EP1629994A2 - Embossed metal plate with a three dimensional structure for producing documents using a hot-cold laminating press - Google Patents

Abstract

The stamping sheet (1) produces documents by means of lamination and/or surface stamping. The stamping process produces recessed structures (3, 7, 8, 9) and raised structures (4, 5, 10, 11) relative to a highly polished surface (6), which serves as a reference zone. The recessed structures are produced in other single-stage this truck during process, which does not affect the surface of stamping sheet not involved in the process.

Description

The invention relates to a embossing plate for a hot-cold laminating press with three-dimensional structure, the production of such embossing plate and the use for the production of documents, in particular security documents such as identity cards, passports, identification cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, driving licenses and the like leaf and / or card and / or book-type documents by means of thermal transfer press lamination.

The present invention enables the cost-effective production of an individual three-dimensional embossing sheet for the production of surface-embossed documents by means of lamination and / or embossing and / or piecewise embossing in a hot-cold laminating press.

Description of the Prior Art

EP 0 216 947 B1 (Maurer Electronics) and EP 0 219 012 B1 (GAO) and in the specifications EP 0 842 791 B1 (Giesecke & Devrient), EP 0 790 898 B1 (Giesecke & Devrient) and EP 0 843 281 A2 (Giesecke & Devrient) describes data carriers with an optical authenticity feature as well as methods for producing and testing the data carrier based on lenticular elements. In this case, information is introduced by means of a laser beam and a so-called wobbly image is generated, which can be visually recognized with different information under two different viewing angles.

The known production methods relate to the classical Transferlamination in multiple use, as well as the subsequent surface imprinting in a finished document by means of different methods.

In DE 102 01 032 A1, Braun Eckhard (Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, 81677 Munich, DE; "Stahltiefdruckverfahren for producing a security document and steel gravure printing plate and semi-finished products and process for their preparation."), WO 97/19816 A1 (Scheppers Druckformtechnik GmbH, Saueressig GmbH + Co.), WO 00/00921 A1 (Mazumder), WO 03/103962 A1 (KBA-Giori SA) EP 0 322 301 B1 (Banque de France) and WO 03/057494 A1 (Giesecke & Devrient GmbH ) describe methods, methods and equipment for the production of gravure sheets, in particular steel engraving sheets, for use in the printing of security documents, in particular banknotes.

In all these methods and machines printing plates or sheets are called for printing applications; however, it is not called a solution for use in a hot-cold laminating press.
GB 401,579 discloses an improved aluminum or aluminum alloy stamping plate such as gravure printing plates which is a hard, wear resistant, adherent oxide film or surface made of substantially alumina.
This invention has the disadvantage that here the printing plate is claimed only as a device, but not your application or use.

US Pat. No. 5,106,125 A discloses an arrangement for improving the security against forgery of a document of value, wherein a film is locally connected to the surface of the document of value and the film has at least one security feature and the security feature has a microstructure for diffractive light incidence and a surface embossed in the document of value Has a security profile in the form of a macrostructure and the security feature and the Partially overlaying the security profile, the relief lines of the macrostructure of the security profile being arched away from the value document surface and having sufficiently recognizable gloss effects due to incident light, when using this arrangement one or more predetermined breaking points in the security feature are created when the security feature is removed from the value document is deformed and so deformed that the deformation is easily visible when the security feature is applied to a second document of value.
This invention has the disadvantage that the security profile is embossed into the surface of the value document.

It requires the use of a high-gloss embossing surface and the generation of three-dimensionally shaped depressions and the generation of raised microstructures without damaging the high-gloss surface. The recessed structures generated in the embossing plate will be raised in the laminated or surface-embossed document and the raised structures in the embossing plate will be recessed in the laminated or surface-embossed document.

The object of the invention

The object of the present invention is the cost-effective production of a structured embossing sheet for use in a laminating press for the production of, for example, laminated cards or ID cards and similar documents.

The solution of the task

The invention solves the problem by the technical teaching of claim 1 and the other independent claims.

