EP1583871B1 - Security film and method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Security film and method for the production thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1583871B1
EP1583871B1 EP03812166A EP03812166A EP1583871B1 EP 1583871 B1 EP1583871 B1 EP 1583871B1 EP 03812166 A EP03812166 A EP 03812166A EP 03812166 A EP03812166 A EP 03812166A EP 1583871 B1 EP1583871 B1 EP 1583871B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
metal layer
thin
foil
security
layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP03812166A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1583871A2 (en
Inventor
Walter Schneider
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Application filed by Giesecke and Devrient GmbH filed Critical Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Publication of EP1583871A2 publication Critical patent/EP1583871A2/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • B42D25/373—Metallic materials
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H21/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties
    • D21H21/14—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties characterised by function or properties in or on the paper
    • D21H21/40—Agents facilitating proof of genuineness or preventing fraudulent alteration, e.g. for security paper
    • D21H21/42—Ribbons or strips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/355—Security threads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/41—Marking using electromagnetic radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/43—Marking by removal of material
    • B42D25/44—Marking by removal of material using mechanical means, e.g. engraving
    • B42D2033/10—
    • B42D2033/46—
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H21/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties
    • D21H21/14—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties characterised by function or properties in or on the paper
    • D21H21/40—Agents facilitating proof of genuineness or preventing fraudulent alteration, e.g. for security paper
    • D21H21/44—Latent security elements, i.e. detectable or becoming apparent only by use of special verification or tampering devices or methods
    • D21H21/48—Elements suited for physical verification, e.g. by irradiation

