Optical Security Element Film Stack Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing optical security elements in documents of value, such as banknotes and credit cards, require complex and costly thermal vapor deposition processes that can damage film layers and result in inefficiencies and rejects, especially when trying to create fine structures and ensure authenticity verification.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a film stack with two transparent films and a silver color or structural layer between them, which creates a three-dimensional optical effect without the need for metallic vapor deposition, allowing for simpler production and integration of optical security elements like holograms using conventional lamination and printing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal vapor deposition is used to apply a metal layer, then an optical security element with reflective properties can be produced, but the process requires great technical effort and can damage film layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the thermal vapor deposition step from the production process. Instead of applying metal layers through complex thermal vapor deposition, the invention uses pre-printed metallic inks directly onto the substrate, thereby removing the harmful thermal process while maintaining the optical security element's reflective properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal vapor deposition system with a printing system. Instead of using thermal energy to deposit metal layers, the invention uses mechanical printing processes to apply metallic inks, substituting a complex thermal-mechanical system with a simpler mechanical printing system
2Reliability
If thermal vapor deposition is used to apply a metal layer, then a reflective optical security element can be created, but other film layers can be damaged by the thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal effects into a benefit by eliminating the thermal vapor deposition process entirely. The invention uses cold printing processes that not only avoid damaging film layers but also enable the use of multiple color layers and complex patterns that would be difficult or impossible to create with thermal deposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and complex thermal vapor deposition equipment with simpler, more affordable printing systems. The metallic inks used in the printing process are consumable materials that can be easily replaced, unlike the complex vacuum deposition equipment that requires maintenance and specialized operation
3Reliability
If a separate metal layer is applied in a separate method step, then an optical security element can be produced, but production efficiency is reduced and rejects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metal layer application with the existing printing process. Instead of applying metal layers in a separate vapor deposition step, the invention incorporates metallic inks into the printing process, allowing multiple layers including metallic layers to be applied in a single integrated printing operation, thereby improving production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the printing system universal by enabling it to produce both non-metallic and metallic layers in the same process. The printing system can apply various types of inks including metallic, pigment, and varnish layers, eliminating the need for separate specialized deposition equipment and improving overall production efficiency
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 simplifies the production of high-brilliance optical security elements with improved lamination stability, enabling the creation of fine patterns and enhanced authenticity verification without damaging existing production methods, thus reducing rejects and increasing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a structural layer and a silver color which are applied to two transparent films or between two transparent films in such a way that, in interaction with the two transparent films, the optical security element has a three-dimensional optical impression when viewed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing an optical security element in a value document, to a corresponding device for adjusting an optical security element, and to the value document itself. According to the invention, a method is proposed which allows a known optical security element to be provided in a particularly simple technical manner without having to steam embossed structures. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product with control commands which carry out the method or operate the proposed device.