High Security OVD’s and Micro Lenses: Prototyping, Origination, Recombination and Large-Format Nickel Shims for Banknotes, Passports, and ID Cards
3D AG has designed and originated over 80 authentication features for banknotes and identification applications. Founded in 1989, just after the first hologram was applied onto banknotes in 1988, we’ve been at the forefront of major industry transformations. From developing effects for Optical Variable Devices (OVDs) and Diffractive Optically Variable Image Devices (DOVIDs) to introducing demetallized security threads and new color shifts, we’ve had a hand in revolutionizing the sector. We’ve also been integral to the introduction of micro-lenses and micro-optics for banknotes.
The banknote industry continuously evolves, driving the creation of new, more competitive security features. Holograms or OVDs increasingly integrate with other visible and invisible features, finding application in polymer, hybrid, and paper banknotes. The surge in polymer banknote usage is particularly intriguing: their security features, especially micro-optics, are more intricate to produce, yet simpler for the layman to recognize. Moreover, polymer notes offer environmental benefits, being long-lasting, waterproof, and cleaner. From OVDs to micro lenses, 3D AG possesses the expertise to design, originate, and integrate security features for banknotes, passports, and ID cards.
Origination of DOVID & OVD Security Features for Banknotes, Passports, and ID Cards
DOVIDs for high-security applications require ongoing development to ensure robust protection against counterfeiting, safeguarding economies and global transportation. At 3D AG, we specialize in designing and originating holograms for your banknotes and identification authentication features. Our design team has extensive experience in crafting graphics that represent and resonate with the originating country, lending a professional image to its economy. We are adept at designing features according to specific requirements, be it for transparent passport overlays, banknote threads, patches, demetallization, windows, or other elements. As an experienced supplier and partner for your tender process, we provide comprehensive support during all tender phases, offering a range of design options, sample prices, and multiple iterations of originations.
What sets us apart is our ability to deliver within remarkably short lead times, provide immediate feedback responses, and offer rapid iteration support. While we boast a vast collection of effects, each DOVID origination we undertake uniquely showcases these effects, elegantly integrating them into various graphical elements. Having produced over 80 security features for countries worldwide, 3D AG possesses a deep understanding of what is visually compelling and effective as a public recognition feature. Moreover, our technical skills enable us to deliver superior quality and perfection, aligning with the demanding standards of today.
Micro & Nanofabrication of Diffractive Gratings, Micro Lenses, and Meta Structures:
Co-Development of New Structures, Ideas and Concepts
Leveraging our experience in holographic origination and our expertise in fabricating and processing functional micro and nanostructures, we stand as your ideal partner for co-development projects, helping transition your concept into application. Whether it’s micro lenses or meta structures, our team is equipped to turn your ideas into reality. Prototyping and small-scale fabrication serve as the initial steps to visualize and test concepts. Through multiple iterations, optical and visual aspects can be examined, validated, and optimized for large-scale production.
WHY 3D AG?
From holograms to micro lenses or meta surfaces – from nano to micro – from graphic proposals and prototypes for tenders, to large-format nickel shims for high-speed print runs – 3D AG has the experience and collaborative spirit representing an ideal partner to support your developments in banknote, passport and ID card applications, strengthening your market position from the back.
Step-and-Repeat Upscaling: Recombination According to Precise Layout with Register Marks, Running Lines and Welding to Sleeves
We specialize in step-and-repeat upscaling, offering precise layout capabilities for holograms, achromatic features, micro lenses, and more. Our in-house technologies encompass a range of processes, including thermal recombination and UV photo polymerization. One of our latest innovations, H.U.G.O. (High-precision UV Generation One), enables us to recombine structures from the nano to high micro range with exceptional alignment accuracy of approximately 5 um. This technology is specifically optimized for demanding micro-optics that require low tolerance for rotational skew.
Our advanced capabilities allow us to handle complex layouts with multiple different features, ensuring accurate print runs at mass production levels. We can align two distinct layouts to each other, opening up possibilities for manufacturing intricate processes at high speeds. Register marks and running lines can be seamlessly integrated into the layout, either in-line or through a secondary production step, depending on the desired machine readability requirements (matt, reflective, etc.).
In addition to meeting stringent security standards and offering short lead times, 3D AG takes pride in providing end-to-end production processes in a high-security environment. From the initial graphic proposal to the final mass production embossing tool, we offer a comprehensive one-stop-shop solution. This approach guarantees precise alignment, ensures higher quality, and facilitates smoother communication throughout the production cycle.
Micro Lenses (MLA) for Micro-Optics in Paper, Polymer or Hybrid Banknotes
With our extensive experience in functional surfaces, display technology, Fresnel applications, biomimetics, and solar manufacturing, 3D AG is the perfect partner for micro-optics projects involving paper, polymer, or hybrid banknotes. We specialize in different mastering technologies for engineering and fabricating lenses, recognizing the critical importance of precise lens specifications in optics.
To ensure optimal functionality and visual effects, it is crucial to consider the entire production line during manufacturing. Factors such as shrinkage can impact the lens, potentially affecting its overall performance. To address this, we employ rapid prototyping cycles accompanied by precise measurements, allowing us to pre-compensate and engineer the micro-lens arrays (MLAs) to seamlessly integrate into the production chain. Our in-house Direct Write Lithography (DWL) technology enables us to originate lenses and produce electroformed nickel shims for efficient lens transfer onto rigid tools. Leveraging step-and-repeat technology, we can accurately recombine the lenses into a precise layout. Furthermore, our cropping technique empowers us to extract any desired shapes from the master lens, offering endless possibilities for creative designs.
Diffractive Gratings for Precious Metals and Coins
With our expertise in custom designing and originating high-security holographic features, 3D AG is your trusted partner for creating unique and secure elements for precious metals coins, blanks, and bullion bars, as well as their packaging. Our services cater to banks, financial institutions, governments, and state mints worldwide.
When it comes to precious metals and coins, selecting the right effects is crucial to achieve visually striking results. We carefully choose the appropriate effects that will enhance the aesthetics and security of these valuable items. Once the origination process is complete, the diffractive gratings are transferred to nickel through the electroforming technique, ensuring durability and precision.
Additionally, we specialize in manufacturing thin metal plates known as “chips.” These chips can be seamlessly inserted into machinery, including minting presses and oil-hydraulic presses, facilitating the embossing process onto precious metals or coins with accuracy and efficiency. Our innovative solutions ensure the production of high-quality, visually appealing, and secure products.