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a security film for storage or application in or on security papers, documents of value, data carriers or the like, with a carrier film with a preferably structured metal coating.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing such security films as well as a security paper, a document of value and a data carrier with such a security film.
  • thermoplastic resin ink in the form of the recesses to be formed is printed on the metal-coated side of a film, which softens upon heating and intimately bonds to the metal layer. If one laminates a pretreated film under heat and pressure against a second untreated film and separates the two films after cooling, then the ink or the areas corresponding to the characters or patterns of the metallic coatings are removed from the first film.
  • Radio frequency identification systems consist essentially of a read / write unit and a transponder.
  • the read / write unit can actively read information from the transponder or write information to the transponder.
  • the transponder contains an electronic memory and a transmit / receive antenna.
  • the communication between read / write unit and transponder takes place via the modulation of an electromagnetic field, usually at a carrier frequency of 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz.
  • the transponder is a passive unit and draws the required energy via the antenna from the electromagnetic field of the read / write unit.
  • the deposited metal layers of conventional security films are relatively thin. They are therefore sensitive to mechanical damage and tensile load on the one hand and on the other hand have no sufficient electrical conductivity.
  • the antennas made of the metal layers therefore have only a low quality.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object to provide a security film and a method for their production, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • a method is to be created with which in a simple and cost-effective manner low-impedance, preferably have structured metal layers of a security film produced.
  • the invention is based on the finding that low-resistance metal layers can advantageously be produced in a two-stage process.
  • a thin, electrically conductive layer preferably a metal layer
  • the thin, electrically conductive layer is preferably structured by means of a printing process.
  • already known and proven for the production of security elements structuring method can be used.
  • other methods or methods for structuring the thin, electrically conductive layer come into question, such as electrical erosion and laser ablation.
  • the optionally already structured, thin layer is reinforced by electrodeposition of a metal, so that overall a low-resistance, preferably structured metal coating is produced on the carrier foil.
  • the low-resistance metal coating may advantageously be used to form antennas for integrated circuits of the RFID technology, without requiring etching of the thick metal coating.
  • a thin metal layer is preferably vapor-deposited by vacuum evaporation or by electron beam evaporation on the carrier film. However, it can also be used with other suitable methods, in particular Processes of thin-film technology, such as sputtering, produced or applied to the carrier film.
  • the thin metal layer is applied to the carrier film over the entire surface or only in partial sections and typically with a thickness of about 500 nm or less, in particular of about 250 nm or less.
  • electrically conductive inks or carbon coatings in question may contain, for example, metal pigments, carbon black, graphite or electrically conductive polymers or combinations thereof. If this electrically conductive coating is printed on, for example by offset printing, or applied via a masking method, it can already be transferred to the carrier film in a structured form.
  • the electrically conductive first coating not produced in thin-film technology also has a very small thickness.
  • a metal layer having a thickness of 1 ⁇ m or more, preferably 5 ⁇ m or more, is advantageously applied to the thin conductive layer by the electrodeposition in order to achieve a sufficiently low electrical resistance and a high mechanical stability of the metallic coating.
  • such particularly low-resistance metal layers are also suitable for security threads or security elements of documents and securities and for checking the authenticity by measuring their electrical conductivity.
  • the thin metal layer is patterned by printing a printed image on the metal layer that is to be removed using a thermoplastic ink Areas of the metal layer corresponds. Then, the metal layer is pressed with the thermoplastic ink under heat and pressure against a contact sheet and the contact sheet is removed after cooling together with the areas to be removed of the metal layer.
  • the thin metal layer can be patterned by printing on the carrier foil before the application of the thin metal layer a printed image which corresponds to the areas of the metal layer to be removed later, the ink having a low adhesion to the subsequent metal coating.
  • the thin metal layer is then applied to the printed carrier sheet, and the ink and the part of the metal coating applied to the printed image is mechanically removed, in particular by an air or liquid jet or a mechanical scraping device.
  • the so-called “washing process” in which the thin metal layer is patterned by printing a printed image on the carrier film, which corresponds to the areas of the metal layer to be removed later, before applying the thin metal layer using a soluble printing ink.
  • the thin metal layer is then applied to the printed substrate sheet, and the ink and the part of the metal coating applied to the printed image are removed using a solvent.
  • the ink used as printing ink advantageously has a high pigment content, so that it forms a porous structure with a large surface area after drying.
  • the pigment content is suitably between 10% and 80%, preferably about 60%, in each case based on the dry weight of Colour.
  • the pigments used are preferably natural raw materials, such as chalk, bentonite, aerosil or titanium dioxide.
  • Water-soluble binders such as boiled or dissolved starch or polyvinyl alcohol, are advantageously used for the printing ink so that the printing ink can be dissolved and washed off with water after application.
  • the thin metal layer in the form of the remaining metal layer regions is printed with an organic soluble ink.
  • the vapor-deposited metal layer is connected as an anode and fed to a first galvanic bath.
  • the metal of the vapor-deposited layer dissolves at the non-printed areas (anodic oxidation).
  • the coated and structured support sheet is replaced by an organic solvent, e.g. Isopropanol, performed and the ink dissolved or dissolved.
  • a second galvanic bath in which the metal of the remaining vapor-deposited layer is connected as a cathode and the second layer is deposited thereon. This process is preferably carried out in a "roll-to-roll process" without additional drying between the two electroplating baths.
  • a printed image is printed on the thin metal layer for structuring the thin metal layer using a corrosive printing ink.
  • the etching ink can be washed off together with the areas of the thin metal layer which are on or loosened.
  • a protective layer may be printed on the thin metal layer except for the areas to be removed later, and the thin metal layer then be removed in the unprotected areas.
  • an etching-resistant printing ink is advantageously applied, and the thin metal layer is etched away in the unprinted areas, in particular using a lye or an acid.
  • laser ablation or the method of electrical erosion.
  • a laser beam of sufficient energy density is passed over the regions of the thin layer to be ablated. This method is particularly flexible and is therefore particularly suitable for small series and varying structures.
  • the carrier film is provided with an electrically conductive printing ink, for example in offset printing, with a thin, electrically conductive layer.
  • This layer can be printed over the entire surface, but preferably it is printed directly in the outline contours of the security elements to be generated. As a result, subsequent structuring steps of the first electrically conductive layer can be omitted.
  • the dried conductive layer may be directly supplied to the plating bath for application of the metal reinforcing layer.
  • the galvanic reinforcement is carried out immediately after the structuring of the thin metal layer, so that the metal coating can be completely applied within a single, preferably continuously operating process line.
  • This can advantageously be a drying and avoid winding the film between the two coating steps
  • the first metal of the thin metal layer and the second metal of the galvanic reinforcing layer have different visual properties, in particular different colors or different reflection properties.
  • the carrier film consists of a transparent or translucent material, then the security film leads to a different visual impression when viewed from the front and from behind. This effect can be exploited by applying the security foil over, for example, a window of a security paper, a value document or a data carrier.
  • the window can be formed by a recess or a transparent or translucent area of the security paper or value document.
  • the first metal and the second metal may also advantageously have different physical properties, in particular different electrical or magnetic properties, such as conductivity, susceptibility or the like.
  • different physical properties such as conductivity, susceptibility or the like.
  • the physical properties of the galvanic reinforcement may be optimized for the antenna function of the metal coating, while the physical properties of the grown thin metal layer provide additional authenticity signature, such as loss peak at a particular excitation frequency.
  • the thin metal layer is preferably formed of aluminum, chromium, gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, cobalt or an alloy comprising one or more alloys contains several of these metals.
  • the electrodeposited metal layer preferably contains copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium, silver or gold.
  • the metal layers can be provided with an additional, outer protective layer.
  • a protective layer increases the resistance of the sensitive metal coating to environmental influences and can be applied, for example, by means of a coating or a laminatable film or an adhesive layer.
  • the protective layer is preferably transparent and colorless and electrically insulating.
  • the carrier film is provided in the form of an endless web, so that the process can be carried out continuously.
  • the carrier film may be formed by a plastic or a preferably moisture-resistant paper of any composition.
  • the plastics used are preferably polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyimide.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the carrier film with the structured thin metal layer is advantageously drawn through a galvanic bath for the coating. The thickness of the galvanic coating can be adjusted by the residence time of the foil in the galvanic bath and / or the metal concentration in the bath.
  • the carrier film does not have to be dried after the structuring of the thin metal layer, but can continue to run directly into the galvanic bath after washing out.
  • the carrier film is advantageously contacted on the side provided with the thin, electrically conductive layer side of guide rollers, to make an electrical contact for the electrodeposition. Since the thin conductive layer usually extends over a greater distance, when it is connected to the cathode in a few places to capture the entire surface of the layer, it is sufficient if the conductive layer is continuous between these points or at least has a continuous electrical path.
  • the invention also includes a security film for storage or application in or on security papers, documents of value or data carriers, which has a carrier film with a preferably structured metal coating.
  • the electrically conductive coating is formed by a thin, preferably vapor-deposited and structured metal layer or a thin, printed layer and a galvanic reinforcement of the thin layer.
  • Such a security film may in particular be produced by one of the methods described above.
  • the total thickness of the electrically conductive coating is at least 1 .mu.m or more, preferably at least 5 .mu.m.
  • a film according to the invention is also possible to use as a transfer film for the structured metal layer.
  • Carrier film and coating are coordinated in particular by the choice of a suitable plastic for the carrier film to one another so that the metal coating separates well from the carrier film.
  • the detachment can also be facilitated by an additional release layer.
  • the structures produced can be coated with a hot-melt adhesive after galvanization and transferred by heat and pressure from the carrier film to another substrate, for example made of paper.
  • An adhesive may alternatively be disposed on the substrate.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a security film 10 and Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the security film 10 along the line A - A of Fig.1 to illustrate the layer structure of the film 10.
  • the security film 10 contains a plastic film 12, for example a polyester film, on which a structured metal coating 14 is applied.
  • the recesses 16 in the metal coating 14 may be in the form of characters or patterns and may represent visually or machine readable information as negative writing.
  • the metal coating 14 consists of a thin vapor-deposited metal layer 18 and a thick metal layer 20 deposited thereon in the exemplary embodiment.
  • the thin metal layer 18 is formed by an aluminum layer, deposited on the polyester film 12, having a thickness of 200 nm.
  • a printed image corresponding to the recesses 16 is printed onto the polyester film 12 before the metal layer 18 is vapor-deposited with a water-soluble printing ink having a high pigment content. After vapor deposition of the metal layer 18, the ink is then washed out together with the overlying parts of the aluminum layer 18.
  • the carrier film 12 is provided with the structured metal layer 18 in a galvanic bath with a thick copper layer 20, in the embodiment with a thickness of about 10 microns.
  • FIG. 3 shows a document of value 22, which is provided with a security film 10 according to the invention.
  • carrier film 12 is fixed on the object of value using a hot melt adhesive.
  • the metal coating 14 in this embodiment is in the form of an antenna for a radio-frequency identification system which forms the transceiver antenna 24 for a transponder circuit 24.
  • the security film 10 is as in connection with the Fig. 2 and has a thin aluminum layer 18 and a thick copper layer 20, which are applied one above the other on a transparent polyester film 12.
  • the security film 10 is fixed over a window 28 of a security paper 26, such as a banknote.
  • a security paper 26 such as a banknote.
  • the window 28 through a recess of the security paper 26th it may also be formed by a transparent area of the security paper.
  • the top of the security paper 26 is considered, only the silvery aluminum coating 18 is visible through the polyester film 12 therethrough. In contrast, viewed from the underside, viewed through the window 28, only the reddish shimmering copper layer 20 can be seen.
  • the visual impression of the security film 10 is thus significantly different depending on the viewing direction. Such an effect is difficult to imitate with simpler means and thus contributes to an increased security against counterfeiting of the security paper.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a security film for security papers, valuable documents, data carriers or the like. According to the method, a thin electrically conductive layer is applied to a carrier film, and the thin layer is preferably structured by a printing process. Afterwards, the optionally structured thin layer is reinforced by the electrodeposition of a metal in order to form a low-resistance metal coating on the carrier film.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Sicherheitsfolie zur Einlagerung oder Aufbringung in oder auf Sicherheitspapiere, Wertdokumente, Datenträger oder dergleichen, mit einer Trägerfolie mit einer vorzugsweise strukturierten Metallbeschichtung. Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zur Herstellung derartiger Sicherheitsfolien sowie ein Sicherheitspapier, ein Wertdokument und einen Datenträger mit einer solchen Sicherheitsfolie.The invention relates to a security film for storage or application in or on security papers, documents of value, data carriers or the like, with a carrier film with a preferably structured metal coating. The invention also relates to a method for producing such security films as well as a security paper, a document of value and a data carrier with such a security film.

Es ist bekannt, Sicherheitsfolien in Form von Fäden, Bändern oder Flächenstücken in Dokumente oder Wertpapiere, wie Banknoten, Schecks, Pässe und sonstige Identitätskarten, ein- oder aufzubringen. Zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit und als Fälschungsschutz sind die Sicherheitsfolien oft mit einer so genannten Negativschrift versehen. Diese Negativschrift wird durch metallfreie Bereiche in einer ansonsten durchgehenden metallischen Beschichtung des Trägermaterials der Sicherheitsfolie gebildet.It is known to apply or apply security foils in the form of threads, tapes or sheets in documents or securities such as banknotes, checks, passports and other identity cards. To increase security and as counterfeit protection, the security films are often provided with a so-called negative font. This negative writing is formed by metal-free areas in an otherwise continuous metallic coating of the carrier material of the security film.

