Control numbers are used for inventory control of secure items and can also be used to relate the variable data on the item to a searchable database. Alpha-numeric strings that can be applied to an item to facilitate track and trace. Control numbers can additionally act as authenticators via special inks: Bleed thru Phosphorescent MICR…
Embossing results in a physical deformation of a printed or unprinted item’s surface to create a tactile effect as well as an observable image visible under an oblique angle.
The process of removing material from a solid surface by irradiating it with a laser beam. At low laser flux, the material is heated by the absorbed laser energy and evaporates or sublimates. In printed documents, this results in an image, number or code being created by burning the ink from a solid inked area,…
A process for blackening special plastic layers by heating them with a laser. Laser engraving is the inscribing of information into a substrate, such as a plastic card by means of burning the substrate with, for instance, a CO2 or Nd-Yag laser beam (laser ablation). Laser engraving allows the personalization of the plastic card. Matrix…
Combination of a lens structure integrated to the surface of the document with elements engraved or printed into a bottom layer. Multiple images can be observed depending on the viewing angle. MLI effects tilt top to bottom with horizontal lenses. CLI effects tilt side to side with vertical prism lenses. Below photo illustrates the MLI/CLI…
Multiple occurrences of the same image or information on a document to complicate alterations. Further repetition of the same information can lead to data errors.
A unique number (either numeric or alpha-numeric) that provides for the accounting of a document. These can be in a printed code such as QR, PDF417 or other codes.
An image that has been embossed, debossed, or stamped into a surface of a substrate but has not been printed or foil stamped. Creates a raised impression used as an authenticator.
A security ink containing dyes designed to penetrate the substrate (usually paper) so that any attempt at mechanical erasure will cause visible damage to the document. These inks are very difficult to remove from a document without causing damage. They are commonly used to prevent forgers from manipulating data on a document. The inks are…
These inks contain a security agent that is sensitive to chemicals commonly used to alter documents, e.g., polar and non-polar solvents and bleach. Any attempted chemical attack will cause sensitized surfaces to run, bleed, stain, reveal hidden text, change color or even disappear, indicating tampering.