Problem in solving the problem of the invention was that you want to work in a highly polished embossing plate three-dimensional structures without damaging the glossy surface. Thus, the reference plane is defined as a highly polished surface, which must not be damaged by the subsequent structuring in any case.

According to the invention, a embossing plate is proposed for a hot-cold laminating press which carries a three-dimensional structure on the basis of a largely flawless, surface-hardened metal sheet of suitable thickness and dimension and a suitable surface, in particular a highly polished surface.

Here, the invention provides in a first embodiment, to incorporate a recessed structure (which is preferably optically effective) in a single step in the embossing plate as a three-dimensional structure. The methods of producing such a structure are described in detail below. Each of the methods described therein should be suitable alone or in combination with each other to produce the desired, three-dimensional, recessed structure.

However, the invention is not limited to the production of the three-dimensional recessed structure in a single process step. Two-stage and multi-stage process steps will also be described below.

When it comes to further processing the three-dimensional structure produced in a first method step, a second method step is connected, which realizes the desired, further structuring of the already produced three-dimensional structure.

Likewise, a two-step process can be used if, in the first method step, the recessed structures are introduced in an enlarged processing field, leaving unprocessed areas (eg the edge areas) in this enlarged processing area in which another, recessed or raised structure (eg a micro-font) is introduced.

However, the production of recessed and raised structures requires at least two process steps.

This structure is incorporated in an at least two-stage process in the highly polished surface of the embossing plate.

The term "at least two-stage process" means that the structure is incorporated with two different process steps. It remains unclear whether the two process steps take place consecutively or at the same time. Of course, more than two process steps can be used.

In a first method step, for example, photomasking is applied over the entire area by means of lamination, spraying, printing, roller coating, curtain coating and the like coating methods and exposed by means of suitable exposure in the form of a mask exposure and / or laser exposure.

Then those structures are exposed (stripped), which are subjected to a subsequent chemical and / or galvanic ablation process. In this way, three-dimensionally recessed structures are produced.

Depending on the design of the chemical or galvanic bath, undercuts of the masking structures can be set in such a way that substantially semicircular, recessed structures can be achieved which, when used as embossing plates, produce raised lens-like structures.

In a second process step, a second photomask is applied over the entire surface and care is taken to ensure that the already produced three-dimensional depressions are well covered. After a second exposure and exposure of the at least second structure for producing a raised microstructure on the embossing plate, a second chemical or electroplating process is used and it is thus produced a raised microstructure.

As an alternative to this second photomasking and electroplating method, an additive laser processing process can also be used to produce this raised structure, or a subtractive laser process can be used to produce a recessed structure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, instead of a metal sheet with a high-gloss or frosted surface already a Galvanoabformblech be used. In this variant, a structure in multiple use is already produced once and it will be made of it Galvanoabformungen. These galvano impressions can then be subjected to the further structuring processes.

The advantage of this variant is that, for example, the critical lenticular structures can already be installed in this first step and according to the required production capacity the necessary number of Galvanoabformungen be made and these galvanized then only relatively simple Mikrostrukturierungsprozessen must be subjected, but no longer have to be subjected to the complex lens structuring processes. Another advantage of this variant is that high quality press plates are available for further microstructuring processes.

The embossing plate produced in this way is used to produce documents, in particular security documents, such as identity cards, passports, identification cards, credit cards, customer cards, driver's licenses and similar sheet and / or card and / or book-type documents by means of lamination and / or embossing and / or piecewise embossing used in a hot-cold laminating press.

Usually, transfer press systems are used. In this case, a plurality of printed, non-printed sheets (overlay sheets and core layers) positioned in a hot press at typically 200 to 300 N / cm ² and the required laminating temperature of over 100 ° C to about 200 ° C and then in a cold press at typically 200 are usually used to 550 N / cm ² and a cooling temperature of usually below 50 ° C, but preferably below 25 ° C laminated to each other, or interconnected.

