Semi-finished product, data carrier and secure article with metallization on polycarbonate

Abstract

A semi-finished product (1) for a data carrier (100) for a secure article comprises a carrier layer (2) and at least one metallization (3). The metallization (3) is arranged on the carrier layer (2) with respect to an extension direction (Es) of the semi-finished product (1). The metallization (3) is configured to change an appearance upon irradiation of electromagnetic radiation for producing at least one security element (11). The carrier layer (2) comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

Description

[0001] SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT, DATA CARRIER AND SECURE ARTICLE WITH METALLIZATION ON POLYCARBONATE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a semi-finished product according to claim 1 , a method of producing such a semi-finished product according to claim 7, a data carrier comprising such a semi-finished product according to claim 8, a method of producing such a data carrier according to claim 13, a method of personalizing such a data carrier according to claim 14, and to a secure article comprising such a data carrier according to claim 15.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The provision of security elements in data carriers are well-known in the state of the art. Security elements serve the purpose of securing the data carrier against unauthorized manipulation such as forgery and of attributing personalized information such as personal data of the holder of the data carrier to the data carrier.

[0006] A well-known security element is the so-called Window Lock (WL) security element, wherein a metallized layer is provided on a carrier layer in the form of a PET layer that is arranged or sandwiched between plastic layers, typically polycarbonate layers, of the data carrier. The different chemical structures of the base PC layer and the PET layer as well as different thermal properties such as shrinkage of the material after a thermal treatment like lamination however cause quality problems and result in a higher waste after lamination.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a semi-finished product for a data carrier that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a semifinished product for a data carrier that is easy to manufacture and which results in data carriers of improved quality.This object is achieved with a semi-finished product according to claim 1. That is, a semifinished product for a data carrier for a secure article is provided, wherein the semi-finished product comprises a carrier layer and at least one metallization. The metallization is arranged on the carrier layer with respect to an extension direction of the semi-finished product. The metallization is configured to change an appearance upon irradiation of electromagnetic radiation for producing at least one security element. The carrier layer comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

[0009] That is, the present invention is based on the insight that the metallization can be provided on a carrier layer that comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate (PC). This is in contrast to the known prior art devices, which commonly comprise a metallization provided on polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0010] The provision of the metallization on PC is associated with several advantages. For instance, it allows a direct incorporation such as lamination into the carrier body of a data carrier, see further below. In the prior art devices, the metallization is commonly applied onto PET, which cannot be laminated or otherwise incorporated that easily.

[0011] Since the carrier body of a data carrier often comprises one or more PC layers as base material, the semi-finished product according to the invention is thus mainly based on the same base material. Consequently, there are no difference in characteristics such as the thermal behavior, a thermal crust, a glass transition temperature or a flow temperature of the carrier layer comprising or consisting of PC according to the invention and the PC layer(s) of the carrier body. Whereas the prior art devices comprising PET have different properties such as different thermal properties, e.g. shrinkage, that can cause quality problems and higher waste after lamination, these can be dispensed with in the present invention. That is, the present invention allows a reduction of even elimination of unacceptable quality products.

[0012] A security element preferably serves the purpose of securing the semi-finished product or a data carrier comprising or consisting of the semi-finished product against unauthorized manipulation such as forgery and / or to for attributing personalized information such as personal data of a holder of the data carrier to the semi-finished product or the data carrier.

[0013] Hence, it is particularly preferred that the metallization can be laser-treated so as to generate a security element. Said laser-treatment preferably results in a change ofappearance of the metallization in the region of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation, in particular of the laser radiation, and can correspond to an at least partial ablation of the metallization, whereby apertures in the metallization are generated. However, other changes of appearance of the metallization are likewise conceivable, such as a change in translucency and / or in opacity and / or in glossiness and / or in colour of the metallization upon an irradiation of electromagnetic radiation.

[0014] For instance, and as will be explained in greater detail below, the security element can have the shape of an image and / or of an alphanumeric character, wherein the image and / or alphanumeric character corresponds to the metallization whose appearance has changed such as being ablated, made translucent, opaque, etc., by the irradiation of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0015] To this end the carrier layer can comprise or consist of various kinds of polycarbonates such as, for instance, bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC-A), bisphenol F polycarbonate (PC-F) or bisphenol S polycarbonate (PC-S) or mixtures or blends thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the polycarbonate(s) can comprise additives. The additive is, for example, a pigment which is destroyed during the exposure to the electromagnetic radiation. Such additives or pigments are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0016] The metallization preferably comprises or consists of at least one metal and / or at least one metal oxide and / or at least one metal alloy.