Die Herstellung von Aussparungen in Form von Zeichen oder Mustern ist beispielsweise in der Druckschrift EP 0 330 733 A1 beschrieben. Dort wird insbesondere.ein Herstellungsverfahren angegeben, bei dem auf die metallbeschichtete Seite einer Folie eine thermoplastische Kunststofffarbe in der Form der zu bildenden Aussparungen aufgedruckt wird, die beim Erwärmen erweicht und sich innig mit der Metallschicht verbindet. Kaschiert man eine so vorbehandelte Folie unter Wärme und Druck gegen eine zweite unbehandelte Folie und trennt die beiden Folien nach Abkühlung, so werden mit der Druckfarbe auch die den Zeichen oder Mustern entsprechenden Bereiche der metallischen Beschichtungen von der ersten Folie entfernt.The production of recesses in the form of characters or patterns is for example in the document EP 0 330 733 A1 described. There, in particular, a production method is specified in which a thermoplastic resin ink in the form of the recesses to be formed is printed on the metal-coated side of a film, which softens upon heating and intimately bonds to the metal layer. If one laminates a pretreated film under heat and pressure against a second untreated film and separates the two films after cooling, then the ink or the areas corresponding to the characters or patterns of the metallic coatings are removed from the first film.

Die Metallschichten können bei geeigneter Strukturierung beispielsweise als Sende-/Empfangsantennen für Schaltungen der Radiofrequenz-Identifikationstechnologie RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) verwendet werden. Radiofrequenz-Identifikationssysteme bestehen im Wesentlichen aus einer Schreib-/Leseeinheit und einem Transponder. Die Schreib-/Leseeinheit kann aktiv Informationen des Transponders auslesen oder Informationen in den Transponder schreiben. Der Transponder enthält einen elektronischen Speicher und eine Sende-/Empfangsantenne. Die Kommunikation zwischen Schreib-/Leseeinheit und Transponder erfolgt über die Modulation eines elektromagnetischen Feldes, zumeist bei einer Trägerfrequenz von 125 kHz oder 13,56 MHz. Der Transponder ist dabei eine passive Einheit und bezieht die benötigte Energie über die Antenne aus dem elektromagnetischen Feld der Schreib-/Leseeinheit.The metal layers can, with suitable structuring, for example, as transmitting / receiving antennas for circuits of radio frequency identification technology RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Radio frequency identification systems consist essentially of a read / write unit and a transponder. The read / write unit can actively read information from the transponder or write information to the transponder. The transponder contains an electronic memory and a transmit / receive antenna. The communication between read / write unit and transponder takes place via the modulation of an electromagnetic field, usually at a carrier frequency of 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz. The transponder is a passive unit and draws the required energy via the antenna from the electromagnetic field of the read / write unit.

Die aufgedampften Metallschichten herkömmlicher Sicherheitsfolien sind allerdings relativ dünn. Sie sind daher zum einen gegen mechanische Beschädigung und Zugbelastung empfindlich und weisen zum anderen keine genügende elektrische Leitfähigkeit auf. Die aus den Metallschichten hergestellten Antennen haben daher nur eine geringe Güte.However, the deposited metal layers of conventional security films are relatively thin. They are therefore sensitive to mechanical damage and tensile load on the one hand and on the other hand have no sufficient electrical conductivity. The antennas made of the metal layers therefore have only a low quality.

Werden dickere Metallschichten mit einem ausreichend niedrigen Widerstand aufgedampft, vergrößert sich der Zeitbedarf und damit die Herstellungskosten für diesen Produktionsschritt deutlich. Darüber hinaus ist die Strukturierung bzw. die Herstellung von Aussparungen in den dicken Metallschichten schwierig und nur mit erhöhtem Aufwand möglich.If thicker metal layers are vapor-deposited with a sufficiently low resistance, the time required and thus the production costs for this production step increase significantly. In addition, the structuring or the production of recesses in the thick metal layers is difficult and possible only with increased effort.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Sicherheitsfolie und ein Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung anzugeben, das die Nachteile des Standes der Technik vermeidet. Insbesondere soll ein Verfahren geschaffen werden, mit dem sich in einfacher und kostengünstiger Weise niedrigohmige, vorzugsweise strukturierte Metallschichten einer Sicherheitsfolie herstellen lassen.The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a security film and a method for their production, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a method is to be created with which in a simple and cost-effective manner low-impedance, preferably have structured metal layers of a security film produced.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch das Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Sicherheitsfolie mit den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs gelöst. Eine Sicherheitsfolie, ein Sicherheitspapier, ein Wertdokument und ein Datenträger sind Gegenstand der nebengeordneten Ansprüche. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.This object is achieved by the method for producing a security film having the features of the main claim. A security foil, a security paper, a document of value and a data carrier are the subject matter of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass sich niedrigohmige Metallschichten vorteilhaft in einem zweistufigen Verfahren herstellen lassen. In einer ersten Stufe wird eine dünne, elektrisch leitfähige Schicht, vorzugsweise eine Metallschicht, auf eine Trägerfolie aufgebracht und die dünne, elektrisch leitfähige Schicht vorzugsweise mithilfe eines Druckprozesses strukturiert. Hierfür können bereits bekannte und für die Herstellung von Sicherheitselementen bewährte Strukturierungsverfahren eingesetzt werden. Grundsätzlich kommen aber auch andere Verfahren oder Methoden zur Strukturierung der dünnen, elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht infrage, wie Elektroerosion und die Laserabtragung. Nachfolgend wird in einer zweiten Stufe die gegebenenfalls bereits strukturierte, dünne Schicht durch galvanisches Abscheiden eines Metalls verstärkt, so dass insgesamt eine niedrigohmige, vorzugsweise strukturierte Metallbeschichtung auf der Trägerfolie erzeugt wird. Beispielsweise können durch die niedrigohmige Metallbeschichtung vorteilhaft Antennen für integrierte Schaltungen der RFID-Technik gebildet werden, ohne dass ein Ätzen der dicken Metallbeschichtung erforderlich ist.The invention is based on the finding that low-resistance metal layers can advantageously be produced in a two-stage process. In a first step, a thin, electrically conductive layer, preferably a metal layer, is applied to a carrier foil and the thin, electrically conductive layer is preferably structured by means of a printing process. For this purpose, already known and proven for the production of security elements structuring method can be used. In principle, however, other methods or methods for structuring the thin, electrically conductive layer come into question, such as electrical erosion and laser ablation. Subsequently, in a second stage, the optionally already structured, thin layer is reinforced by electrodeposition of a metal, so that overall a low-resistance, preferably structured metal coating is produced on the carrier foil. By way of example, the low-resistance metal coating may advantageously be used to form antennas for integrated circuits of the RFID technology, without requiring etching of the thick metal coating.

