EP2271501B1 - Method for producing a security or value document - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a security or value document, having the process steps: B) preparing a layered compound (14, 18) made of at least one paper substrate (14) having a marking material that can be modified by a laser in a marking region, and a security element (18) present in the marking region that can be attenuated by laser effects, and L) subjecting the layer compound (14, 18) to laser radiation, in order to generate simultaneous and precisely matched attenuation lines (26) in the security element (18) and marks (22) in the paper substrate (18) by modifying the marking material.

Description

The invention relates to methods for producing a security or value document and safety or value documents produced by these methods.

Data carriers, such as security, value or identity documents, but also other valuables, such as branded articles, are often provided with security elements for the purpose of security, which permit verification of the authenticity of the data carrier and at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction. Such security elements can be designed, for example, in the form of a film element glued onto the data carrier, which can be provided with desired security features, such as, for example, embossed structures that are embossed in a lacquer layer and partially metallized.

The security elements are also often formed by a transferred film strip, in which a carrier film is coated with a curable lacquer layer, the lacquer layer is provided with desired security features and then glued together with the carrier film on the disk. The carrier film is subsequently stripped off so that only an extremely thin film layer remains on the data carrier, which practically does not deposit in the end product. In other designs, especially for data carriers with through openings, such as a banknote with a hole, a film to cover the through hole remains on the disk. For this purpose, a composite of a carrier film and a useful film is typically used, wherein the carrier film is removed before or after the application to the disk.

Many applications of such film elements or transferred lacquer layers require provisions to prevent the security element from being detached from an original data carrier and applied to another data carrier, for example to simulate its authenticity or authenticity.

WO 2005 10 81 09 discloses the production of a document of value wherein a laser-modifiable paper substrate is provided with a coating in at least one marking area, and a marking is produced by means of a laser which extends over the border area between the coating and the security paper.

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide security and value documents with a high level of protection against counterfeiting, and in particular to provide security and value documents whose security features are attractively integrated into the visual appearance.

This object is achieved by the manufacturing methods and the security and value documents of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

• B) Bereitstellen eines Schichtverbunds aus zumindest einem Papiersubstrat, das in einem Markierungsbereich mit einem lasermodifizierbaren Markierungsstoff versehen ist, und einem im Markierungsbereich vorliegenden, durch Lasereinwirkung schwächbaren Sicherheitselement, und
• L) Beaufschlagen des Schichtverbunds mit Laserstrahlung, um gleichzeitig und passergenau Schwächungslinien in dem Sicherheitselement und durch Modifikation des Markierungsstoffs Kennzeichnungen in dem Papiersubstrat zu erzeugen.

In a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for producing a security or value document, which is characterized by the method steps:

• B) providing a layer composite of at least one paper substrate, which is provided in a marking area with a laser-modifiable marking substance, and a present in the marking area, weakening by laser action security element, and
• L) applying laser radiation to the laminate to simultaneously and accurately create lines of weakness in the security element and by modification of the marker to cause marks in the paper substrate.

The security element does not have to be present in the entire marking area and it can also extend beyond the marking area. It is only essential for the present invention that an overlapping region of the marking area and the security element exists, in which the lines of weakness in the security element and the markings in the paper substrate can be generated simultaneously and with register accuracy.

The laser parameters are expediently selected when the layer composite is acted upon in step L) such that the weakening of the security element by the lines of weakness exceeds the adhesive force between the security element and the paper substrate. In this case, the strength in the unaltered region of the security element is greater than the adhesive force between security element and paper substrate, while in the region of the weakening lines, the opposite occurs. In a peel attempt, therefore, the security element breaks away from the lines of weakness.

In an alternative design, the strength of the paper is less than that of the security element and the adhesive force between the security element and the paper substrate. In the area of the weakening lines, there is the reverse case, for which it may be necessary in some designs to continue the cut in the paper. In this design, the paper substrate is split in a peel attempt of the security element. In this case, adhesive can be cut out in the region of the weakening lines in order not to remove the color effects of the paper substrate during the cleavage.

Preferably, the paper substrate is coated in step B) with the marker or the marker is in step B) in the volume of Paper substrate introduced. For this purpose, the marker can be mixed, for example, in the sheet formation of the paper pulp, the marker can be introduced into the paper substrate in a dip or the paper substrate can be impregnated in a size press with the marker.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the security element has a weakened by laser action film layer. The film layer can also be provided with a laser-modifiable marking substance in order to additionally generate markings in the film layer simultaneously and precisely in step L). For this purpose, the film layer is advantageously coated in step B) with the marker or the marker is introduced in step B) in the volume of the film layer.