[0017] A preferred metal is aluminium (Al) and / or a preferred metal oxide is aluminium oxide (AI2O3) and / or a preferred metal alloy is an aluminium alloy. However, other metals, metal oxides and metal alloys are likewise conceivable, such as, for instance, copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), cerium (Ce) and oxides thereof such as zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), cerium oxide (CeO2), titanium oxide (TiO2), or alloys thereof, etc.

[0018] The metallization preferably is a deposition, preferably a vapor deposition. That is, the metallization is preferably provided on the carrier layer via deposition, preferably via vacuum deposition as it is well-known in the art. For instance, the metallization can be produced on the carrier layer by physical vapor deposition or by chemical vapor deposition. That is, the metallization can be produced in a so-called thin film deposition, i.e. the metallization preferably is a thin film.However, other methods for generating the metallization are likewise conceivable. For instance, the metallization can be provided via sputtering, electroplating, chemical metallization, spray metallization, plasma vacuum metallization, galvanization, or hybrid metallization.

[0019] That is, the metallization according to the invention preferably is not a metallic ink nor a metallic print.

[0020] The metallization preferably extends partially or entirely along the carrier layer when seen along at least one transverse direction running perpendicularly to the extension direction of the semi-finished product.

[0021] The semi-finished product is preferably associated with an extension direction and with at least one transverse direction running perpendicularly to the extension direction. The extension direction can be seen as a thickness direction of the semi-finished product and the transverse direction can be seen as a width direction of the semi-finished product. To this end the semi-finished product is thus preferably associated with two transverse directions, a first transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the extension direction and a second transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the extension direction and to the first transverse direction. The first and second transverse direction thus preferably span a plane that is arranged perpendicularly to the extension direction. Said plane preferably extends parallel to the carrier layer.

[0022] The metallization can extend partially along the at least one transverse direction of the semifinished product, i.e. the metallization can extend partially along the carrier layer and within the plane. In other words, the metallization can partially cover the carrier layer.

[0023] However, it is likewise conceivable that the metallization extends entirely along the at least one transverse direction, i.e. the metallization can extend fully along the carrier layer and within the plane. In other words, the metallization can fully cover the carrier layer.

[0024] The metallization is preferably provided as a layer or has the shape of an image and / or of an alphanumeric character.

[0025] The metallization can be provided in various ways. For instance, the metallization can beprovided as a layer that extends partially or entirely along the carrier layer. Moreover, the metallization can be configured as continuous layers with respect to the transverse direction. A continuous layer is understood as a layer having no gaps or interruptions or the like. However, it is likewise conceivable that the metallization is configured as a non-continuous layer, i.e. interrupted or provided in segments, with respect to the transverse direction. A distance between successive segments with respect to the transverse direction can be the same or different from one another. In other words, segments of the metallization layer can be evenly or unevenly spaced from each other and with respect to the transverse direction.

[0026] However, other shapes of the metallization are likewise conceivable such as a metallization in the form of an image and / or of an alphanumeric character that extends partially or entirely along the carrier layer. In this case it is preferred that the metallization is provided via vacuum deposition and by using a stencil, by washing or the like that results in the metallization being arranged such as deposited in the desired shape. Washing is well-known in the art and comprises the application of a water-based lacquer on the carrier layer prior to the arrangement such as deposition of the metallization, and wherein said lacquer is afterwards removed, i.e. washed away.

[0027] Non-exhaustive examples of an image are a portrait or photograph or biometric information such as a fingerprint e.g. of the holder of the data carrier, an outline of a country, a state coat of arms, a state flag, a signature panel, geometric objects such as lines, circles, etc. Non-exhaustive examples of an alphanumeric character are a date of birth, a name, a social security number e.g. of the holder of the data carrier, an expiry date, etc. Hence, the metallization itself before the irradiation of electromagnetic radiation can already be configured as a security element. It should be noted that metallization can be provided in the form of two or more of such shapes, for instance as two or more images and / or as two or more alphanumeric characters.

