Security Ink Composition with UV-Visible Laser Engraving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements in identification documents and commodities lack a robust, easy-to-manufacture, and cost-effective solution that provides high security against forgery, especially those visible in both visible light and ultraviolet light ranges, and require complex equipment for verification.
Innovation Solution
A multicolour ink formulation composition that includes at least one colourant absorbing radiation in the ultraviolet light range and another colourant absorbing in the visible light range, with the ability to alter spectral characteristics under laser discolouration, allowing for a single-step laser engraving process to create a multicolour picture visible in both light ranges, enhancing security and personalization without needing expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate security features are used to enhance security against forgery, then security level is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security features into a single integrated security element. The ink composition includes first colourants that absorb UV radiation and emit visible light, and second colourants that absorb visible light, creating a multi-functional security feature that provides both UV and visible light security characteristics in one element, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high security level
Solution Approach 2:
The security element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides security features visible in UV light range, visible light range, and exhibits laser discolouration characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single security element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate security features, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If complex verification equipment is used to detect security features, then detection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs colourants that exhibit different absorption and emission characteristics at different wavelengths. The first colourants absorb UV radiation and emit visible light, while second colourants absorb visible light. This creates a security element that can be verified using simple visual inspection under different lighting conditions (UV light, visible light), eliminating the need for complex verification equipment while maintaining high detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The security element inherently provides its own verification characteristics through its multi-wavelength absorption and emission properties. The laser discolouration feature also serves as a self-verification mechanism where the element itself undergoes a visible change when exposed to laser radiation, providing authentication without requiring external complex devices
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple colourants with different absorption ranges are combined in a single ink formulation, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation containing both first colourants (absorbing UV radiation) and second colourants (absorbing visible light). This composite material approach allows multiple security functions to be achieved in a single printing process, simplifying manufacturing. The spectral characteristics are controlled through the selection and proportioning of colourants, achieving precision through material composition rather than complex manufacturing 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 provides a highly secure and personalized security element that is easy to manufacture and verify, offering a high degree of security and authenticity confirmation without requiring specialized equipment, while allowing for further personalization and protection through additional layers like lamination or lacquering.
Implementation Method 1
the first colourant (Buv) is a colourant which absorbs light in the ultraviolet light range (λ UV ) and which emits light in the visible light range with a first wavelength (λ UV-VIS )
Implementation Method 2
the second colourant is capable of absorbing radiation in a second absorption range (Δλ VIS ) located in the visible light range (B VIS )
Implementation Method 3
the at least one second colourant which absorbs light in the visible light range (B VIS ) is capable of laser discolouration which alters spectral characteristics of the second colourant (B VIS ) in a wavelength range of absorbed visible light (λ VISa ) from an initial value (λ VISa' ) to a final value (λ VISa" )
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ink formulation composition for printing a multicolour picture in security elements applied on a substrate, visible both in the visible spectrum (VIS) wavelengths and in the ultraviolet light (UV) wavelengths, comprising at least one (p≥1) first colourant and at least one (q≥1) second colourant different from the first colourant, wherein the first colourant is capable of absorbing radiation in a first absorption range, the first absorption range (ΔλUV) being located in the ultraviolet light range (BUV), and the second colourant is capable of absorbing radiation in a second absorption range (ΔXVIS) located in the visible light range (BVIS), wherein the first colourant (BUV) is a colourant which absorbs light in the ultraviolet light range (λUV) and emits light in the visible light range with a first wavelength (λUV-VIS) located in the said second absorption range (ΔXVIS) of the second colourant, which absorbs light in the visible light range (BVIS) with a second wavelength (λVISa), wherein the at least one second colourant which absorbs light in the visible light range (BVIS) is capable of laser discolouration which alters spectral characteristics of the second colourant (BVIS) in a wavelength range of absorbed visible light (λVISa) from an initial value (λVISa') to a final value (λVISa") located in the second absorption range (ΔλVIS) to provide an engraved multicolour picture in the security element applied onto the substrate. The present invention provides also a process for the preparation of a system including the security element on the substrate, as well as the system as such designed to be used as a security or identification feature of the object marked with the system. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of authentication of the object provided with the system to be used as a security or identification feature.