Intaglio Security Element with Optically Variable Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security features in documents, particularly banknotes, are vulnerable to forgery and simple copying due to lack of advanced protection mechanisms, especially in intaglio structures that are not produced as blind embossings with ink application over elevations.
Innovation Solution
A security element is created using a gravure printing method that incorporates three-dimensional intaglio structures with raised image elements of different colors and ink film thicknesses, arranged to form an optically variable structure that changes with viewing angles, enhancing protection against forgery by ensuring exact register between ink and embossing patterns and allowing proof of authenticity through ink abrasion on a differently colored surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security features are used in documents, then production is simple and cost-effective, but the security protection against forgery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The printing process is segmented into multiple specialized units: a gravure printing unit for creating intaglio structures with raised image elements, an intaglio printing unit for applying printing ink to these elevations, and a drying unit. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The security feature combines multiple material layers and printing techniques: the gravure unit creates relief structures on the substrate, the intaglio unit applies ink to these relief structures, and the combination produces a composite security feature with both tactile embossing and colorimetric properties that are difficult to replicate.
2Measurement precision
If simple copying methods are used, then reproduction is easy and quick, but the authenticity verification is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature utilizes colorimetric properties where the intaglio printing unit applies printing ink of specific colors to the raised image elements created by the gravure unit. The interaction between the relief structure and the applied ink creates optical effects and color variations that change with viewing角度, providing a verification mechanism that is easy to check but difficult to replicate.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravure printing unit creates three-dimensional raised image elements (intaglio structures) on the substrate surface, adding a tactile dimension to the security feature. This 3D structure, when combined with the 2D colorimetric ink application, creates a multi-dimensional security feature that cannot be reproduced by flat copying methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution intaglio structures with multiple colors are produced, then forgery protection is enhanced, but the printing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gravure printing unit and intaglio printing unit are merged into a coordinated printing system where the gravure unit first creates the raised image elements and the intaglio unit immediately follows to apply ink to these same elements. This merging ensures exact register between the relief structure and the color application, achieving high resolution without requiring separate alignment processes.
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
The solution significantly enhances protection against forgery by creating high-resolution, optically variable security features that provide a multicolor intaglio pattern with varying ink intensity and shading, making it difficult to replicate, and allows for authentication through ink abrasion, thereby increasing the security of documents like banknotes.
Implementation Method 1
substrate that is still unprinted or already printed according to another printing method can be fed and can be printed at a printing nip by a forme cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The forme cylinder, on its circumference, has an image-producing pattern of recesses, of which some first recesses are inked by an inking unit with intaglio printing ink of a first color, and by which the substrate, when passing through the printing nip, is provided with raised first image elements, which contain intaglio printing ink of the first color in the area of the upper side
Implementation Method 3
first recesses on the forme cylinder can be inked by an inking unit with a first intaglio printing ink, wherein the inking unit includes a relief inking cylinder, via which first recesses on the forme cylinder can be indirectly or directly inked with the first intaglio printing ink
Implementation Method 4
arranged offset and spaced apart from one another such that they form an optically variable structure
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a security element includes a substrate that, on one of its sides, includes at least one security feature extending over a first area, the security feature being configured in the form of a three-dimensional intaglio structure. A first ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of first raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of the first color, and at least one second ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of a second color that differs from the first color, and these are provided and arranged offset and spaced apart from one another such that they form an optically variable structure and/or at least some of the mutually adjacent image elements, which differ from one another in the color, occlude and/or expose one another to varying degrees from a varying viewing angles.