[0028] The metallization is preferably directly arranged on a surface of the carrier layer. That is, it is conceivable that the metallization is directly arranged on a surface of the carrier layer, such as deposited onto the surface of the carrier layer. That is, the metallization can be in direct surface contact with the surface of the carrier layer.

[0029] The carrier layer preferably is transparent or translucent. Additionally or alternatively, the metallization preferably has an optical density (OD) of 0.25 or more and / or an optical densityof 3 or less and / or is opaque. Other ODs are however likewise conceivable.

[0030] The carrier layer can have various thicknesses with respect to the extension direction. For instance, the carrier layer can have a thickness with respect to the extension direction being in the micrometer range and / or being in the range of 30 micrometer to 200 micrometer, for instance in the range of 40 micrometer to 100 micrometer.

[0031] The metallization can have various thicknesses with respect to the extension direction as well. For instance, the metallization can have a thickness with respect to the extension direction being in the nanometer range or the micrometer range. For instance, a thickness of the metallization with respect to the extension direction can be in the range of a few nanometers to 0.5 micrometers and / or in the range of micrometer to 0.5 micrometer. The latter thickness is preferred in the event of the metallization being aluminium oxide.

[0032] The semi-finished product preferably further comprises at least one cover layer being arranged before the metallization when seen along the extension direction. The cover layer preferably comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

[0033] That is, the semi-finished product preferably comprises at least one cover layer that is at least partially arranged before the metallization and thus preferably at least partially covers the metallization with respect to the extension direction.

[0034] In other words, the metallization is preferably at least partially arranged between the cover layer and the carrier layer when seen along the extension direction.

[0035] The cover layer brings the advantage that the metallization, which has a high sensitivity regarding scratches or other damages, is protected.

[0036] The cover layer can be directly arranged on a surface of the metallization. Alternatively, the cover layer can be indirectly arranged on a surface of the metallization via at least one adhesive element being arranged between the metallization and the cover layer when seen along the extension direction. Various adhesive elements are conceivable, for instance a polyurethane-based adhesive element such as a 2-component solvent-free adhesive based on polyurethane, ora solvent based adhesive, a water-based adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a UV-curable adhesive, etc.In this case it is preferred that the PC carrier layer is provided and the metallization is applied such as deposited or sputtered onto the carrier layer. The adhesive element is preferably applied onto the cover layer. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive element can be applied onto the metallization. Then, the carrier layer and the cover layer are preferably joined by for instance pressing one to the other such that the metallization is arranged in between.

[0037] The carrier layer, the metallization and the cover layer preferably form a laminate. That is, the carrier layer and the cover layer are preferably laminated to one another, and wherein the metallization is at least partially arranged therebetween. As such, the metallization layer can be protected from damage.

[0038] The cover layer preferably is transparent or translucent. The cover layer can have various thicknesses with respect to the extension direction. For instance, the cover layer can have a thickness with respect to the extension direction being in the micrometer range and / or being in the range of 30 micrometer to 200 micrometer, for instance in the range of 40 micrometer to 100 micrometer.

[0039] In another aspect, a method of producing a semi-finished product, preferably the semifinished product as described above, is provided. The method comprises the steps of i) providing a carrier layer, and ii) providing at least one metallization. The metallization is arranged on the carrier layer with respect to an extension direction of the semi-finished product. The metallization is configured to change an appearance upon irradiation of electromagnetic radiation for producing at least one security element. The carrier layer comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

[0040] Any explanations made herein regarding the semi-finished product as such preferably likewise apply to the method of producing the semi-finished product and vice versa.

[0041] For instance, the metallization is preferably arranged on the carrier layer by at least one of: deposition, sputtering, electroplating, chemical metallization, spray metallization, plasma vacuum metallization, galvanization, or hybrid metallization. At least one cover layer is preferably arranged before the metallization when seen along the extension direction. At least one adhesive element is preferably arranged between the cover layer and the metallization, and / or the cover layer and the carrier layer are preferably laminated together, etc.In another aspect, a data carrier for a secure article is provided. Said data carrier comprises a carrier body, and at least one semi-finished product as described above and / or as produced in the method as described above. The semi-finished product is at least partially arranged in the carrier body.

[0042] Any statements made with respect to the semi-finished product preferably likewise apply to the data carrier comprising the semi-finished product and vice versa.

