Data Carrier Laser Marking with Optically Variable Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data carriers with optically variable properties require a contrasting background for visibility, and laser marking technologies face challenges with light permeability and alteration of these properties, leading to inconsistent visibility and marking quality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer data carrier design featuring a transparent optically variable layer with a non-laser-markable transparent layer in between, allowing laser-markable markings to be applied from one side without passing through the optically variable layer, creating a contrasting background for visibility from the other side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a layer with optically variable properties is used for security features, then the security feature provides different optical impressions depending on observation angle, but the layer requires a contrasting background for visibility and absorbs laser radiation which may alter its properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the document structure into distinct layers: an optically variable layer (OVL) containing security features, a separate laser-markable layer for markings, and a contrasting background layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others - the OVL maintains its optically variable properties while the laser marking is applied to a different layer that does not absorb laser radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contrasting background layer as an intermediary element between the optically variable layer and the observation side. This background layer provides the necessary contrast for visibility without being affected by laser radiation, thereby protecting the OVL from harmful laser effects while ensuring proper visual presentation of security features.
2Ease of manufacture
If laser marking is performed through the optically variable layer, then markings can be applied, but the optically variable properties may be altered and visibility of markings underneath is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the laser marking function from the optically variable layer by placing markings on a different layer. This allows laser marking to be performed without exposing the OVL to laser radiation, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision of the optically variable effect while still enabling easy laser marking capability on the document.
3Illumination intensity
If a contrasting background layer is added to improve visibility of optically variable properties, then security features become more visible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contrasting background layer serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary contrast for visibility of optically variable security features, protects the OVL from laser radiation damage, and serves as a structural base layer. By combining multiple functions into a single layer, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining improved visibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables visible laser markings from both sides without altering the optically variable properties, providing a consistent and contrasting background for enhanced security features without the need for additional contrasting layers.
Implementation Method 1
materials with optically variable properties are often used, which give different optical impressions (related to e.g. changes in colour or its shades) depending on the angle at which the material is perceived. Such materials include, among others, iridescent or interference dyes and pigments
Implementation Method 2
A known technical problem with the use of a liquid crystal layer with optically variable properties
Implementation Method 3
laser marking is usually carried out after the individual layers have been joined by lamination, with the laser beams passing through the individual layers of the carrier reaching the layer susceptible to laser marking
Implementation Method 4
between the coating with optically variable properties and the laser-markable layer is at least one transparent layer that is non-laser-markable
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is a data carrier comprising a layer at least partially coated with a layer of material with optically variable properties, the layer of material with optically variable properties being transparent, wherein at least part of the area coated with the material with optically variable properties (401) is transparent, wherein the carrier further comprises an at least partially transparent laser-markable layer (104) wherein markings capable of being made with a laser can be applied, such that the markings after being applied will be visible from both sides of the carrier, wherein the laser-markable layer (104) is located so that the laser-made marking (501) after application thereof will partially obscure the visibility of the coating with optically variable properties (401) from one side (601) of the carrier, and from the other side (602) of the carrier it will provide a contrasting background for the coating with optically variable properties (401), therefore providing the marking (501), seen from the laser-unmarked side (602) of the carrier, with optically variable properties. The invention further relates to a method of production of the multi-layered data carrier according to the invention.