In conventional transfer press systems, several tiers are usually used with cassettes and it is arranged in the cassettes several press plates and laminate packages stacked. Between the cassettes or the press plates often compensating layers of fiberglass fabric-reinforced rubber mats or papers or felt-like intermediate layers are used. These deformable layers are intended to increase or improve the uniform surface pressure, or to compensate for unevenness.

As press plates in a multi-daylight press known in the art, special stainless steel plates with a high-gloss or semi-matt or matt structure are usually used. Usually, these press plates are used on both sides. In addition to the multi-daylight press, rotary table presses or single press systems are often used.

The press plates are used with thicknesses of 0.3 to 2.0 mm, preferably thicknesses between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm are used. The format used is chosen from the single benefit to the multiple benefit of typically 20 or 24 or 48 uses for credit card sized laminate elements. A typical press plate is offered for example by the company Böhler Bleche GmbH in A-8680 Mürzzuschlag / Austria with the type designation A-505 in the DIN steel grade 1.4301 or AISI 302.

Press plates with lens structures, mostly in the form of raised or recessed lenticuarline systems, are used to produce documents with surface lens structure elements. Electroplated press plates made of galvanic nickel can be used or steel or nickel sheets with lens inserts. In all cases, care must be taken that pairs of press plates are used which have a similar thermal expansion coefficient.

Under a embossing plate is a metal sheet having a thickness of 0.3 to 2.0 mm, preferably with a thickness between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm understood. Typical formats are chosen from the single benefit to the multiple benefit of typically 20 or 24 or 48 uses for credit card sized laminate elements. A typical press plate is offered for example by the company Böhler Bleche GmbH in A-8680 Mürzzuschlag / Austria with the type designation A-505 in the DIN steel grade 1.4301 or AISI 302. Alternatively, galvanically coated steel sheets or electroplated sheets, for example made of nickel, can also be used.

In all cases, press plate pairs must be used which have the highest possible thermal expansion. For long service life, large surface hardnesses are an advantage. In a preferred manner, the surface is made highly polished. For special requirements, satin or matt surfaces can also be used. Usually, press plates are used on both sides in a platen press with cassettes, wherein the first and the last press plate is used with only one side to the laminate package.

In the case of the use of structured press plates or embossing plates, the possibility of mutual use is also an advantage, but encounters technical and cost limits. Here, the required number of items or series of calculations and the required delivery time must be contrasted with the additional costs involved in the production of embossed sheets structured on both sides.

A document is understood to mean, in particular, security documents such as identity cards, passports, identification cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, driving licenses and similar sheet and / or card and / or book-type documents. In this case, at least the uppermost laminate layer must be thermoplastically deformable at the usual surface pressures of up to 500 N / cm ² and often above to about 650 N / m ² . For critical embossing dies, a vacuum-assisted lamination press can be advantageous. As a result, trapped air can be avoided.

Under a lens structure is a three-dimensionally shaped optically largely transparent structure understood by means of the structured Embossing plates raised and / or recessed in or on the surface of the document is arranged, or is produced.

In a conventional embodiment, lenticular lens systems are used, wherein the rows of lenses with different radii and different grid dimensions can be used. This results from a different embossing height or embossing depth over the embossing surface.

In a simple embodiment, lens-like recesses are made in the embossing plate and thereby raised lenticular structures are produced on the document.

In a further embodiment, a planar elevation is first made on the embossing plate and in this elevation, the lens-like structure is made and it can thus be produced a document in which the lens-like structure below the (preferably high-gloss) surface is arranged.

In addition to line-like, lens-like structures, it is also possible to use hexagonal or triangular or pointwise arranged lens-like structures. The design of the lens mold is often uncritical depending on the application and relatively large deviation from a radius can be accepted or desired. The formation of the three-dimensionally shaped optical structures can also be rectangular, parabolic, elliptical, trapezoidal, V-shaped or irregularly shaped and / or formed composite.

