Structured Metallic Sheet Deposition for 3D Authentication Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin film metallic sheets are limited to two-dimensional representations and are susceptible to fraudulent marking due to non-intrinsic printing processes, lacking three-dimensional relief images and authenticity assurance.
Innovation Solution
A method to create three-dimensional relief images on thin film metallic sheets by patterning a structured substrate with cavities and outward extending material objects, followed by depositing a metal layer that interfaces with these features, forming a proprietary sheet with artistic, textual, or authentication images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional printing processes are used on thin film metallic sheets, then images can be added to the sheet, but the sheet remains susceptible to fraudulent marking and lacks authenticity assurance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image creation process with the metal deposition process itself. The structured substrate with cavities and protrusions is deposited along with the metal layer in a single vacuum deposition process, making the image an intrinsic part of the metallic film rather than a separate printing layer. This merging eliminates the vulnerability to fraudulent marking while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is pre-structured with cavities and protrusions before metal deposition. This preliminary structuring allows the metal layer to naturally form the desired image when deposited over the structured substrate, eliminating the need for subsequent printing or marking operations and ensuring authenticity from the outset.
2Shape
If conventional flat thin film sheets are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the images are limited to two-dimensional representations without three-dimensional relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat images to three-dimensional relief images by introducing substrate structures with varying heights (cavities and protrusions). When metal is deposited over this structured substrate, the resulting image has genuine three-dimensional relief that can be viewed from multiple angles, adding artistic potential and security features.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured substrate acts as an intermediary between the deposition process and the final image. The cavities and protrusions on the substrate surface serve as a template that guides metal deposition, allowing complex three-dimensional images to be created through a relatively simple deposition process without requiring complex post-processing.
3Reliability
If separate printing processes are used after deposition, then images can be added, but the printing is not intrinsic to the metallic film allowing fraudulent marking
Solution Approach 1:
The image creation and metal deposition are merged into a single vacuum deposition process. The structured substrate is placed in the deposition chamber, and metal is deposited directly onto it, forming the image and the metallic film simultaneously in one continuous operation, maintaining high productivity while ensuring authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is pre-prepared with the desired structural pattern before deposition. This preliminary action ensures that when metal is deposited, the image forms automatically as part of the metallic film structure, eliminating the need for separate printing operations and preventing fraudulent marking while maintaining manufacturing 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
The resulting sheet provides enhanced artistic potential, authenticity, and functionality, making it difficult to counterfeit and suitable for uses such as exonumia or currency, with images visible from both sides.
Implementation Method 1
The metal layer is preferably deposited by sputtering, although other methods of deposition can also be utilized
Implementation Method 2
The metal layer is preferably deposited by sputtering
Data Source
AI summary
A metallic sheet with deposited structured images and method for manufacture (MSDIMM) that includes a substrate, at least one structural feature, and a metal layer. The structural feature is at least one cavity on the substrate's upper surface, or at least one material object that extends outward from the substrate's upper surface. The metal layer is deposited, either by sputtering or at˜rnic deposition, onto the substrate's upper surface, and, as the metal layer is deposited, the metal layer interfaces with and follows the dimensions of the structural feature(s), thereby creating a visible image at the location(s) of the structural feature(s). The visible image can be any image, and is preferably either an artistic image, a textual image, or an authentication image. The MDSIMM can be used for a variety of purposes, and is especially effective as a form of exonurnia or currency.