Alternatively or in addition to a film layer, the security element may have a weakenable by laser action paint layer. The lacquer layer can likewise be provided with a laser-modifiable marking substance, in order to additionally generate markings in the lacquer layer at the same time and with register accuracy in step L). For this purpose, in step B), the marking substance is advantageously mixed with the paint before application to the paper substrate. Alternatively, the marker can also be applied to the lacquer layer in step B), in particular printed.

In the paper substrate, the film layer and / or the lacquer layer preferably laser-modifiable markers are used whose visible color is changed by the action of the laser radiation. In other embodiments, laser-modifiable markers may be used whose infrared-absorbing properties or their magnetic, electrical or luminescent properties is changed by the action of the laser radiation.

The paper substrate and the security element are advantageously provided with different laser-modifiable markers, so that different effects, in particular different color effects, occur in the paper and in the security element. If both a paper substrate, a film layer and a lacquer layer are provided, then all three elements can be provided with laser-modifiable marking substances, in particular with different marking substances.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the different marking substances are coordinated with one another such that the modification of the marking substance present in the paper substrate requires a higher laser energy than the modification of the marking substance present in the security element. However, it is also possible that the modification of the marker present in the paper substrate requires less laser energy than the modification of the marker present in the security element, in particular because the laser radiation is attenuated by the passage through the security element. It will be understood that the tagging agents will generally match their threshold energies, the proportion of film and paper markers, and film thickness, based on the desired appearance of the finished security element.

To generate the lines of weakness and to modify the marking substance, laser radiation in the infrared spectral range is preferably used, in particular laser radiation of a CO ₂ laser at a wavelength between 9.2 and 11.4 μm, typically at about 10.6 μm. Also the Use of a Nd: YAG laser with a wavelength of 1.064 μm is an advantage.

The security element is advantageously weakened along the lines of weakness to 50% or less, preferably 30% or less, of the thickness outside the lines of weakness. It is understood that the respective required weakening of the film material, the film thickness and the properties of the adhesive bond between paper substrate and film element depends. If the security element is designed in the form of a transferred lacquer layer, the required weakening depends on the lacquer material, the lacquer thickness and the connection between the lacquer layer and the paper substrate. In an alternative design, the security element along the lines of weakness is provided with local vulnerabilities. In this case, the security element can in particular even be perforated along the lines of weakness, that is to say the layer thickness of the security element can be reduced in some areas to zero.

The invention also encompasses a security or value document which can be produced in the manner described and comprises a layer composite of at least one paper substrate which is provided with a laser-modifiable marking substance in a marking area and a security element which is weakenable by laser action in the marking area, and precisely lines of weakening are applied by laser application the security element and by modification of the marking substance markings are introduced in the paper substrate.

• B) Bereitstellen eines Schichtverbunds aus zumindest einem Papiersubstrat, das in einem Markierungsbereich mit einem ersten lasermodifizierbaren Markierungsstoff versehen ist, und einem Folienelement, das in dem Markierungsbereich mit einem unterschiedlichen, zweiten lasermodifizierbaren Markierungsstoff versehen ist, und
• L) Beaufschlagen des Schichtverbunds mit Laserstrahlung, um durch Modifikation der Markierungsstoffe gleichzeitig und passergenau Kennzeichnungen in dem Papiersubstrat und in dem Folienelement zu erzeugen.

In a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for producing a security or value document, which is characterized by the method steps:

• B) providing a laminate of at least one paper substrate provided with a first laser-modifiable marker in a marking region and a film element provided with a different, second laser-modifiable marker in the marker region, and
• L) applying laser radiation to the layer composite in order to produce markings in the paper substrate and in the film element simultaneously and accurately by modification of the marking substances.

Preferably, the paper substrate is coated with the marking substance in step B), or the marking substance is introduced into the volume of the paper substrate in step B). For this purpose, the marker can be mixed, for example, in the sheet formation of the paper pulp, the marker can be introduced into the paper substrate in a dip or the paper substrate can be impregnated in a size press with the marker. Also, the film element is preferably coated in step B) with the marker or the marker is introduced in step B) in the volume of the film layer.