Eine dünne Metallschicht wird bevorzugt im Vakuumbedampfungsverfahren oder mittels Elektronenstrahlverdampfen auf die Trägerfolie aufgedampft. Sie kann jedoch auch mit anderen geeigneten Verfahren, insbesondere Verfahren der Dünnschichttechnologie, wie beispielsweise dem Sputtern, erzeugt bzw. auf die Trägerfolie aufgebracht werden. Die dünne Metallschicht wird auf der Trägerfolie vollflächig oder nur in Teilabschnitten und typischerweise mit einer Dicke von etwa 500 nm oder weniger, insbesondere von etwa 250 nm oder weniger aufgebracht.A thin metal layer is preferably vapor-deposited by vacuum evaporation or by electron beam evaporation on the carrier film. However, it can also be used with other suitable methods, in particular Processes of thin-film technology, such as sputtering, produced or applied to the carrier film. The thin metal layer is applied to the carrier film over the entire surface or only in partial sections and typically with a thickness of about 500 nm or less, in particular of about 250 nm or less.

Anstatt einer dünnen Metallschicht kann im ersten Schritt auch eine andere elektrisch leitfähige Schicht aufgebracht werden. Hierfür kommen elektrisch leitfähige Druckfarben oder Kohlenstoffbeschichtungen infrage. Elektrisch leitfähige Druckfarben können beispielsweise Metallpigmente, Ruß, Graphit oder elektrisch leitfähige Polymere oder Kombinationen davon enthalten. Wird diese elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtung aufgedruckt, beispielsweise durch Offsetdruck, oder über ein Maskierungsverfahren aufgebracht, kann sie bereits in strukturierter Form auf die Trägerfolie übertragen werden. Auch die nicht in Dünnschichttechnologie erzeugte elektrisch leitfähige Erstbeschichtung weist eine sehr geringe Dicke auf.Instead of a thin metal layer, another electrically conductive layer can be applied in the first step. For this purpose, electrically conductive inks or carbon coatings in question. Electrically conductive printing inks may contain, for example, metal pigments, carbon black, graphite or electrically conductive polymers or combinations thereof. If this electrically conductive coating is printed on, for example by offset printing, or applied via a masking method, it can already be transferred to the carrier film in a structured form. The electrically conductive first coating not produced in thin-film technology also has a very small thickness.

Dagegen wird durch das galvanische Abscheiden vorteilhaft eine Metallschicht einer Dicke von 1 µm oder mehr, bevorzugt von 5 µm oder mehr auf die dünne leitfähige Schicht aufgebracht, um einen ausreichend niedrigen elektrischen Widerstand und eine hohe mechanische Stabilität der metallischen Beschichtung zu erzielen. Solche besonders niedrigohmigen Metallschichten eignen sich insbesonder auch für Sicherheitsfäden oder Sicherheitselemente von Dokumenten und Wertpapieren und für Echtheitsprüfung durch Messung ihrer elektrischen Leitfähigkeit.By contrast, a metal layer having a thickness of 1 μm or more, preferably 5 μm or more, is advantageously applied to the thin conductive layer by the electrodeposition in order to achieve a sufficiently low electrical resistance and a high mechanical stability of the metallic coating. In particular, such particularly low-resistance metal layers are also suitable for security threads or security elements of documents and securities and for checking the authenticity by measuring their electrical conductivity.

In einer zweckmäßigen Ausführungsform wird die dünne Metallschicht strukturiert, indem unter Verwendung einer thermoplastischen Druckfarbe ein Druckbild auf die Metallschicht aufgedruckt wird, das den zu entfernenden Bereichen der Metallschicht entspricht. Dann wird die Metallschicht mit der thermoplastischen Druckfarbe unter Wärme und Druck gegen eine Kontaktfolie gepresst und die Kontaktfolie wird nach Abkühlung zusammen mit den zu entfernenden Bereichen der Metallschicht abgezogen.In an expedient embodiment, the thin metal layer is patterned by printing a printed image on the metal layer that is to be removed using a thermoplastic ink Areas of the metal layer corresponds. Then, the metal layer is pressed with the thermoplastic ink under heat and pressure against a contact sheet and the contact sheet is removed after cooling together with the areas to be removed of the metal layer.

Alternativ kann die dünne Metallschicht dadurch strukturiert werden, dass auf die Trägerfolie vor dem Aufbringen der dünnen Metallschicht ein Druckbild aufgedruckt wird, das den später zu entfernenden Bereichen der Metallschicht entspricht, wobei die Druckfarbe eine geringe Haftung zur nachfolgenden Metallbeschichtung aufweist. Die dünne Metallschicht wird dann auf die bedruckte Trägerfolie aufgebracht, und die Druckfarbe und der auf dem Druckbild aufgebrachte Teil der Metallbeschichtung wird mechanisch entfernt, insbesondere durch einen Luft- oder Flüssigkeitsstrahl oder eine mechanische Schabeinrichtung.Alternatively, the thin metal layer can be patterned by printing on the carrier foil before the application of the thin metal layer a printed image which corresponds to the areas of the metal layer to be removed later, the ink having a low adhesion to the subsequent metal coating. The thin metal layer is then applied to the printed carrier sheet, and the ink and the part of the metal coating applied to the printed image is mechanically removed, in particular by an air or liquid jet or a mechanical scraping device.

Bevorzugt wird allerdings das so genannte "Waschverfahren" verwendet, bei dem die dünne Metallschicht strukturiert wird, indem vor dem Aufbringen der dünnen Metallschicht unter Verwendung einer löslichen Druckfarbe ein Druckbild auf die Trägerfolie aufgedruckt wird, das den später zu entfernenden Bereichen der Metallschicht entspricht. Die dünne Metallschicht wird dann auf die bedruckte Trägerfolie aufgebracht, und die Druckfarbe und der auf dem Druckbild aufgebrachte Teil der Metallbeschichtung wird unter Verwendung eines Lösungsmittels entfernt.Preferably, however, the so-called "washing process" is used, in which the thin metal layer is patterned by printing a printed image on the carrier film, which corresponds to the areas of the metal layer to be removed later, before applying the thin metal layer using a soluble printing ink. The thin metal layer is then applied to the printed substrate sheet, and the ink and the part of the metal coating applied to the printed image are removed using a solvent.

Die als Druckfarbe verwendet Farbe hat dabei mit Vorteil einen hohen Pigmentanteil, so dass sie nach dem Trocknen eine porige Struktur mit großer Oberfläche bildet. Der Pigmentanteil liegt zweckmäßig zwischen 10% und 80%, bevorzugt bei etwa 60%, jeweils bezogen auf das Trockengewicht der Farbe. Als Pigmente kommen vorzugsweise natürliche Rohstoffe, wie Kreide, Bentonit, Aerosil oder Titandioxid, zum Einsatz.The ink used as printing ink advantageously has a high pigment content, so that it forms a porous structure with a large surface area after drying. The pigment content is suitably between 10% and 80%, preferably about 60%, in each case based on the dry weight of Colour. The pigments used are preferably natural raw materials, such as chalk, bentonite, aerosil or titanium dioxide.

