formed, for example, as depressions and / or elevations on the surface of the card-shaped data carrier. Using a lenticular array with a number or plurality of individual lenses, such as spherical lenses, rod lenses, and / or cylindrical lenses, various optically variable effects can be achieved in conjunction with the color change of the laser-activated pigments. This creates an optical security feature that further increases the counterfeit protection of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0024] In particular, it can be provided that at least one laser beam of the laser for activating the laser-activatable pigments can be guided through the light-diffractive or light-refracting structure. In other words, the laser beam can be guided or directed through the lens structure onto the laser-activatable pigments. Due to the lens structure, the laser beam can undergo a specific deflection or directional variation, which, in conjunction with the laser-activatable pigments, can achieve further optical effects.

[0025] It can be provided that the light-diffractive or light-refracting structure or the lens structure is arranged or introduced during lamination by means of at least one laminating sheet on the card-shaped data carrier, in particular on a surface of the card-shaped data carrier, such as, for example, on a surface of an overlay film of the card-shaped data carrier. The film with the integrated laser-activatable pigments can be produced prior to lamination. In particular, the lens structure to be formed on the card-shaped data carrier can be introduced into the laminating sheet as a laminating structure by means of a negative image. If, for example, the lens structure is to be introduced on the first surface and the opposite second surface of the card-shaped data carrier, two laminating sheets, each with a corresponding laminating structure, can be used.During lamination, the card-shaped data carrier is placed between the laminating sheets, for example. The laminating sheets can be used to exert pressure on the card-shaped data carrier, and a temperature increase is typically also applied during lamination.

[0026] Using the existing pressure and heat, the corresponding lens structure can be laminated onto the respective surface of the card-shaped data storage device using the respective lamination structure. This simplifies the production of the card-shaped data storage device, as the lens structure can be created during lamination rather than in a separate production step.

[0027] As an alternative to the laminating sheet, one or more stamps can be provided for applying the lens structure to the card-shaped data carrier. In general, a laminating sheet, an embossing stamp, a gravure printing plate, and / or an ultrasonic process can be used to apply the lens structure.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier is provided, in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising the following steps:

[0029] Providing at least one film material;

[0030] Providing laser-activatable pigments;

[0031] Introducing the film material and the laser-activatable pigments as a mixture into an extruder of an extrusion device, heating the mixture to form a melt;

[0032] Extruding the melt through a nozzle exit gap of the extrusion device to form a film having a first surface and an opposite second surface, wherein the laser-activatable pigments are at least partially integrated into the film; activating the laser-activatable pigments by means of at least one laser to produce an irreversible color change of the film.

[0033] The sequence of steps in the process according to the invention is not necessarily limited to the described sequence or fixed in time. In particular, the film material and the pigments can be provided sequentially or simultaneously. Furthermore, lamination with additional films can take place before activating the laser-activatable pigments.

[0034] Within the scope of the application, for example, the film material can be provided as granules for the extruder, in particular as plastic granules. In the extruder, the mixture of the film material and the laser-activatable pigments can be heated or melted to form a melt. In other words, the mixture is converted into a molten state. In particular, the melt comprises the molten film material and the laser-activatable pigments. The melt can then be extruded or pressed out through the die outlet gap. The die outlet gap represents a shaping opening. By extruding the melt through the die outlet gap, a film can be formed, wherein in particular the laser-activatable pigments are integrated into the film or arranged within the film.The extruded melt can usually be used to form the film at a certain time interval after exiting the.

[0035] Cool down or completely solidify in the die exit gap. As the film solidifies, the film can form a type of solid matrix around the laser-activatable pigments, so that these are permanently integrated within the film. For cooling, the extruded melt can, for example, be conveyed along a roller arrangement adjacent to the die exit gap, comprising at least one cooling roller. After the film has been formed, in particular after the film has finally solidified, the laser-activatable pigments can be activated by means of the laser. Activation produces the irreversible color change of the individual pigments and thus also of the film. The same advantages and modifications as previously described continue to apply. In particular, the color personalization according to the invention can increase the security against counterfeiting of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0036] Preferably, it can be provided that, prior to the activation of the laser-activatable pigments, the film is laminated with at least one transparent overlay film and / or further films. In particular, the overlay film can be arranged on the first surface of the film. Preferably, a plurality of further films can be provided for the card-shaped data carrier, wherein these can be arranged in particular on the second surface of the film. The further films can, for example, be designed as core films and are preferably opaque. Advantageously, the card-shaped data carrier is laminated with all existing films as a film layer structure and then the laser-activatable pigments are activated by means of the laser. In other words, the color personalization according to the invention preferably takes place after the lamination of the films of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0037] In summary, the film with the laser-activated pigments can first be produced using the described extrusion process. Lamination can then preferably be carried out with additional films to form a film layer structure. Color customization can then be achieved by activating the laser-activated pigments.