[0043] The data carrier preferably comprises a top side and an opposed bottom side when seen along an extension direction of the data carrier. In fact, the extension direction of the data carrier preferably extends from the top side of the data carrier towards the bottom side of the data carrier.

[0044] The extension direction of the data carrier preferably runs parallel to the extension direction of the semi-finished product in the event that the semi-finished product is at least partially arranged in the carrier body. Moreover, the data carrier is preferably associated with at least one transverse direction that runs parallel to the at least one transverse direction of the semi-finished product.

[0045] The carrier body preferably comprises a top side and an opposed bottom side when seen along the extension direction of the data carrier. The top side of the carrier body particularly preferably provides the top side of the data carrier, and the bottom side of the carrier body particularly preferably provides the bottom side of the data carrier.

[0046] The semi-finished product is preferably at least partially or entirely arranged within the carrier body.

[0047] In the event that the semi-finished product is partially arranged within the carrier body it is preferred that a top side of the semi-finished product provides at least part of the top side of the carrier body and / or at least part of the top side of the data carrier. The top side of the semi-finished product is preferably provided by the cover layer of the semi-finished product, in particular by a top surface of the cover layer. Additionally or alternatively, a bottom side of the semi-finished product can provide at least part of the bottom side of the carrier body and / or at least part of the bottom side of the data carrier. The bottom side of the semifinished product is preferably provided by the carrier layer, in particular by a bottom surfaceof the carrier layer.

[0048] However, it is likewise conceivable that the semi-finished product is entirely arranged, i.e. embedded within the carrier body.

[0049] The semi-finished product can extend along an entire width of the carrier body and / or is an inlay element of the carrier body. Alternatively, the semi-finished product can extend partially along a width of the carrier body and / or is an insert element of the carrier body.

[0050] That is, the semi-finished product can be arranged partially or entirely within the carrier body and such, that it extends along an entire width of the carrier body when seen along at least one transverse direction of the data carrier. That is, the semi-finished product can constitute a so-called inlay element of the carrier body. In this case it is preferred that an area expansion of the semi-finished product corresponds to an area expansion of the carrier body.

[0051] However, it is likewise conceivable that the semi-finished product is partially or entirely arranged within the carrier body and such, that it extends partially along a width of the carrier body when seen along the at least one transverse direction of the data carrier. That is, the semi-finished product can constitute a so-called insert element of the carrier body. In this case it is preferred that an area expansion of the semi-finished product is smaller than an area expansion of the carrier body.

[0052] The carrier body can comprise at least one aperture, and wherein the semi-finished product is at least partially arranged within the aperture.

[0053] That is, in the event that the semi-finished product extends partially along the width of the carrier body and / or has an area expansion being smaller than the area expansion of the carrier body when seen along the at least one transverse direction of the data carrier, it is preferred that the semi-finished product is at least partially arranged within an aperture of the carrier body. Said aperture can be a window as described in US 2014 / 023838 A1. In other words, it is conceivable that the semi-finished product according to the invention is implemented as the well-known Window Lock, however with the difference that the metallic foil on the PET layer is replaced by the metallization on the carrier layer comprising or consisting of at least one polycarbonate according to the invention.The carrier body preferably comprises one or more layers comprising or consisting of at least one polymer, preferably a plastics such as a thermoplastics, particularly preferably polycarbonate. Additionally or alternatively, the semi-finished product, in particular the carrier layer and / or the cover layer, is preferably laminated to the carrier body, in particular to at least one of its layers.

[0054] That is, the carrier body preferably comprises one or more layers such as a plurality of layers that are arranged above one another with respect to the extension direction of the data carrier. Said one or more layers preferably comprise or consist of at least one polymer, preferably at least one plastics such as a thermoplastics, for instance polycarbonate.

[0055] However, it should be noted that one or more of the layers can differ in their composition and can comprise or consist of, for instance, other polymers or plastics well-known in the field of the art such as polyvinyl chloride and / or of polyethylene terephthalate. The layer(s) being in the region of the semi-finished product, in particular being in contact with the carrier layer and / or the cover layer of the semi-finished product, preferably comprise or consist of at least one polycarbonate in order to exhibit the same characteristics resulting in the improved quality of the carrier body and thus of the data carrier mentioned earlier.