Für die Druckfarbe werden vorteilhaft wasserlösliche Bindemittel, wie etwa gekochte oder gelöste Stärke oder Polyvinylalkohol, verwendet, so dass die Druckfarbe nach dem Auftrag mit Wasser gelöst und abgewaschen werden kann.Water-soluble binders, such as boiled or dissolved starch or polyvinyl alcohol, are advantageously used for the printing ink so that the printing ink can be dissolved and washed off with water after application.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Verfahrensalternative wird die dünne Metallschicht in der Form der verbleibenden Metallschichtbereiche mit einer organisch löslichen Farbe bedruckt. Nach einer ausreichenden Trocknung der Druckfarbe wird die aufgedampfte Metallschicht als Anode geschaltet und einem ersten galvanischen Bad zugeführt. Darin löst sich das Metall der aufgedampften Schicht an den nicht bedruckten Stellen (anodische Oxidation). Danach wird die beschichtete und strukturierte Trägerfolie durch ein organisches Lösemittel, z.B. Isopropanol, geführt und die Druckfarbe ab- oder aufgelöst. Im Anschluss daran folgt ein zweites galvanisches Bad, in dem das Metall der verbliebenen aufgedampften Schicht als Kathode geschaltet wird und darauf die zweite Schicht abgeschieden wird. Dieses Verfahren wird vorzugsweise in einem "Rolle-zu-Rolle-Verfahren" ohne zusätzliche Trocknung zwischen den beiden galvanischen Bädern durchgeführt.According to a preferred alternative method, the thin metal layer in the form of the remaining metal layer regions is printed with an organic soluble ink. After sufficient drying of the ink, the vapor-deposited metal layer is connected as an anode and fed to a first galvanic bath. In it, the metal of the vapor-deposited layer dissolves at the non-printed areas (anodic oxidation). Thereafter, the coated and structured support sheet is replaced by an organic solvent, e.g. Isopropanol, performed and the ink dissolved or dissolved. This is followed by a second galvanic bath, in which the metal of the remaining vapor-deposited layer is connected as a cathode and the second layer is deposited thereon. This process is preferably carried out in a "roll-to-roll process" without additional drying between the two electroplating baths.

Gemäß einer weiteren zweckmäßigen Ausführungsform wird zur Strukturierung der dünnen Metallschicht unter Verwendung einer ätzenden Druckfarbe ein Druckbild auf die dünne Metallschicht aufgedruckt. Nach einer ausreichenden Einwirkungsdauer kann die ätzende Druckfarbe mitsamt den auf- oder angelösten Bereichen der dünnen Metallschicht abgewaschen werden. Alternativ kann auf die dünne Metallschicht mit Ausnahme der später zu entfernenden Bereiche eine Schutzschicht aufgedruckt werden und die dünne Metallschicht dann in den ungeschützten Bereichen entfernt werden. Als Schutzschicht wird dabei mit Vorteil eine ätzresistente Druckfarbe aufgebracht und die dünne Metallschicht wird in den nicht bedruckten Bereichen insbesondere unter Verwendung einer Lauge oder einer Säure weggeätzt.According to a further expedient embodiment, a printed image is printed on the thin metal layer for structuring the thin metal layer using a corrosive printing ink. After a sufficient duration of action, the etching ink can be washed off together with the areas of the thin metal layer which are on or loosened. Alternatively, a protective layer may be printed on the thin metal layer except for the areas to be removed later, and the thin metal layer then be removed in the unprotected areas. As the protective layer, an etching-resistant printing ink is advantageously applied, and the thin metal layer is etched away in the unprinted areas, in particular using a lye or an acid.

Weitere bevorzugte Möglichkeiten zur Strukturierung der dünnen Metallschicht bieten die Laserabtragung oder das Verfahren der Elektroerosion. Bei der Laserabtragung wird ein Laserstrahl ausreichender Energiedichte über die abzutragenden Bereiche der dünnen Schicht geführt. Diese Methode ist besonders flexibel und eignet sich daher insbesondere auch für kleine Serien und variierende Strukturen.Further preferred possibilities for structuring the thin metal layer are laser ablation or the method of electrical erosion. In laser ablation, a laser beam of sufficient energy density is passed over the regions of the thin layer to be ablated. This method is particularly flexible and is therefore particularly suitable for small series and varying structures.

Gemäß einer alternativen Vorgehensweise wird die Trägerfolie mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Druckfarbe, beispielsweise im Offsetdruck, mit einer dünnen, elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht versehen. Diese Schicht kann vollflächig aufgedruckt werden, vorzugsweise wird sie jedoch unmittelbar in den Umrisskonturen der zu erzeugenden Sicherheitselemente gedruckt. Dadurch können nachfolgende Strukturierungsschritte der ersten elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht unterbleiben. Die getrocknete leitfähige Schicht kann direkt dem galvanischen Bad zur Aufbringung der metallischen Verstärkungsschicht zugeführt werden.According to an alternative procedure, the carrier film is provided with an electrically conductive printing ink, for example in offset printing, with a thin, electrically conductive layer. This layer can be printed over the entire surface, but preferably it is printed directly in the outline contours of the security elements to be generated. As a result, subsequent structuring steps of the first electrically conductive layer can be omitted. The dried conductive layer may be directly supplied to the plating bath for application of the metal reinforcing layer.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird die galvanische Verstärkung unmittelbar im Anschluss an die Strukturierung der dünnen Metallschicht durchgeführt, so dass die Metallbeschichtung innerhalb einer einzigen, vorzugsweise kontinuierlich arbeitenden Prozesslinie vollständig aufgebracht werden kann. Dadurch kann in vorteilhafter Weise eine Trocknung und das Aufwickeln der Folie zwischen den beiden Beschichtungsschritten unterbleibenAccording to a preferred embodiment, the galvanic reinforcement is carried out immediately after the structuring of the thin metal layer, so that the metal coating can be completely applied within a single, preferably continuously operating process line. This can advantageously be a drying and avoid winding the film between the two coating steps

Das erste Metall der dünnen Metallschicht und das zweite Metall der galvanischen Verstärkungsschicht weisen nach einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung verschiedene visuelle Eigenschaften, insbesondere verschiedene Farben oder verschiedene Reflexionseigenschaften, auf. Besteht die Trägerfolie aus einem transparenten oder transluzenten Material, so führt die Sicherheitsfolie bei Betrachtung von vorne und von hinten zu einem unterschiedlichen visuellen Eindruck. Dieser Effekt kann genutzt werden, indem die Sicherheitsfolie etwa über einem Fenster eines Sicherheitspapiers, eines Wertdokuments oder eines Datenträgers aufgebracht wird. Das Fenster kann dabei durch eine Aussparung oder einen transparenten oder transluzenten Bereich des Sicherheitspapiers oder Wertdokuments gebildet sein.According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first metal of the thin metal layer and the second metal of the galvanic reinforcing layer have different visual properties, in particular different colors or different reflection properties. If the carrier film consists of a transparent or translucent material, then the security film leads to a different visual impression when viewed from the front and from behind. This effect can be exploited by applying the security foil over, for example, a window of a security paper, a value document or a data carrier. The window can be formed by a recess or a transparent or translucent area of the security paper or value document.

Das erste Metall und das zweite Metall können ebenfalls mit Vorteil verschiedene physikalische Eigenschaften, insbesondere verschiedene elektrische oder magnetische Eigenschaften, wie Leitfähigkeit, Suszeptibilität oder dergleichen, aufweisen. Dadurch kann ein komplexes physikalisches Verhalten der Metallbeschichtung eingestellt und die Fälschungssicherheit der Sicherheitsfolie erhöht werden. Beispielsweise können die physikalischen Eigenschaften der galvanischen Verstärkung auf die Antennenfunktion der Metallbeschichtung optimiert werden, während die physikalischen Eigenschaften der aufgewachsenen dünnen Metallschicht eine zusätzliche Echtheitssignatur, etwa durch Verlustpeak bei einer bestimmten Anregungsfrequenz, bereitstellt.The first metal and the second metal may also advantageously have different physical properties, in particular different electrical or magnetic properties, such as conductivity, susceptibility or the like. As a result, a complex physical behavior of the metal coating can be set and the security against counterfeiting of the security film can be increased. For example, the physical properties of the galvanic reinforcement may be optimized for the antenna function of the metal coating, while the physical properties of the grown thin metal layer provide additional authenticity signature, such as loss peak at a particular excitation frequency.