[0038] Particularly preferably, it can be provided that at least one light-diffractive or light-refracting structure is arranged on the card-shaped data carrier, in particular wherein at least one laser beam of the laser for activating the laser-activatable pigments is guided through the light-diffractive or light-refracting structure. In other words, it is preferably provided that, in terms of time, after the arrangement of the light-diffractive or light-refracting structure on the card-shaped data carrier, the activation of the laser-activatable pigments by means of the laser takes place. In other words, the laser beam of the laser for activating the pigments can be guided through the lens structure onto the pigments. This can advantageously produce further optical effects.

[0039] The present invention is described below by way of example in the context of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual features of the embodiments can, of course, be freely combined with one another, where technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures schematically show:

[0040] Fig. 1: a card-shaped data carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Fig. 2: a card-shaped data carrier according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Fig. 3: a card-shaped data carrier according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0043] Fig. 4: a card-shaped data carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. For example, the card-shaped data carrier 10 can be designed as an identification document or as a smart card. The card-shaped data carrier 10 has a film 11 with a first surface 11a and an opposite (not visible) second surface. A chip module and / or further electronic components for contact-based and / or contactless data transmission can be provided on the film 11, for example in a module opening (not shown). For the sake of clarity, the electronic components of the card-shaped data carrier 10, such as the chip module, are not shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0045] The film 11 is, for example, essentially transparent. In particular, laser-activatable pigments 12 are integrated into the film 11, which are illustrated by the dots in the film 11. Due to the presence of laser-activatable pigments 12 in the film 11, complete transparency of the film 11 is not intended.

[0046] The laser-activatable pigments 12 are, for example, homogeneously distributed in the film 11. Furthermore, the pigments 12 are designed such that they can be activated by a laser 20, thereby producing an irreversible color change 30 of the film 11. For example, exactly one laser 20 is provided for activating the laser-activatable pigments 12. The laser 20 is, in particular, adjustable. Preferably, the laser power of the laser 20 can be variably adjusted. For example, the laser 20 is designed as an Nd:YAG laser.

[0047] For example, the laser-activatable pigments 12 can have a pigment size of at least 1 gm and at most 60 gm and / or be formed as metal pigments.

[0048] To activate the laser-activatable pigments 12, a laser beam L can be directed onto the respective pigments 12 by means of the laser 20. The laser beam L is illustrated by the arrow. By the laser energy of the laser 20 or the laser beam L impinging on the laser-activatable pigments 12 in the film

[0049] II, the laser energy can be converted into thermal energy, for example. By converting it into thermal energy, the temperature of the pigments 12 can be increased. Due to the temperature increase, the pigments 12 can bring about a color change 30. The color change 30 is illustrated as a black circle 30. However, this can be a color change 30 to a red, green, or blue final color. In other words, due to the laser beam L striking an area of ​​the film 11, a color change of the laser-activatable pigments 12 in this area and thus a color change of the film 11 in this area is achieved. For the sake of clarity, only a single color change 30 is shown here for illustrative purposes. However, multiple color changes to different final colors can be provided at different locations on the film 11 as desired.Alternatively, the activation of the laser-activatable pigments 12 can be carried out photochromatically, as already described.

[0050] As already described, the color change 30 can be generated in sections of the film 11, with the laser beam L of the laser 20 being focused only on a partial area of ​​the film 11. The circle shown illustrates the partial area of ​​the film 11 for the color change 30. Alternatively, the color change 30 can be generated in the entire film 11, with the laser beam L of the laser 20 being moved along the film 11 or being focused on the entire film 11. Thus, the edges of the film 11 can preferably also be personalized.