[0056] The carrier body particularly preferably corresponds to a so-called card body as it is well-known in the card industry.

[0057] Two or more layers of the carrier body are preferably connected to one another via lamination.

[0058] One or more layers of the carrier body are preferably at least regionally transparent or translucent. It is particularly preferred that the one or more layers in the region of the semifinished product are transparent or translucent.

[0059] The data carrier can furthermore comprise at least one background layer. Said background layer is preferably not transparent or not translucent such as opaque. The background layer preferably comprises or consists of one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably thermoplastics, particularly preferably polycarbonate. The background layer preferably furthermore corresponds to a coloured layer such as a white layer. Such a coloured background layer is preferably provided by a layer comprising or consisting of polymers and / or plastics, within which pigments are embedded. Said pigments are preferably opaqueand / or configured to at least partially reflect incident electromagnetic radiation and / or configured to at least partially absorb incident electromagnetic radiation. The background layer preferably serves the purpose of rendering the data carrier at least partially opaque and / or of providing a background for the data carrier that is not transparent or translucent but of a colour. The background layer preferably is of a white colour. However, other colours are likewise conceivable.

[0060] Different geometries and / or arrangements of the background layer with respect to the nonfinished product, in particular with respect to the metallization, are conceivable. For instance, an area expansion of the background layer and an area expansion of the semifinished product, in particular of the metallization, along the at least one transverse direction can be the same or different from one another.

[0061] When seen along the extension direction of the data carrier, the background layer can be arranged before or after the semi-finished product.

[0062] For instance, the background layer can be arranged before the semi-finished product when seen along the extension direction of the data carrier, and wherein the background layer and the semi-finished product, in particular the metallization, are arranged only partially overlapping with respect to the extension direction of the data carrier. In other words, when seen along the extension direction of the data carrier, at least a region of the semi-finished product, in particular of the metallization, is preferably not covered by the background layer. However, it is likewise conceivable that the background layer and the semi-finished product, in particularthe metallization, are entirely overlapping with respect to the extension direction of the data carrier.

[0063] However, it is conceivable that the background layer is arranged after the semi-finished product when seen along the extension direction of the data carrier. Also in this case it is conceivable that the background layer and the semi-finished product, in particular the metallization, are entirely overlapping or only partially overlapping with respect to the extension direction of the data carrier.

[0064] Moreover, it is conceivable that the data carrier comprises two or more background layers, wherein said two or more background layers are the same or different from one another. That is, also in the case of two or more background layers an overlapping with respect to the extension direction of the data carrier and / or an area expansion along the at least onetransverse direction as has been outlined above can be the same or different from one another.

[0065] One or more background layers can be continuous layers with respect to the transverse direction. However, it is likewise conceivable that one or more background layers are non-continuous layers, i.e. interrupted or provided in segments, with respect to the transverse direction. A distance between successive segments with respect to the transverse direction can be the same or different from one another. In other words, segments of the background layer(s) can be arranged evenly or unevenly spaced from each other and with respect to the transverse direction. As a consequence, different overlappings of these segments with the semi-finished product, in particular the metallization, and with respect to the extension direction can be generated, as well.

[0066] Depending on the arrangement and / or the configuration of the semi-finished product, in particular of the metallization, and the background layer(s), the security element can be visible upon an illumination of the data carrier along an observation direction or upon an illumination of the data carrier along a direction running opposite to the observation direction.

[0067] The observation direction is understood as the direction along which an observer observes the data carrier. Said observation direction runs towards a top side or top surface of the data carrier. Hence, the top side or top layer or top surface of data carrier is understood as the side or layer or surface of the data carrier that is facing an observer of the data carrier. A bottom side or bottom layer or bottom surface of the data carrier is thus understood as the opposite side or layer or surface of the data carrier, i.e. the side or layer or surface facing away from an observer of the data carrier.