Such three-dimensionally shaped optical structures are intended to influence the beam path during visual and / or machine viewing of information arranged underneath, ie in the interior of a document, such that a change in this information is given visually and / or mechanically. When the viewing angle changes, the information read out also changes.

In addition, when using positively curved optical structures, an optical enlargement of an element of the information arranged underneath is given, whereas in the case of straight-line optical structures, an optical image corresponding to the angular relationships is achieved.

An undercutting is understood to mean the production of a photomask in which the openings are made so small that a nearly isotropic etching takes place in the case of a corresponding etching bath guide, thereby achieving a strong undercutting. Thus, a similar etch depth can be achieved laterally as in the depth, and thereby the desired lens-like depressions can be achieved. The prerequisite for such an etching process is a suitable photomasking, a suitable bath management and defect-free sheets or defect-free surfaces. Such an etching is sufficient as the only method step, already incorporated a three-dimensional structure deepened below the reference plane in the material of embossing plate.

A micro-typeface is a structure that is not readable by the naked eye. The writing can be raised or recessed and may otherwise be linear or punctiform.

A diffractive structure is understood to mean a light- diffractive optical planar or line-shaped or graphically designed element which is embossed into the surface by the embossing plate. In a preferred embodiment, the diffractive element is arranged somewhat recessed and is thereby protected from mechanical damage, such as scratching and scrubbing.

Under a lamination , for example, the processing in a transfer press system, a rotary table press, a continuous press or a Einzelpaketlaminieranlage understood. In this case, a plurality of printed, non-printed sheets (overlay sheets and core layers) positioned in a hot press at typically 200 to 300 N / cm ² and the required laminating temperature of over 100 ° C to about 200 ° C and then in a cold press at typically 200 are usually used to 550 N / cm ² and a cooling temperature of usually below 50 ° C, but preferably below 25 ° C to each other laminated or bonded together.

However, it is also possible to join individual laminate packages together in a successive heating press and cooling press operation, and the lamination process can also be carried out in a laminating press in which the heating process and the cooling process are successively realized in the same press. Small laboratory facilities or pilot plants are often based on this principle.

In a special variant of the lamination, a vacuum support may be useful and thus an air inclusion can be avoided especially in uneven press layers.

A surface embossing and / or a piece-wise surface embossing is understood to mean the introduction of a surface structure onto a largely finished document. Since we assume at least one thermoplastic upper layer, the embossing plate must heated accordingly with a suitable surface pressure on the document surface are pressed and then the embossing plate must be cooled under pressure. This process leads to relatively long process times. An ultrasound application and / or a micro-oscillation can often give sufficiently good embossing results with substantially shorter cycle times.

Some embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing figures.

• Figur 1: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägebleches (1) mit einer vertieften Linsenstruktur (3), erhabenen Strukturen 1 und 2 (4, 5) und einer diffraktiven Struktur (35),
• Figur 2: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer vertieften nutförmigen Struktur (13), einer V-förmigen Vertiefung (15), mit erhabenen Strukturen 1 und 2 in einer Vertiefung (16), mit erhabenen Strukturen (4, 5, 17),
• Figur 3: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer Photomaskierung (18) zur Herstellung von linsenartigen Unterätzungen (19, 20, 21),
• Figur 4: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer zweiten Photomaskierung (23) zur Herstellung einer zweiten Oberflächenstrukturierung (24),
• Figur 5: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer Photomaskierung (18) zur Herstellung einer Oberflächenstruktur (25),
• Figur 6: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer Photomaskierung (18) zur Herstellung einer Galvanoabscheidung (26),
• Figur 7: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer zweiten Photomaskierung (23) zur Herstellung einer vertieften Linsenstruktur mit Unterätzung (27),
• Figur 8: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit vertiefter Linsenstruktur mit Unterätzung (27),
• Figur 9: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Prägeblechs (1) mit einer Galvanoabscheidung (26) und darauf hergestellter diffraktiver Struktur (35),
• Figur 10: eine beispielhafte Darstellung eines Dokumentes (28) mit einem Schriftzug (29, 34), einem Linsenrasterelement (30, 32), einem diffraktiven Element (35) und einem Mikroschriftelement (31, 33),
• Figur 11: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes durch das beispielhafte Dokument (28) mit vertieften Strukturen (29, 31, 35) und erhabenen Strukturen (30),
• Figur 12: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes durch das beispielhafte Dokument (28) mit vertieften Strukturen (29, 31, 35, 30),
• Figur 13: eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes durch das beispielhafte Dokument (28) mit vertieften Strukturen (32, 35) und erhabenen Strukturen (33, 34).