[0051] In particular, it can also be provided that the laser power is adjusted in sections along the film 11 in order to achieve bright colors or color patterns. For example, the laser power can be adjusted in a first area of ​​the film 11 for a color change 30 to a blue final color and in a second, different area of ​​the film 11 for a color change to a red final color. The laser power and thus also the laser energy can thus be variably adjusted to the desired laser personalization of the card-shaped data carrier 10.

[0052] Preferably, the color change 30 of the film 11 is visible in the optical range, thereby enabling easy verification by a user of the card-shaped data carrier 10.

[0053] Advantageously, the laser-activatable pigments 12, which are integrated into the film 11, can be used to color personalize the card-shaped data carrier 10. This increases the security against counterfeiting of the card-shaped data carrier 10. The film 11 is produced, in particular, by means of an extrusion process. For this purpose, for example, the film material can be provided as granules for an extruder of an extrusion device (not shown), in particular as plastic granules. Furthermore, the laser-activatable pigments 12 can be provided for the extruder. The pigments 12 and the film material can be introduced into the extruder as a mixture. In the extruder, the mixture of the film material and the laser-activatable pigments 12 can be heated or melted to form a melt. The melt can then be extruded orThe film 11 can be formed by extruding the melt through the nozzle exit gap, wherein in particular the laser-activatable pigments 12 are integrated into the film 11 or within the film.

[0054] 11. In terms of time after the formation of the film 11, in particular after the final solidification of the film 11, the laser-activated pigments

[0055] 12 are activated by means of the laser 20, as described. Activation produces the irreversible color change 30 of the individual pigments 12 and thus also of the film 11.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to another embodiment of the invention. The card-shaped data carrier 10 comprises, for example, three foils 11 formed analogously to Figure 1, each with laser-activatable pigments 12.

[0057] In contrast to Figure 1, in Figure 2 three color changes 30 due to three laser beams L are illustrated by means of black circles. The color changes 30 are provided as examples for the final colors red, green and blue. The color changes 30 can each occur at different temperatures for the different colors. Consequently, the laser power for the respective laser beam L can be variably adjusted in order to achieve the desired color change 30. Furthermore, the card-shaped data carrier 10 has further films in addition to the three films 11 with the laser-activatable pigments 12. In other words, a film layer structure, in particular made up of films arranged or stacked one above the other, is provided for the card-shaped data carrier 10. In particular, two externally arranged transparent overlay films 13 are provided.In other words, the films 11 with the laser-activatable pigments 12 are arranged between the outer overlay films 13. The overlay films 13 can provide additional protection for the laser-activatable pigments 12 in the films 11. The number and material of the films in the film layer structure can be customized as desired. Essentially, the number or arrangement of transparent or opaque core films and / or transparent overlay films 13 can generally be varied.

[0058] A further embodiment for a different arrangement of the films in the film layer structure for the card-shaped data carrier 10 is shown in Figure 3. The card-shaped data carrier 10 has, for example, five films 11 designed analogously to Figure 1, each with laser-activatable pigments 12. Three color changes 30 are shown as an example, these being generated along the edges 11c of the respective films 11. Preferably, the color change 30 can be generated along all edges 11c of the films 11. A specific color impression can therefore be achieved circumferentially along the edges 11c of the film 11. Personalizing the edges of the card-shaped data carrier 10 can, in particular, further increase security against counterfeiting. Advantageously, this makes the use of colored core films unnecessary.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a card-shaped data carrier 10. The card-shaped data carrier 10 has, by way of example, a film layer structure. A film 11 according to the invention is arranged centrally in the film layer structure. The film 11 has a first surface 11a and an opposite second surface 11b. Laser-activatable pigments 12 (not shown) are integrated into the film 11. The film 11 is designed analogously to Figure 1. The laser-activatable pigments 12 are designed such that they can be activated by means of a laser, whereby an irreversible color change 30 of the film 11 can be produced. The activation of the laser-activatable pigments 12 can take place as described in relation to Figure 1. The film 11 is arranged between two transparent core films 14. A transparent overlay film 13 is arranged on each transparent core film 14.

