Security Feature Production on Portable Data Carrier Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing security features on portable data carriers cannot create a three-dimensional optical effect, limiting their security and personalization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of at least one dye printed on the outermost film of a data carrier, which penetrates into the carrier during lamination, combined with another dye that remains on the surface and optionally a third dye with varying penetration depth and speed, to create a three-dimensional optical effect with precise register accuracy and adjustable contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a color is applied to the surface of the data carrier using known methods, then personalization is achieved, but a three-dimensional optical effect cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the dye during lamination by controlling temperature, pressure, and time to achieve selective penetration depths. This allows the same dye to produce different optical effects (surface vs. depth penetration) based on parameter adjustment, resolving the contradiction between security effectiveness and optical effect versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface printing to three-dimensional depth-based color placement within the card structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension (penetration depth into the plastic substrate), the process creates optical effects that vary with viewing angle and lighting, enhancing both security and visual versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dyes are used to create complex patterns, then design versatility improves, but register accuracy between dyes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by applying all required dyes to the film surface before lamination in a single printing step. The subsequent lamination process then simultaneously controls the penetration of each dye according to its specific properties and the applied parameters, ensuring perfect register accuracy (100%) while allowing complex multi-color patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by giving each dye different penetration characteristics (some penetrate deeply, others remain on surface) while using the same lamination process. This local differentiation in dye behavior allows complex patterns with varying optical effects without compromising register accuracy
3Reliability
If dye penetration depth is increased for security features, then three-dimensional effect improves, but control over color distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses parameter changes (temperature, pressure, time during lamination) to precisely control dye penetration depth. By adjusting these parameters, the process can achieve desired security depths while maintaining excellent control over color distribution and preventing unwanted diffusion or bleeding
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 generates a security feature with a 100% register accuracy and gradient-dependent color variations, enabling the creation of complex patterns and designs with enhanced security and visual effects, such as different colors visible from the front and back under various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first dye is evaporated and penetrates into the data carrier
Implementation Method 2
the first dye penetrates into the data carrier
Implementation Method 3
by subsequently laminating the outermost film with at least one other film to produce the data carrier, the first dye is evaporated and penetrates into the data carrier
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for producing a security feature (12) on a portable data carrier (2), wherein the security feature (12) has a three-dimensional optical effect when viewed, characterized in that first at least one first dye is printed on at least one outermost film (6, 8) of the data carrier (2) to be produced, wherein by subsequent lamination of the outermost film (6, 8) with at least one further film (4) to produce the data carrier (2), the first dye is evaporated and penetrates the data carrier (2) and thus forms the security feature (12) with a three-dimensional optical effect.