Showing:

• 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a stamping sheet (1) with a recessed lens structure (3), raised structures 1 and 2 (4, 5) and a diffractive structure (35),
• 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a recessed groove-shaped structure (13), a V-shaped recess (15), with raised structures 1 and 2 in a recess (16), with raised structures (4, 5, 17),
• FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a photomasking (18) for the production of lens-like undercuts (19, 20, 21),
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a second photomask (23) for producing a second surface structuring (24),
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a photomasking (18) for producing a surface structure (25),
• FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of a embossing plate (1) with a photomasking (18) for producing a galvanic deposition (26),
• 7 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a second photomask (23) for producing a recessed lens structure with undercut (27), FIG.
• FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a recessed lens structure with undercutting (27),
• 9 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a galvanic deposition (26) and diffractive structure (35) produced thereon,
• FIG. 10 shows an exemplary representation of a document (28) with a lettering (29, 34), a lenticular element (30, 32), a diffractive element (35) and a microprinting element (31, 33),
• FIG. 11 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section through the exemplary document (28) with recessed structures (29, 31, 35) and raised structures (30),
• FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a cross section through the exemplary document (28) with recessed structures (29, 31, 35, 30),
• FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a cross section through the exemplary document (28) with recessed structures (32, 35) and raised structures (33, 34).

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a stamping sheet (1) with a recessed lens structure (3), raised structures 1 and 2 (4, 5) and a diffractive structure (35).

The embossing plate (2) can be made of steel, preferably stainless steel, and must have a largely defect-free and void-free surface area. However, it is also possible to use a correspondingly less rust-resistant steel with a galvanic surface layer, for example based on nickel. Or it can be a galvanotechnisch produced sheet, for example made of nickel, can be used.

Typically, such galvanically produced layers or sheets provide a good defect-free material composition, which allows the incorporation of the finest and spatially designed structures (3, 7, 8, 9) and also a good connection to chemically or galvanotechnically applied elements (4, 5).

In this figure, an exemplary embossing plate (1) is shown with a recessed and lenticular structure (3, 7, 8, 9), said recessed structure (3, 7, 8, 9) on the top of the document (26) raised and projecting structure (30, 32) - see Figures 10 to 13 - causes.

As typical radii (8) will be 70 to 150 microns, especially in the range 90 microns and a typical depth (9) 50 to 120 microns, especially in the range 70 microns and as a grid (7) 100 to 300 .mu.m, in particular 170 microns specified.

Due to the formation of such lenticular elements (3) so-called wobble effects of printing elements can be perceived in the interior of a document (28).

The raised structures (4, 5) are additive structures on the surface of the embossing plate (2) and, for example, two different heights were shown. The width and height (10, 11) can be selected within wide ranges. The structures (4, 5) can be carried out in a point-like, linear or planar manner.

The production of these recessed and raised structures on both sides of the (highly polished) reference surface (6) takes place in principle by a two-stage structuring process.

The first structuring process step is a photomasking of the embossing plate surface (6). Subsequently, an exposure process is performed with a mask or a direct exposure method. Depending on the photomask type, the photomask is then removed at the exposed or unexposed areas with appropriate stripping liquids.

At the exposed structures, an etching solution then etches a semicircular (3) or groove-shaped (13) or V-shaped (15) or U-shaped depression by means of a corresponding etching control. In principle, even a larger area (22) can be made deepened without undercutting.