[0068] The security element can be a positive security element or a negative security element. The expressions "positive" and "negative" have the same meaning as in photography, wherein a negative image is an image wherein the lightest areas appear darkest and the darkest areas appear lightest, and wherein a positive image is a normal image. Hence, a positive security element is understood as being a normal image and / or a normal alphanumeric character that appears under illumination of the data carrier along the observation direction, i.e. when the data carrier is illuminated from a top side of the data carrier. Consequently, a negative security element is understood as a negative image and / or a negative alphanumeric character upon an illumination of the data carrier along the observationdirection, which, in case of a transparent background such as a transparent background layer or window however appear as positive image and / or as positive alphanumeric character upon an illumination of the data carrier along a direction running opposite to the observation direction, i.e. when the data carrier is illuminated from a bottom side of the data carrier. For instance, in the event of a security element being provided in a transparent or translucent region of the data carrier, a change from an illumination from the top side of the data carrier to an illumination from the bottom side of the data carrier leads to a reversal of the visual impression of security element, namely from negative to positive or vice versa.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, the carrier body can comprise at least one layer that is not transparent or not translucent such as opaque, for instance a coloured layer. Said nontransparent or non-translucent such as coloured layer can be arranged before or after the metallization and in a region of the metallization when seen along the extension direction of the data carrier, and wherein the metallization comprises one or more transparent or translucent regions or apertures being generated upon the irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation, whereby regions of the non-transparent or non-translucent such as coloured layer become visible for an observer via these transparent or translucent regions or apertures of the metallization. To this end it is conceivable that the nontransparent or non-translucent such as coloured layer is a layer comprising or consisting of polymers and / or plastics, within which pigments are embedded as mentioned above. However, it is likewise conceivable that the non-transparent or non-translucent such as coloured layer is a colour print that is printed onto at least one of the other layers of the carrier body. Moreover, the non-transparent or non-translucent such as coloured layer can extend partially or entirely along the transverse direction of the data carrier.

[0070] In another aspect, a method of producing a data carrier, preferably the data carrier as described above, is provided. The method comprises the steps of i) providing a carrier body, and ii) providing at least one semi-finished product as described above and / or as produced in the method as described above. The semi-finished product is at least partially arranged in the carrier body.

[0071] Any statements made with respect to the semi-finished product and the data carrier comprising the semi-finished product preferably likewise apply to the method of producing the data carrier and vice versa.

[0072] In another aspect, a method of personalizing a data carrier is provided. Said methodcomprises the steps of i) providing a data carrier as described above and / or as produced in the as described above, and ii) irradiating electromagnetic radiation onto the data carrier so as to change an appearance of at least part of the metallization, whereby at least one security element is generated.

[0073] Any statements made with respect to the semi-finished product, the data carrier comprising the semi-finished product, and the method of producing the data carrier preferably likewise apply to the method of personalizing the data carrier and vice versa.

[0074] A conceivable example of manufacturing and personalizing a data carrier is given below for illustrative purposes:

[0075] Step 1: providing the metallization on the carrier layer for instance by deposition and arranging a cover layer on the metallization;

[0076] Step 2: laminating the carrier layer and the cover layer to one another with the metallization being arranged in between so as to form a laminate;

[0077] Step 3: Cutting the laminate into a desired shape;

[0078] Step 4: insert the laminate into an aperture or so-called window in the carrier body of a data carrier;

[0079] Step 5: personalizing the data carrier by irradiating electromagnetic radiation onto the metallization so as to generate the security element.

[0080] In another aspect a secure article comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier as described above and / or as produced in the method as described above and / or as personalized in the method as described above is provided.

[0081] Any statements made with respect to the semi-finished product, the data carrier comprising the semi-finished product, the method of producing the data carrier and the method of personalizing the data carrier preferably likewise apply to the secure article and vice versa.

[0082] The secure article preferably is an identity card, a passport, a credit card, a smart card, a driver's license, a data page or the like.

[0083] To this end it is particularly preferred that the secure article is personalized, i.e. that the personalization takes place after the semi-finished product has been introduced into the card body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,

[0085] Fig. 1a shows a photograph of a section of a secure article comprising a semi-finished product according to the invention comprising a metallization before personalization;

[0086] Fig. 1b shows a photograph of the section of the secure article according to figure 1a after personalization, wherein a security element is formed in the metallization; Fig. 2 shows another photograph of a section of a secure article comprising a semifinished product according to the invention comprising a metallization before personalization;

[0087] Fig. 3 shows a photograph of the section according to figure 2 after personalization, wherein a security element is formed in the metallization;

[0088] Fig. 4 shows a schematical sectional view of a semi-finished product according to the invention;

[0089] Fig. 5 shows a schematical sectional view of a data carrier comprising a semi-finished product according to the invention.