[0060] The transparent overlay films 13 each have a lens structure 40 on an outer surface. The lens structure 40 generally represents a light-diffractive or light-refracting structure. It can be provided that the lens structure 40 extends only partially or completely along the surface of the overlay film 13. In particular, it is provided that the lens structure 40 is arranged overlapping or partially covering the laser-activatable pigments 12 of the film 11. This advantageously allows a laser beam L from the laser 20 to be directed through the lens structure 40 onto the laser-activatable pigments 12 for activating the laser-activatable pigments 12.

[0061] The lens structure 40 can be a surface relief in the form of a lenticular array. For example, a lenticular array with individual lenses, such as spherical lenses, rod lenses, and / or cylindrical lenses, can be used.

[0062] Through the interaction between the laser-activated pigments 12 and the lens structure 40, a viewer can perceive viewing angle-dependent representations or tilted images, or generally optically variable effects. This generally increases the counterfeit security of the card-shaped data carrier 10 and represents an additional security feature.

[0063] List of reference symbols

[0064] 10 card-shaped data carriers

[0065] 11 Slide

[0066] 11a first surface 11b second surface

[0067] 11c edge

[0068] 12 laser-activated pigments

[0069] 13 Overlay film 14 Core film

[0070] 20 lasers

[0071] L laser beam

[0072] 30 color change

[0073] 40 lens structure

Claims

Patent claims 1. Card-shaped data carrier (10) which has at least one film (11) with a first surface (11a) and an opposite second surface (11b), wherein the film (11) is produced by means of an extrusion process, wherein laser-activatable pigments (12) are at least partially integrated into the film (11), wherein the pigments (12) are designed such that they can be activated by means of at least one laser (20), whereby an irreversible color change (30) of the film (11) can be produced.

2. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that exactly one laser (20) is provided for the activation of the laser-activatable pigments (12).

3. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser (20) is adjustable.

4. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that a laser power of the laser (20) is variably adjustable.

5. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser (20) is designed as an Nd:YAG laser or CO2 laser or UV laser.

6. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser-activatable pigments (12) are designed as metal pigments or metal oxide pigments.

7. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color change (30) of the film (11) is visible in the optical range.

8. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser-activatable pigments (12) can be activated at a temperature greater than an extrusion temperature of the film (11), preferably 300 °C.

9. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in order to produce a multi-colored image on the first surface (11a) of the film (11), the color change (30) of the film (11) can be controlled by means of the easer (20).

10. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the card-shaped data carrier (10) has at least one transparent overlay film (13) which is arranged on the first surface (11a) of the film (11) in such a way that the color change (30) of the film (11) is visible.

11. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser-activatable pigments (12) have a pigment size of at least 1 gm and at most 60 gm.

12. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser-activatable pigments (12) are distributed homogeneously in the film (11) or are distributed along at least one edge (11c) of the film (11).

13. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color change (30) is produced along at least one edge (11c) of the film (11).

14. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the card-shaped data carrier (10) has at least one light-diffractive or light-refracting structure (40), in particular wherein at least one laser beam of the laser (20) for activating the laser-activatable pigments (12) can be guided through the light-diffractive or light-refracting structure (40).

15. A method for producing a card-shaped data carrier (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Providing at least one film material; Providing laser-activatable pigments (12); Introducing the film material and the laser-activatable pigments (12) as a mixture into an extruder of an extrusion device, heating the mixture to form a melt; Extruding the melt through a nozzle outlet gap of the extrusion device to form a film (11) having a first surface (11a) and an opposite second surface (11b), wherein the laser-activatable pigments (12) are at least partially integrated into the film (11); Activating the laser-activatable pigments (12) by means of at least one laser (20) to produce an irreversible color change (30) of the film (11).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, prior to the activation of the laser-activatable pigments (12), a lamination of the film (11) with at least one transparent overlay film (13) and / or further films.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least one light-diffractive or light-refracting structure (40) is arranged on the card-shaped data carrier (10), in particular wherein at least one laser beam of the laser (20) is used for the activation of the laser-activatable pigments (12) is passed through the light-diffractive or light-refracting structure (40).

Images