However, the first patterning process step can also be done by electroplating and either recessed or raised structures are made heightwise on either side of and beyond a reference surface (6). Such Galvanoabformungen are usually carried out on the basis of nickel and then it must be made in the present case, the thickness of the Galvanoabformung for suitability as a press plate in a heating-cold laminating press.

The second patterning process step can now be realized photochemically or photogalvanisch and / or laser technology.

In this case, the structured surface obtained by the first structuring process is provided with a photomask, exposed, developed and stripped, and thus a second structure or even further structures can be produced by etching and / or electroplating.

The difficulty with this is that the structures produced in the first patterning process must be well covered or protected, which can be done by lamination of a photosensitive film. Most such lamination is accomplished by vacuum lamination and / or wet lamination. However, it is also possible to carry out a curtain casting process or a spray coating process.

However, the at least second structuring process can also be carried out by laser technology. In this case, depressions can be realized by laser ablation and elevations by melting of corresponding surface-applied materials.

By means of laser ablation both fine guilloche-like structures and microstructures can be produced. The shape of the depression can be controlled stepwise or spirally by appropriate pulse control.

The laser-building structuring can also be done by overlay or lamination or spray application or printing application of suitable materials. The laser beam is guided over the surface with corresponding power and pulse duration or number of pulses and suitable focus in accordance with the desired graphic design. Subsequently, the unused material is removed.

The diffractive structure (35) is carried out in this embodiment almost flush with the embossing plate surface (6) and is produced by means of micro-precision etching and / or ablative laser.

The embossing plate surface (6) is executed in the preferred variant of high gloss and is not affected by the various photomasking or Strukturherstellprozesse.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a recessed groove-shaped structure (13), a V-shaped one Recess (15), shown with raised structures 1 and 2 in a recess (16) and with raised structures (4, 5, 17).

In addition to these groove-shaped (13) and V-shaped (15) depressions with a depth (14) of a few microns to a few 50 microns to about 100 microns more very diverse forms can be realized and it must be the photomasking and the etching process or the electroplating process will be tuned to it.

The raised structure in the recess (16) is achieved by a multi-stage manufacturing process. In this case, the cavity must be produced in a first photomasking process and a first material removal process and subsequently the two raised structures (16) must be realized in an additive process.

In addition to the production of raised structures (4, 5), negative structures can also be produced. For this purpose, first a raised planar structure is produced and then the depressions (17) are realized. The structures thus produced on a document (28) are of course more profound (29).

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a photomasking (18) for the production of lens-like undercuts (19, 20, 21).

In this Figure 3, the principle of the undercut (19, 20, 21) is explained schematically, wherein the semicircular undercut represents only one exemplary possible form. Basically, with a suitable Badführung an isotropic etching rate can be assumed. In a first approximation, it is thus possible to etch laterally approximately as deeply as into depth.

In this way, punctiform or line-shaped lenticular recessed structures can be made.

In this case, the photomask (18) plays a very important role, since it must remain stable over the duration of the entire chemical or electroplating process and must adhere well to the surface of the embossing plate (2). Then it has to be easy to remove (strippable).

The vertical etching without undercut (22) shows that erosion without undercutting is also possible with suitable bath management. In principle, ablation with and without undercut is realized in separate processes.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a second photomask (23) for producing a second surface structuring (24). Based on this figure, the problem of masking in an already structured surface will be shown.

When films are used as photomask (23) with a photopolymeric layer thickness of typically 25 μm or 50 μm or 75 μm, polyester protective films are additionally used which often make embedding the recessed structures without air pockets impossible. Although known in the prior art wet lamination systems and Vakuumlaminiersysteme, but such systems and Processes consuming and expensive. Often, spray painting or knife coating or screen printing or curtain coating or roller coating are simpler and more efficient methods of confirming coating. The openings (24) for the second surface structuring are produced in any desired manner.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of a embossing plate (1) with a photomasking (18) for producing a surface structure (25). This step for producing a structuring on a embossing plate (2) serves to expose a planar structure (25) for a galvanic deposition (26).