[0090] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0091] Figures 1a to 5 illustrate aspects of the invention.

[0092] In particular, figures 1a and 1b show a photograph depicting a section of a secure article in the form of an identity card consisting of a data carrier 100 before personalization (figure 1a) and after personalization (figure 1b), wherein a security element 11 in the form of an image, in particular a portrait has been generated in a metallization 3.

[0093] That is, and as will be discussed in greater detail with reference to figures 4 and 5, the data carrier 100 comprises a carrier body 8, wherein a semi-finished product 1 is at least partially arranged in the carrier body 8. The semi-finished product 1 comprises a carrier layer 2 made of polycarbonate and at least one metallization 3 being arranged on the carrier layer 2 with respect to an extension direction Es of the semi-finished product 1 as well as with respect to an extension direction E of the data carrier 100. Upon irradiation of electromagneticradiation, the metallization 3 changes an appearance and a security element 11 is generated. In the depicted case, the metallization 3 is ablated so as to form the portrait 11. Here, the semi-finished product 1 extends partially along a width of the carrier body 8 and thus partially along a width W of the data carrier 100 when seen along transverse directions T of the data carrier 100 and constitutes a so-called insert element of the carrier body 8. The carrier body 100 comprises an aperture 9, also called window, within which the semifinished product 1 is arranged.

[0094] Figures 2 and 3 depict a data carrier 100 comprising a metallization 3 being arranged on a carrier layer 2 before irradiation of electromagnetic radiation (figure 2) and after irradiation of electromagnetic radiation (figure 3), whereby the irradiation of electromagnetic radiation has produced a security element 1. In In these examples, the carrier layer 2 is a PC layer being coated with a metallization 3 in the form of aluminium. The irradiated electromagnetic radiation corresponds to laser radiation that evaporates the metallization 3 at regions of its impingement. Thereby, a security element 11 in the form of a monochrome photograph, here a portrait, is generated.

[0095] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a conceivable semi-finished product 1 that comprises here a metallization 3 extending entirely along the carrier layer 2 when seen along at least one transverse direction Ts running perpendicularly to the extension direction Es of the semifinished product. Moreover, the metallization 3 is provided as a layer of at least one metal and / or at least one metal oxide and / or at least one metal alloy that is deposited on the carrier layer. In particular, the metallization 3 is directly arranged on a surface 4 of the carrier layer 2 and in immediate surface contact with said surface 4. The semi-finished product 1 further comprises a cover layer 6 consisting of polycarbonate and being arranged before the metallization 3 when seen along the extension direction Es, wherein an adhesive element is arranged between the metallization 3 and the cover layer 6 when seen along the extension direction Es. The carrier layer 2, the metallization 3 and the cover layer 6 form a laminate.

[0096] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a data carrier 100 comprising the the semi-finished product 1 according to figure 4. In fact, the carrier body 8 comprises an aperture 9, also referred to as window, and wherein the semi-finished product 1 is entirely arranged within the aperture 9 and is an insert element of the carrier body 8. That is, the semi-finished product 1 extends partially along a width of the carrier body 8.As furthermore follows from figure 5, the carrier body 8 comprises several layers 10, 10a, ... comprising or consisting of at least one polymer, preferably polycarbonate, and wherein the semi-finished product 1, in particular the carrier layer 2 and the cover layer 6, are laminated to the layers 10, 10e of the carrier body 8.LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0097] 1 semi-finished product

[0098] 2 carrier layer

[0099] 3 metallization

[0100] 4 surface of carrier layer

[0101] 5 adhesive element

[0102] 6 cover layer

[0103] 7 surface of metallization

[0104] 8 carrier body

[0105] 9 aperture

[0106] 10, 10a, ... layers

[0107] 11 security element

[0108] 100 data carrier

[0109] Es extension direction of semi-finished product Ts transverse direction of semi-finished product E extension direction of data carrier

[0110] T transverse direction of data carrier

[0111] W width of data carrier

Claims

CLAIMS1. A semi-finished product (1) for a data carrier (100) for a secure article comprising:- a carrier layer (2); and- at least one metallization (3),wherein the metallization (3) is arranged on the carrier layer (2) with respect to an extension direction (Es) of the semi-finished product (1),wherein the metallization (3) is configured to change an appearance upon irradiation of electromagnetic radiation for producing at least one security element (11), characterized in that the carrier layer (2) comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

2. The semi-finished product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the metallization (3) comprises or consists of at least one metal and / or at least one metal oxide and / or at least one metal alloy, and / orwherein the metallization (3) is at least one of a deposition, a sputtering, an electroplating, a chemical metallization, a spray metallization, a plasma vacuum metallization, a galvanization, ora hybrid metallization.