Die dünne Metallschicht ist bevorzugt aus Aluminium, Chrom, Gold, Silber, Kupfer, Eisen, Nickel, Kobalt oder einer Legierung gebildet, die eines oder mehrere dieser Metalle enthält. Die galvanisch aufgebrachte Metallschicht enthält vorzugsweise Kupfer, Nickel, Kobalt, Chrom, Silber oder Gold.The thin metal layer is preferably formed of aluminum, chromium, gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, cobalt or an alloy comprising one or more alloys contains several of these metals. The electrodeposited metal layer preferably contains copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium, silver or gold.

Die Metallschichten können bei Bedarf mit einer zusätzlichen, außen liegenden Schutzschicht versehen werden. Eine solche Schutzschicht erhöht die Beständigkeit der empfindlichen Metallbeschichtung gegenüber Umwelteinflüssen und kann beispielsweise durch eine Lackierung oder eine laminierbare Folie oder eine Kleberschicht aufgebracht werden. Die Schutzschicht ist vorzugsweise transparent und farblos und elektrisch isolierend.If required, the metal layers can be provided with an additional, outer protective layer. Such a protective layer increases the resistance of the sensitive metal coating to environmental influences and can be applied, for example, by means of a coating or a laminatable film or an adhesive layer. The protective layer is preferably transparent and colorless and electrically insulating.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird die Trägerfolie in Form einer endlosen Bahn bereitgestellt, so dass das Verfahren kontinuierlich durchgeführt werden kann. Die Trägerfolie kann dabei durch einen Kunststoff oder ein vorzugsweise feuchtigkeitsbeständiges Papier jeglicher Zusammensetzung gebildet sein. Als Kunststoffe werden vorzugsweise Polyester, Polyethylenterephthalat (PET) und Polyimid verwendet. Die Trägerfolie mit der strukturierten dünnen Metallschicht wird für die Beschichtung vorteilhaft durch ein galvanisches Bad gezogen. Die Dicke der galvanischen Beschichtung kann durch die Verweilzeit der Folie in dem galvanischen Bad und/oder die Metallkonzentration in dem Bad eingestellt werden.According to a preferred embodiment, the carrier film is provided in the form of an endless web, so that the process can be carried out continuously. The carrier film may be formed by a plastic or a preferably moisture-resistant paper of any composition. The plastics used are preferably polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyimide. The carrier film with the structured thin metal layer is advantageously drawn through a galvanic bath for the coating. The thickness of the galvanic coating can be adjusted by the residence time of the foil in the galvanic bath and / or the metal concentration in the bath.

Wird zur Strukturierung der dünnen Metallschicht das oben beschriebene Waschverfahren oder Ätzverfahren verwendet, muss die Trägerfolie nach der Strukturierung der dünnen Metallschicht nicht getrocknet werden, sondern kann nach dem Auswaschen direkt in das galvanische Bad weiterlaufen.If the above-described washing method or etching method is used to pattern the thin metal layer, the carrier film does not have to be dried after the structuring of the thin metal layer, but can continue to run directly into the galvanic bath after washing out.

In dem galvanischen Bad wird die Trägerfolie mit Vorteil auf der mit der dünnen, elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht versehenen Seite von Leitwalzen kontaktiert, um einen elektrischen Kontakt für die galvanische Abscheidung herzustellen. Da sich die dünne leitfähige Schicht in der Regel über eine größere Distanz erstreckt, genügt es, wenn sie an einigen wenigen Stellen mit der Kathode verbunden ist, um die gesamte Fläche der Schicht zu erfassen, wenn die leitfähige Schicht zwischen diesen Stellen durchgehend ist oder zumindest einen ununterbrochenen elektrischen Pfad aufweist.In the galvanic bath, the carrier film is advantageously contacted on the side provided with the thin, electrically conductive layer side of guide rollers, to make an electrical contact for the electrodeposition. Since the thin conductive layer usually extends over a greater distance, when it is connected to the cathode in a few places to capture the entire surface of the layer, it is sufficient if the conductive layer is continuous between these points or at least has a continuous electrical path.

Die Erfindung umfasst auch eine Sicherheitsfolie zur Einlagerung oder Aufbringung in oder auf Sicherheitspapiere, Wertdokumente oder Datenträger, die eine Trägerfolie mit einer vorzugsweise strukturierten Metallbeschichtung aufweist. Die elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtung ist dabei durch eine dünne, vorzugsweise aufgedampfte und strukturierte Metallschicht oder eine dünne, gedruckte Schicht und eine galvanische Verstärkung der dünnen Schicht gebildet. Eine solche Sicherheitsfolie kann insbesondere nach einem der oben beschriebenen Verfahren hergestellt sein. Die gesamte Dicke der elektrisch leitfähigen Beschichtung beträgt mindestens 1 µm oder mehr, bevorzugt mindestens 5 µm.The invention also includes a security film for storage or application in or on security papers, documents of value or data carriers, which has a carrier film with a preferably structured metal coating. The electrically conductive coating is formed by a thin, preferably vapor-deposited and structured metal layer or a thin, printed layer and a galvanic reinforcement of the thin layer. Such a security film may in particular be produced by one of the methods described above. The total thickness of the electrically conductive coating is at least 1 .mu.m or more, preferably at least 5 .mu.m.

Es ist auch möglich, eine erfindungsgemäße Folie als Transferfolie für die strukturierte Metallschicht zu benutzen. Trägerfolie und Beschichtung werden insbesondere durch die Wahl eines geeigneten Kunststoffs für die Trägerfolie so aufeinander abgestimmt, dass sich die Metallbeschichtung gut von der Trägerfolie ablöst. Das Ablösen kann auch durch eine zusätzliche Releaseschicht erleichtert werden. Die erzeugten Strukturen können nach der Galvanisierung mit einem Heißkleber überzogen und mittels Wärme und Druck von der Trägerfolie auf ein anderes Substrat, beispielsweise aus Papier, übertragen werden. Ein Kleber kann alternativ auch auf dem Substrat angeordnet werden.It is also possible to use a film according to the invention as a transfer film for the structured metal layer. Carrier film and coating are coordinated in particular by the choice of a suitable plastic for the carrier film to one another so that the metal coating separates well from the carrier film. The detachment can also be facilitated by an additional release layer. The structures produced can be coated with a hot-melt adhesive after galvanization and transferred by heat and pressure from the carrier film to another substrate, for example made of paper. An adhesive may alternatively be disposed on the substrate.

Weitere Ausführungsbeispiele sowie Vorteile der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Figuren erläutert. Zur besseren Anschaulichkeit wird in den Figuren auf eine maßstabs- und proportionsgetreue Darstellung verzichtet.Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. For better clarity, a scale and proportioned representation is omitted in the figures.

Es zeigen:

Fig.1
eine schematische Aufsicht auf eine Sicherheitsfolie nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
Fig. 2
den Schichtaufbau der Sicherheitsfolie von Fig. 1 im Querschnitt,
Fig. 3
ein Wertdokument mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsfolie in Aufsicht, und
Fig. 4
ein Sicherheitspapier mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsfolie im Querschnitt.
Show it:
Fig.1
a schematic plan view of a security film according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2
the layer structure of the security film of Fig. 1 in cross section,
Fig. 3
a document of value with a security film according to the invention in supervision, and
Fig. 4
a security paper with a security film according to the invention in cross section.

Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische Aufsicht auf eine Sicherheitsfolie 10 und Fig. 2 stellt einen Querschnitt der Sicherheitsfolie 10 entlang der Linie A - A der Fig.1 dar, um den Schichtaufbau der Folie 10 zu veranschaulichen. Die Sicherheitsfolie 10 enthält eine Kunststofffolie 12, beispielsweise eine Polyesterfolie, auf die eine strukturierte Metallbeschichtung 14 aufgebracht ist. Wie in Fig. 1 gezeigt, können die Ausnehmungen 16 in der Metallbeschichtung 14 die Form von Zeichen oder Mustern haben und als Negativschrift eine visuell oder maschinell lesbare Information darstellen. FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a security film 10 and Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the security film 10 along the line A - A of Fig.1 to illustrate the layer structure of the film 10. The security film 10 contains a plastic film 12, for example a polyester film, on which a structured metal coating 14 is applied. As in Fig. 1 As shown, the recesses 16 in the metal coating 14 may be in the form of characters or patterns and may represent visually or machine readable information as negative writing.

Die Metallbeschichtung 14 besteht aus einer dünnen aufgedampften Metallschicht 18 und einer auf dieser galvanisch abgeschiedenen dicken Metallschicht 20. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist die dünne Metallschicht 18 durch eine auf die Polyesterfolie 12 aufgedampfte Aluminiumschicht einer Dicke von 200 nm gebildet. Zur Herstellung der Negativschrift wird vor dem Aufdampfen der Metallschicht 18 mit einer wasserlöslichen Druckfarbe mit hohem Pigmentanteil ein den Aussparungen 16 entsprechendes Druckbild auf die Polyesterfolie 12 aufgedruckt. Nach dem Aufdampfen der Metallschicht 18 wird die Druckfarbe dann zusammen mit den darüber liegenden Teilen der Aluminiumschicht 18 ausgewaschen.The metal coating 14 consists of a thin vapor-deposited metal layer 18 and a thick metal layer 20 deposited thereon in the exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the thin metal layer 18 is formed by an aluminum layer, deposited on the polyester film 12, having a thickness of 200 nm. To produce the negative writing, a printed image corresponding to the recesses 16 is printed onto the polyester film 12 before the metal layer 18 is vapor-deposited with a water-soluble printing ink having a high pigment content. After vapor deposition of the metal layer 18, the ink is then washed out together with the overlying parts of the aluminum layer 18.

Anschließend wird die Trägerfolie 12 mit der strukturierten Metallschicht 18 in einem galvanischen Bad mit einer dicken Kupferschicht 20, im Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer Stärke von etwa 10 µm, versehen.Subsequently, the carrier film 12 is provided with the structured metal layer 18 in a galvanic bath with a thick copper layer 20, in the embodiment with a thickness of about 10 microns.

Figur 3 zeigt ein Wertdokument 22, das mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsfolie 10 versehen ist. Dabei ist Trägerfolie 12 unter Verwendung eines Heißschmelzklebers auf dem Wertgegenstand fixiert. Die Metallbeschichtung 14 ist bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel in Form einer Antenne für ein Radiofrequenz-Identifikationssystem ausgebildet, welche die Sende-/Empfangs-Antenne für einen Transponderschaltkreis 24 bildet. FIG. 3 shows a document of value 22, which is provided with a security film 10 according to the invention. In this case, carrier film 12 is fixed on the object of value using a hot melt adhesive. The metal coating 14 in this embodiment is in the form of an antenna for a radio-frequency identification system which forms the transceiver antenna 24 for a transponder circuit 24.

Ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Fig. 4 dargestellt. Die Sicherheitsfolie 10 ist dabei wie in Zusammenhang mit der Fig. 2 beschrieben hergestellt und weist eine dünne Aluminiumschicht 18 und eine dicke Kupferschicht 20 auf, die übereinander auf einer transparenten Polyesterfolie 12 aufgebracht sind. Die Sicherheitsfolie 10 ist über einem Fenster 28 eines Sicherheitspapiers 26, etwa einer Banknote, fixiert. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Fenster 28 durch eine Aussparung des Sicherheitspapiers 26 gebildet, in anderen Ausgestaltungen kann es aber auch durch einen transparenten Bereich des Sicherheitspapiers gebildet werden.Another embodiment of the invention is in the Fig. 4 shown. The security film 10 is as in connection with the Fig. 2 and has a thin aluminum layer 18 and a thick copper layer 20, which are applied one above the other on a transparent polyester film 12. The security film 10 is fixed over a window 28 of a security paper 26, such as a banknote. In the embodiment, the window 28 through a recess of the security paper 26th However, in other embodiments, it may also be formed by a transparent area of the security paper.

Wird die Oberseite des Sicherheitspapiers 26 betrachtet, so ist durch die Polyesterfolie 12 hindurch lediglich die silbrig glänzende Aluminiumbeschichtung 18 sichtbar. Dagegen ist von der Unterseite her, durch das Fenster 28 hindurch betrachtet, nur die rötlich schimmernde Kupferschicht 20 zu erkennen. Der optische Eindruck der Sicherheitsfolie 10 ist somit je nach Betrachtungsrichtung deutlich verschieden. Ein solcher Effekt ist mit einfacheren Mitteln kaum nachzuahmen und trägt damit zu einer erhöhten Fälschungssicherheit des Sicherheitspapiers bei.If the top of the security paper 26 is considered, only the silvery aluminum coating 18 is visible through the polyester film 12 therethrough. In contrast, viewed from the underside, viewed through the window 28, only the reddish shimmering copper layer 20 can be seen. The visual impression of the security film 10 is thus significantly different depending on the viewing direction. Such an effect is difficult to imitate with simpler means and thus contributes to an increased security against counterfeiting of the security paper.

Claims (42)

