Intaglio Printed Micro-Optical Structures for Security Documents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing multilayer bodies with micro-optical structures are complex and costly, requiring precise alignment of multiple components, which increases the effort and cost of producing security documents with high security features like OVDs and pictorial representations.
Innovation Solution
A method using intaglio printing to apply micro-optical structures, such as micro lens arrays or blaze grids, in register with image and effect areas, allowing for simultaneous application and reproduction in large numbers without the need for precise alignment of individual components, and enabling the use of different printing inks and optical lacquers to enhance optical effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple micro-optical structures and image areas are applied separately requiring precise alignment, then high security features with precise register are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple micro-optical structures (microlens arrays, cylinder lens arrays, prism arrays) and image areas into a single integrated security element that can be applied as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment operations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise register through the inherent integration of all components in a single structure.
2Reliability
If micro-optical structures are transferred into films and then onto documents, then the structures are protected, but the transfer process introduces additional complexity and potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the micro-optical structures directly into the security element during its initial formation, rather than transferring them later. This preliminary integration ensures the structures are protected from the outset and eliminates subsequent transfer operations that would add complexity and risk of misalignment.
3Productivity
If intaglio printing is used to apply micro-optical structures simultaneously with image areas, then the register precision is maintained and productivity increases, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intaglio printing press that serves multiple functions: it applies the security element, transfers the optical lacquer, and forms the micro-optical structures all in a single operation. This multi-functional approach increases productivity by eliminating sequential processes, while the inherent precision of intaglio printing maintains register accuracy despite the increased process integration.
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 method significantly reduces the effort required for alignment, increases security against forgery by ensuring precise register of micro-optical structures with other security features, and allows for the production of multilayer bodies with high-security features that are difficult to replicate, while avoiding the issues of transferring micro-optical structures into films and then onto documents.
Implementation Method 1
an optical lacquer and printing inks are transferred by means of an intaglio printing plate
Implementation Method 2
viewed through microlenses which are arranged on the other side of the plastic substrate... one or more enlarged versions of the microimages are produced
Implementation Method 3
a reflective layer, at least part of the reflective layer being visible from a first side of the film through the transparent or translucent layer
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method is described for producing a multilayer body with a first layer formed from micro-optical structures, which at least partially covers one or more further layers that have image areas and/or effect areas that produce an optical effect, wherein the micro-optical structures are arranged in register to the image areas and/or effect areas. The micro-optical structures (6a, 6b) as well as the image areas and/or effect areas are applied by intaglio printing. Furthermore, a multilayer body produced by this method and a security document containing said multilayer body are described.