3. The semi-finished product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metallization (3) extends partially or entirely along the carrier layer (2) when seen along at least one transverse direction (Ts) running perpendicularly to the extension direction (Es) of the semi-finished product, and / orwherein the metallization (3) is provided as a layer or has the shape of an image and / or of an alphanumeric character.

4. The semi-finished product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metallization (3) has an optical density of 0.25 or more and an optical density of 3 or less.

5. The semi-finished product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metallization (3) is directly arranged on a surface (4) of the carrier layer (2), and / or wherein the carrier layer (2) is transparent or translucent.

6. The semi-finished product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising at least one cover layer (6) being arranged before the metallization (3) when seen along the extension direction (Es), andwherein the cover layer (6) comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

7. The semi-finished product (1) according to claim 6, wherein the carrier layer (2), the metallization (3) and the cover layer (6) form a laminate, and / orwherein the cover layer (6) is transparent or translucent.

8. A method of producing a semi-finished product (1), preferably the semi-finished product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:- Providing a carrier layer (2); and- Providing at least one metallization (3),wherein the metallization (3) is arranged, preferably by at least one of deposition sputtering, electroplating, chemical metallization, spray metallization, plasma vacuum metallization, galvanization, or hybrid metallization, on the carrier layer (2) with respect to an extension direction (Es) of the semi-finished product (1),wherein the metallization (3) is configured to change an appearance upon irradiation of electromagnetic radiation for producing at least one security element (11), characterized in that the carrier layer (2) comprises or consists of at least one polycarbonate.

9. A data carrier (100) for a secure article comprising:- a carrier body (8), and- at least one semi-finished product (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 and / or as produced in the method of claim 7, andwherein the semi-finished product (1) is at least partially arranged in the carrier body (8).

10. The data carrier (100) according to claim 9, wherein the semi-finished product (1) extends along an entire width of the carrier body (8) and / or is an inlay element of the carrier body (8), orwherein the semi-finished product (1) extends partially along a width of the carrier body (8) and / or is an insert element of the carrier body (8).

11. The data carrier (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the carrier body (8)comprises at least one aperture (9), andwherein the semi-finished product (1) is at least partially arranged within the aperture (9).

12. The data carrier (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the carrier body (8) comprises one or more layers (10, 10a, ...) comprising or consisting of at least one polymer, preferably a plastics such as a thermoplastics, particularly preferably polycarbonate, and / orwherein the semi-finished product (1), in particular the carrier layer (2) and / or the cover layer (6), is laminated to the carrier body (8), in particular to at least one of its layers (10, 10a, ...).

13. The data carrier (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising at least one background layer being non-transparent or non-translucent, the background layer preferably being configured to render the data carrier (100) at least partially opaque and / or for providing a background for the data carrier (100) that is not transparent or translucent, and / orwherein the carrier body (8) further comprises at least one layer being nontransparent or non-translucent, said layer preferably being arranged in a region of the metallization (3) comprising one or more transparent or translucent regions or apertures, whereby at least a region of said layer becomes visible to an observer through said one or more transparent or translucent regions or apertures of the metallization (3).

14. A method of producing a data carrier (100), preferably the data carrier (100) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, the method comprising the steps of:- providing a carrier body (8), and- providing at least one semi-finished product (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1- 6 and / or as produced in the method of claim 7, andwherein the semi-finished product (1) is at least partially arranged in the carrier body (8).

15. A method of personalizing a data carrier (100) comprising the steps of:providing a data carrier (100) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 and / or as produced in the method according to claim 13; andirradiating electromagnetic radiation onto the data carrier (100) so as to change an appearance of at least part of the metallization (3), whereby at least one security22element (11) is generated.

16. A secure article comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -7 and / or as produced in the method of claim 8 and / or as personalized in the method according to claim 15, the secure article preferably being an identity card, a passport, a credit card, a smart card, a driver's license, a data page or the like.

Images