  1. Method for producing a security foil for security papers, documents of value, data carriers or the like, in which a thin layer of a first metal is applied on a carrier foil, and the thin layer is preferably structured, characterized in that the preferably structured, thin metal layer is reinforced through galvanically depositing a second metal, in order to form a low-ohmic, structured metal coating on the carrier foil.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the thin metal layer is applied on the carrier foil by the vacuum deposition method or by means of electron beam evaporation or by sputtering.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thin metal layer is applied in a thickness of approximately 500 nm or less, in particular of approximately 250 nm or less.
  4. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by a printing process.
  5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by
    a) printing a printed image on the metal layer using a thermoplastic printing ink, which printed image corresponds to the areas of the metal layer to be removed,
    b) pressing the metal layer with the thermoplastic printing ink against a contact foil under heat and pressure and
    c) removing the contact foil after cooling down together with the thermoplastic printing ink and the areas of the metal layer to be removed.
  6. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by
    a) printing a printed image on the carrier foil before applying the thin metal layer, which printed image corresponds to the areas of the metal layer to be removed later, wherein the printing ink has little adhesion to the subsequent metal layer,
    b) applying the thin metal layer on the printed carrier foil, and
    c) mechanically removing the printing ink and the portion of the metal coating applied on the printed image, in particular through an air jet or liquid jet or a mechanical paring device.
  7. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by
    a) printing a printed image on the carrier foil using a soluble printing ink before applying the thin metal layer, the printed image corresponding to the areas of the metal layer to be removed later,
    b) applying the thin metal layer on the printed carrier foil, and
    c) removing the printing ink and the portion of the metal layer applied on the printed image using a solvent.
  8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that as printing ink an ink with a high pigment content is used, which after drying forms a porous structure with a large surface.
  9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a water-soluble printing ink is used and water is used for removing the printing ink.
  10. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by
    a) printing a printed image on the thin metal layer using a caustic printing ink and
    b) removing the printing ink and the etched portion of the metal layer.
  11. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by
    a) printing a protective layer on the thin metal layer by exception of the areas to be removed later and
    b) removing the thin metal layer in the unprotected areas.
  12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that an etching-resistant printing ink is applied as protective layer, and the thin metal layer in the unprinted areas is etched away, in particular using a base or an acid.
  13. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by
    a) printing an organically soluble printing ink on the thin metal layer by exception of the areas to be removed later,
    b) dissolving the unprinted areas of the metal layer in a galvanic bath by anodic oxidation and
    c) dissolving the soluble printing ink by means of an organic solvent.
  14. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by laser ablation.
  15. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thin metal layer is structured by an electro-erosion method.
  16. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the galvanic reinforcement is carried out directly after structuring the thin metal layer.
  17. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first metal and the second metal have different visual properties, in particular different colors or different reflection properties.
  18. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first metal and the second metal have different physical properties, in particular different electrical or magnetic properties, such as conductivity, susceptibility or the like.
  19. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the thin metal layer is formed of aluminum, chromium, gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, cobalt or an alloy containing one or several of these metals.
  20. Method for producing a security foil for security papers, documents of value, data carriers or the like, in which a thin, electrically conductive layer is applied on a carrier foil, characterized in that the thin, electrically conductive layer is reinforced by galvanically depositing a metal, in order to form a low-ohmic metal coating on the carrier foil.
  21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the electrically conductive layer is printed.
  22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the electrically conductive layer is printed in a structured form.
  23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the electrically conductive layer has metal pigments or carbon or electrically conductive polymers.
  24. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that through the galvanic depositing a metal layer of a thickness of 1 µm or more, preferably of 5 µm or more, is applied on the thin, electrically conductive layer.
  25. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the galvanically applied metal layer contains copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium, silver or gold.
  26. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the low-ohmic, structured metal layer is implemented in the form of an antenna, in particular for a radio-frequency identification system.
  27. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the carrier foil is provided in the form of an endless sheet and the method is carried out continuously.
  28. Method according to claim 27, characterized in that the carrier foil with the optionally structured, electrically conductive layer is pulled through a galvanic bath, wherein the thickness of the galvanic coating is determined by the dwell time of the foil in the galvanic bath and/or the metal concentration in the bath.
  29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that in the galvanic bath the carrier foil is contacted by conductive rollers on the side provided with the thin, electrically conductive layer, in order to produce an electric contact for the galvanic depositing.
  30. Security foil (10) for embedding in or applying on security papers, documents of value, data carriers or the like, with a carrier foil (12) with a preferably structured, electrically conductive coating (14), characterized in that the coating (14) is formed by a thin, electrically conductive layer (18) and a galvanically deposited, metallic reinforcement (20) of the thin layer (18).
  31. Security foil with a carrier foil and a preferably structured, electrically conductive coating removably applied thereon, for transferring the coating onto a security paper, document of value, data carrier or the like, characterized in that the coating is formed by a thin, electrically conductive layer and a galvanically deposited, metallic reinforcement of the thin layer.
  32. Security foil (10) according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the electrically conductive coating (14) has an overall thickness of more than 1 µm, preferably of more than 5 µm.
  33. Security foil (10) according to one of claims 31 to 32, characterized in that the thin, electrically conductive layer (18) is a metal layer.
  34. Security foil (10) according to claim 33, characterized in that the thin metal layer (18) and the galvanically deposited reinforcement have different metals.
  35. Security foil (10) according to one of claims 30 to 34, characterized in that the electrically conductive coating (14) forms a low-ohmic antenna, in particular for a radio-frequency identification system.
  36. Security foil (10) according to one of claims 30 to 35, produced according to the method of at least one of claims 1 to 25.
  37. Security paper (26) with a security foil (10) or a metal coating (14) of a security foil according to at least one of claims 30 to 36.
  38. Security paper (26) according to claim 37, characterized in that the security foil (10) is arranged over a window (28) of the security paper (26).
  39. Document of value (22) with a security foil (10) or a metal coating (14) of a security foil according to at least one of claims 30 to 37.
  40. Document of value (22) according to claim 39, characterized in that the security foil (10) is arranged over a window of the document of value (22).
  41. Data carrier with a security foil (10) or a metal coating (14) of a security foil according to at least one of claims 30 to 37.
  42. Data carrier according to claim 41, characterized in that the security foil (10) is arranged above a window of the data carrier.
EP03812166A 2002-12-04 2003-12-02 Security film and method for the production thereof Revoked EP1583871B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10256832 2002-12-04
DE10256832A DE10256832A1 (en) 2002-12-04 2002-12-04 Security film and method of making the same
PCT/EP2003/013584 WO2004050951A2 (en) 2002-12-04 2003-12-02 Security film and method for the production thereof

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1583871A2 EP1583871A2 (en) 2005-10-12
EP1583871B1 true EP1583871B1 (en) 2008-02-27

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03812166A Revoked EP1583871B1 (en) 2002-12-04 2003-12-02 Security film and method for the production thereof

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1583871B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE387542T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003296603A1 (en)
DE (2) DE10256832A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004050951A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005048033B4 (en) * 2005-10-06 2010-01-21 Bundesdruckerei Gmbh The security document
DE102005049891A1 (en) * 2005-10-17 2007-04-19 Leonhard Kurz Gmbh & Co. Kg Metallized multilayer body
DE102007005884B4 (en) 2007-02-07 2022-02-03 Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. Kg security document
DE102008063030A1 (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-06-24 Bundesdruckerei Gmbh Security and / or value document with a conductive structure and method for its production
WO2012153114A1 (en) * 2011-05-06 2012-11-15 D W Spinks (Embossing) Limited Windowed security device
EP2524814B1 (en) 2011-05-18 2015-03-25 Landqart AG Improvements in security features

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1127043A (en) * 1967-01-26 1968-09-11 Portals Ltd Security papers
NL7515010A (en) * 1975-01-16 1976-07-20 Siemens Ag PROTECTED AGAINST COUNTERFEIT CARD.
US4552617A (en) * 1984-06-13 1985-11-12 Crane & Co. Security features in paper
DE3609090A1 (en) * 1986-03-18 1987-09-24 Gao Ges Automation Org SECURITY PAPER WITH SECURED THREAD STORED IN IT AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
DE3887497D1 (en) * 1988-03-04 1994-03-10 Gao Ges Automation Org Security element in the form of a thread or tape for embedding in security documents and method for producing the same.
DE4344553A1 (en) * 1993-12-24 1995-06-29 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security paper with a thread-like or ribbon-shaped security element and method for producing the same
DE19521048A1 (en) * 1995-06-09 1996-12-12 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security document and process for its manufacture
EP0953937A1 (en) * 1998-04-30 1999-11-03 Securency Pty. Ltd. Security element to prevent counterfeiting of value documents
DE19834367A1 (en) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-03 Meto International Gmbh Tape material, securing element and method for producing a securing element for electronic article surveillance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003296603A1 (en) 2004-06-23
WO2004050951A2 (en) 2004-06-17
EP1583871A2 (en) 2005-10-12
DE10256832A1 (en) 2004-06-24
WO2004050951A3 (en) 2004-09-23
ATE387542T1 (en) 2008-03-15
AU2003296603A8 (en) 2004-06-23
DE50309282D1 (en) 2008-04-10

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