Intaglio Ink Composition for Multi-Characteristic Security Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intaglio printing technologies face challenges in predicting and controlling the multi-characteristic properties of intaglio features, particularly in producing secure documents with machine-readable properties and distinct color shades, due to ink contamination and register issues during the printing process.
Innovation Solution
An intaglio ink composition comprising a combination of small particles (0.1-40% by weight) with machine-readable properties and larger particles (0.1-40% by weight) is used, along with an intaglio plate featuring furrow elements of varying depths, allowing for selective wiping and precise control of ink distribution, resulting in multi-characteristic security features with distinct CIE color index parameters and machine-readable properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional intaglio printing uses selective inking cylinders with multiple colors, then multi-shade features can be produced, but ink contamination and register issues occur during the printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The ink composition is segmented into distinct particle size ranges (first particles: 0.1-10 μm, second particles: 10-50 μm) that can be selectively retained or removed during the wiping process, allowing different particle sizes to remain in different furrow depths and create multi-shade effects without requiring multiple ink colors
Solution Approach 2:
Different particle size distributions are created in different regions of the printed feature by varying the wiping pressure and furrow depth, resulting in local variations in optical properties (light scattering, absorption) that produce multi-shade effects without ink contamination
2Shape
If intaglio plates use deep recesses to produce high relief features, then embossing effect is enhanced, but manufacturing precision and control of ink distribution become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of particle size distribution in the ink composition to control ink distribution across different furrow depths. Larger particles (10-50 μm) are selectively retained in deeper furrows while smaller particles (0.1-10 μm) remain in shallower furrows, providing predictable ink distribution control that enables precise manufacturing of high relief features with consistent embossing effects
3Device complexity
If intaglio ink uses a single particle size, then the printing process is simpler, but the ability to produce multi-characteristic security features with distinct color shades is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ink composition uses a composite of particles with different size ranges (first particles: 0.1-10 μm, second particles: 10-50 μm) that exhibit different optical properties. This composite material approach enables the production of multi-characteristic security features with distinct color shades and light scattering properties while maintaining a relatively simple single-ink printing process
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
This approach enables the production of intaglio security features with predictable and tunable multi-characteristic properties, such as varying shades and machine-readable properties within small areas, enhancing the security and authenticity of documents like banknotes and identity cards.
Implementation Method 1
An intaglio ink composition comprising a first component A) selected from the group consisting of one or more dyes and/or small particles and a second component B) selected from the group of larger particles than the particles of the first component
Implementation Method 2
the inked intaglio plate is brought into contact with a substrate, e.g. a paper, a composite or a plastic material in sheet form or web form, and the ink is transferred under pressure from the engravings of the intaglio printing plate onto the substrate to be printed forming a thick printing pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to an intaglio ink composition comprising a first component A) and a second component B), wherein the first component A) is selected from the group consisting of i) about 0.1% to about 40 % by weight of a plurality of first particles having a modal particle diameter between about 1 nm and about 3 μm, said plurality of first particles may be a material having machine readable properties, preferably selected from the group consisting of magnetic properties, UV- or IR-absorbing properties, optically variable properties, light polarization properties, electro-conductive properties, luminescent properties and combinations thereof, ii) about 1% to about 20% by weight of one or more dyes, said one or more dyes may be a material having machine readable properties preferably selected from the group consisting of IR-absorbing properties, luminescent properties and combinations thereof, and iii) combinations thereof, and the second component B) is about 0.1% to about 40% by weight of a plurality of second particles having a modal particle diameter between about 6 μm and about 25 μm, said plurality of second particles may be a material having machine readable properties preferably selected from the group consisting of magnetic properties, UV- or IR-absorbing properties, optically variable properties, light polarization properties, electro-conductive properties and luminescent properties and combinations thereof, wherein the first component A) and the second component B) exhibit at least one different characteristic, said characteristic being selected from the group consisting of the CIE (1976) color index parameters, machine readable properties, and a combination thereof, the % by weight being based on the total weight of the intaglio ink composition.