Security Hologram Technologies
Let's start with holographic matrices. A matrix is the "master" with a holographic pattern used for printing a run of holograms. Matrices can be standard or custom (individual).
Custom Matrix is a matrix where all the primary information about the company or product (name, logo, slogan, etc.) is created exclusively by holographic means. Such a matrix contains all possible security levels and is maximum protected against potential counterfeiting.
Custom Matrices
Security features of custom matrices: Our company applies several levels of protection in our matrices. Currently, the two most effective specialized methods are hidden images and micro-texts.
A hidden image is a matrix element containing symbolic graphic information that can only be read using a special device (e.g., DORS25). Hidden image zones can be placed anywhere on the holographic matrix and are the most effective means of expert identification that a client can perform independently.
The second most important security element is micro-text. The presence of micro-texts with a height of 10 microns or more also allows for the verification of the hologram's authenticity.
Hidden Images
Standard matrix. As mentioned, manufacturing a custom matrix is complex and, consequently, expensive. If ordering your own "master" is not cost-effective for several reasons, you can use ready-made (standard) matrices. A standard matrix usually contains an abstract holographic background over which personalization is applied by non-holographic means. Personalization is the application of a company logo or name onto the holographic background.
Standard Matrices
Types of standard hologram personalization:
Hot foil stamping is a personalization method where a design is applied to a standard holographic background using stamping dies and special colored foil. Available colors include: red, blue, dark blue, green, black, "gold," and "silver." It is also possible to apply two-color images (using two dies). Visually, the hologram appears high-contrast. The resolution of the smallest image element achievable with this method is approximately 0.8 mm.
Hot Foil Stamping
Laser application (demetallization) is a personalization process where a high-power laser beam "burns" the required design onto a standard background. Only the aluminized coating of the hologram is removed; if the hologram is made on a Lavsan (PET) base, the burned area becomes transparent. In this case, the color of the design will be determined by the color of the surface the hologram is applied to. If cellulose is used as a substrate, the application color will appear "white." The minimum element size limit is up to 0.2 mm.
Laser Application
Types of holographic materials:
Depending on the intended application, our company offers several types of holographic materials. The classification is based on the type of destruction when attempting to peel it off and the possibility of automatic application to products.
"PET 36 µm" – a holographic material with a selective type of destruction (tamper-evident). It is a sufficiently "thick" material for convenient manual and semi-automatic application. When an attempt is made to peel it off, part of the hologram remains on the PET base in a checkerboard pattern, while the other part remains on the surface. This is the most popular material for holograms, suitable for most cases. It is used for labeling but is less effective for tamper-evident sealing.
Selective Destruction
"Thin PET" – a holographic material with a total destruction pattern. It is used when maximum protection against re-application is required. When attempting to remove it, only the top transparent layer of the hologram peels off. The hologram is thinner than standard ones, which precludes automatic and semi-automatic application and slightly complicates the process of removing the holograms from the paper backing (during manual application). Nevertheless, holograms on thin PET are used quite frequently.
Total Destruction
PET (both thin and 36 µm) provides the maximum clarity of the holographic pattern and is recommended for developing complex holographic designs using the highest security levels.
"Foam Seal" – a holographic material based on multi-layered, foamed cellulose. It is designed for tamper-evident functions. It is ideal for sealing any surfaces because its tensile strength is much lower than the adhesion force of the hologram to the application surface. It is perfectly suited for automatic hologram application systems (applicators) due to its thicker base.
Tamper Evident Control
The most commonly used option for "Foam Seal" material is a standard matrix with color foil personalization.
"Paper" – a holographic material based on single-layer foamed cellulose. It is a non-destructive material (it does not break when attempting to peel it off).
The main advantage is that it combines the possibility of automatic application ("thick" material) with a fairly clear holographic pattern. Another plus is its slightly lower cost.
Numbering – application of a unique, sequential number to each hologram. Numbering can be inkjet (up to 9 digits) or laser (based on the laser demetallization principle). The numbering text can include digits and letters from both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.
Hologram Delivery Format – Our company supplies security holograms exclusively in the form of self-adhesive labels. The labels are applied to siliconized release liner for easy removal and are supplied in sheets or rolls. The internal core diameter of the rolls is 3 inches. The holograms are fully ready for manual or automatic application to products or documents.