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a photomasking (18) for producing a galvanic deposition (26). This Galvanoabscheidung (26) must adhere well to the surface of the embossing plate (2), must be as free of defects as possible and should have a similar thermal expansion coefficient as the embossing plate (2).

The preferred electrodeposition material used is nickel, which on the one hand has sufficient surface hardness and on the other hand has good resistance to a lamination or embossing process.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a second photomask (23) for producing a recessed lens structure with undercut (27). The masking openings (24) must be matched very precisely to the desired undercut (27).

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a galvanic deposit (26) with a recessed lens structure with undercut (27). Such a lens structure (27) makes it possible to produce a recessed lens structure (32) on a document (28).

FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a embossing plate (1) with a galvanic deposition (26) and a diffractive structure (35) produced thereon. A diffractive structure (35) produced in this way makes it possible to produce a recessed diffractive structure (35) on a document (28).

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary representation of a document (28) with a lettering (29, 34), wherein the lettering "Austria Card" is produced by means of a embossing plate which, for example by means of photomasking with a subsequent chemically or electro-ablative process recessed structures forms, or in a subsequent second process step after a second exposure and exposure with a subsequent chemical or galvanic process forms a raised microstructure.

The lenticular element (30, 32) shown here likewise has raised and / or recessed structures which are produced on the embossing plate by means of lenticular recesses or by means of a lenticular structure on a surface elevation on the embossing plate, the rows of lenses having different radii and different grid dimensions are formed, which result from a different embossing height or embossing depth.

A diffractive element (35) is designed as a light diffraction optical, flat or linear or graphic element, which is preferably arranged somewhat recessed, in order to protect it from mechanical damage and a horizontal, vertical or arcuate structure having. An element having a diffractive structure may be formed by an element having a lenticular structure.

The illustrated micro-writing element (31, 33) has a structure which is not legible with the naked eye and is also designed to be raised and / or recessed, wherein the structure is linear and / or point-shaped.

The raised structures are generally referenced to the reference plane (36) which forms the surface of the document without the indentations and indentations created.

The document (28) is usually produced by means of a prior art transfer press system.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section AB through the exemplary document (28) with the likewise recessed structures (29, 31, 35) and raised structures (30). This illustration clearly shows that the lenticular element (30, 32) is in the form of a raised structure and the microprint (31) is in the form of a recessed structure.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section AB through the exemplary document (28) with recessed structures (29, 31, 35, 30), wherein the aforementioned structures (31, 29, 32,) in this illustrated embodiment of a document (FIG. 28) are formed as wells and the micro-writing structure (33) in addition also as Erhabungen.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section AB through the exemplary document (28) with recessed structures (32, 35) and raised structures (33, 34), wherein the determination of the Recessed or raised structures partially represents an inverse form to the figures 10 to 12 and is determined according to the use of the document (28), wherein the micro-font (31, 33) within a document (28) can have both raised and recessed structures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Embossing plate (press plate) with a three-dimensional structure

2

Embossing plate (pressed sheet)

3

Recessed lens structure (in embossing plate)

4

Sublime structure 1 (on the embossing plate)

5

Sublime Structure 2 (on the embossing plate)

6

High-gloss surface (= reference surface, optional: semi-gloss or matt)

7

Pitch of the lens system

8th

Radius of the lens system

9

Depth of the lens system

10

Height of the raised structure 1

11

Height of the raised structure 2

12

Thickness of embossing plate

13

Recessed structure groove-shaped

14

Depth of the groove-shaped or V-shaped groove

15

V-shaped recess

16

Sublime structures 1 and 2 in a depression

17

Recessed structures in a raised structure

18

Photomasking (photopolymer mask, exposed, developed and stripped)

19

Opening in the etching mask

20

Undercut (hemispherical)

21

etch depth

22

Vertical etching without undercut

23

Second photomasking

24

Second surface structuring (chemically abrasive and / or electroplating and / or laser-borne)

25

surface structure

26

galvanic plate

27

Recessed lens structure with undercut

28

Document (ID card)

29

Lettering (for example Austria Card - Recessed or Exalted)

30

Lens grid element raised

31

Microscope deepened

32

Lens grid element recessed

33

Microscope raised

34

Lettering sublime

35

Diffractive structure

36

Reference plane (zero-level) document

Claims (21)

Method for producing a embossing plate (1) for a hot-cold laminating press with three-dimensional structures for producing documents (28) by means of lamination and / or surface embossing characterized by the production of recessed ones (3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 , 16) and raised structures (4, 5, 10, 11, 17) with respect to a high gloss surface (6) defined as a reference plane. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that recessed structures are produced in a single-stage structuring process without damaging the embossing plate surface (6) not affected. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that raised structures are produced in a single-stage structuring process without damaging the embossing plate surface (6) not affected thereby. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least two-stage structuring process in a first process step recessed and / or raised structures in the nonstructured embossing plate surface (6) are prepared and then in an at least second process step additional recessed and / or raised structures are produced in the non-structured surface (6) and / or in the already structured surface and at least one of the recessed and / or raised structures of the first or at least second structuring process has an optically active structure. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the surface (6) is executed high gloss or semi-gloss or matt. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the recessed structures (3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16) and the raised structures (4, 5, 10, 11, 17) circular, parabolic, rectangular, V-shaped, trapezoidal and / or composite shapes. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the recessed structures (3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16) and the raised structures (4, 5, 10, 11, 17) by means of chemical and / or electroplating and / or laser ablation and / or laser deposition of the method. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the recessed structures (3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16) and the raised structures (4, 5, 10, 11, 17) with at least a photomasking process are produced. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one recessed structure (3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16) or a raised structure (4, 5, 10, 11, 17) lenticular is trained. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lenticular structure (3, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) is produced by undercut. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the recesses (13, 14, 15, 22) are produced by chemical removal and thereby the edge shapes are adjusted by the corresponding process control of the etching medium. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the lenticular structure (3, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) recessed (3, 7, 8, 9 , 19, 20, 21) or raised (23, 24, 25, 26, 27). Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the lenticular structure (3, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) are grid-like or line-like and thereby grid spacing ( 7, 15, 20) of 100 to 300 microns are set and structure depths (9, 14, 21) or structure heights (10, 11) of 2 to 150 .mu.m, in particular 5 to 100 microns, are set. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that as embossing plate (2) a void or generally flawless and stainless steel sheets or a steel sheet with a corresponding nickel plating or a galvanically produced nickel sheet is used and the surface is highly polished or with a desired matting is provided and this surface is changed only in the areas of the structure production. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that as embossing plate (2) a Galvanoabformblech with already produced first structure (3, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) is used for the production of further structures. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that on the raised structure (26) a diffractive structure (35) is arranged. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the embossing plate for a hot-cold laminating three-dimensional structures on both sides of a high-gloss embossing plate surface (6). Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the use of a embossing plate (1) for a hot-cold laminating press with three-dimensional structures for the production of documents (28), in particular security documents such as identity cards, passports, identification cards, credit cards, customer cards , Driving licenses and the like sheet and / or card and / or book-like documents by means of lamination and / or embossing and / or piecewise embossing is formed. Embossing plate (1) according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that it is produced according to one of the method claims 1 to 14. Application of a stamping sheet (1) produced according to one of claims 1 to 14 in a hot-cold laminating press, in particular in a transfer press in the form of a single-cycle press, a platen press or a rotary table and the like laminating system or in a full-area and / or piece-by-piece embossing press corresponding thermal and / or printing technology and / or ultrasound technical and / or microsurgical support for the production of documents (28), in particular security documents. A method of producing laminated cards or ID cards and the like using a embossing plate made according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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