• die Kennzeichnungen im Schichtverbund nach der Laserbeaufschlagung in einer Kombinationsfarbe erscheinen und
• die Kennzeichnungen bei einem Ablösen des Folienelements von dem Papiersubstrat jeweils mit von der Kombinationsfarbe verschiedenen Farben erscheinen.

In an advantageous variant of the method, first and second laser-modifiable marking substances are used whose visible color is changed by the action of the laser radiation. The color changes of the first and second laser-modifiable marking substance are preferably matched to one another such that

• the markings in the composite after laser application appear in a combination color and
• the markings appear when peeling off the sheet member from the paper substrate, respectively, with colors different from the combination color.

• die Kennzeichnungen im Schichtverbund nach der Laserbeaufschlagung in einer Zielfarbe erscheinen und
• bei einem Ablösen des Folienelements von dem Papiersubstrat die Kennzeichnung im Papiersubstrat in der Zielfarbe erscheint und die Kennzeichnung im Folienelement transparent erscheint.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second laser-modifiable marking substance is made transparent by the action of the laser radiation, so that

• the markings in the layer composite after laser application appear in a target color and
• when the film element is detached from the paper substrate, the marking in the paper substrate appears in the target color and the marking in the film element appears transparent.

The transparency of the second marking substance can be achieved in particular by removal or destruction of the marking substance or conversion into a transparent modification. Laser radiation in the infrared spectral range is preferably used for modifying the marking substances, in particular laser radiation of a CO ₂ laser at a wavelength between 9.2 and 11.4 μm. Surprisingly, a non-destructive marking of the layer composite of paper and film element can take place with a CO ₂ laser, although the radiation of the CO ₂ laser is actually absorbed by the film material.

The introduced markings can have both a closed and an open contour in all aspects of the invention.

The invention also encompasses a security or value document producible according to the second aspect of the invention comprising a layer composite of at least one paper substrate which is provided in a marking area with a first laser-modifiable marker, and a foil element which provides in the marking area with a different, second laser-modifiable marker is, wherein by laser application by modification of the marking substances register in the register exactly in the paper substrate and in the film element are introduced.

In all the embodiments described, laser-modifiable effect pigments can be used as the laser-modifiable marker. Such effect pigments are available to the person skilled in the art with different properties, in particular with regard to their body color, the color change under laser action, the threshold energy and the required laser wavelength. Also, effect pigments which do not (only) change their visible color upon laser irradiation but their infrared-absorbing, magnetic, electrical or luminescent properties are known to the person skilled in the art. The modification of the effect pigments can be carried out with laser radiation in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral range, in particular with a CO ₂ laser having a wavelength between 9.2 and 11.4 μm.

Instead of laser-modifiable effect pigments, it is also possible to use a pigment-free laser-modifiable marker. Pigment-free marking substances can also be applied to the carrier or introduced into the carrier volume, for example as a stitch or printing ink. With pigment-free marking materials, a coating of high transparency can be produced, into which a permanent and high-contrast marking can be introduced by laser action at high speed. Pigment-free marking substances can be modified by laser radiation in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral range, for example with the 10.6 μm radiation of a CO ₂ laser. Specific, non-limiting examples of pigment-free laser-modifiable markers are in the references WO 02/101462 A1 . US 4,343,885 and EP 0290 750 B1 specified.

The security element and / or the paper substrate can also be provided with two or more different effect pigments, which can be arranged in particular in the form of a pattern. The color effects can then appear to the viewer according to the pattern with different color and / or different effect width. It is also possible to use different superimposed layers with markers. Depending on the power of the laser then the upper layers can be removed and the color of the underlying markers are exposed. For example, one marker may be provided in volume and another marker in a surface coating of the paper substrate. At lower laser energy, only a color change is then effected in the surface marking agent, while at higher laser energy the surface marking agent is removed and a color change is effected in the bulky label.

The methods according to the invention can be used, in particular, for securing film strips applied to banknotes or other data carriers, foil patches or for securing film composite banknotes. As described above, in some designs, the carrier sheet is subtracted from the film element, so that only a thin secured layer is present on the disk.

The designs according to the invention can in particular also be combined with perforations of the paper substrate having a color effect, as described in US Pat DE 10 2007 036 622 (the German patent application DE 10 2007 030 946.7 ) are described.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion has been dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Banknote mit einem manipulationssicheren Folienstreifen mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsmerkmal,

Fig. 2

eine Detailaufsicht auf den Folienstreifen der Fig. 1 im Bereich des Sicherheitsmerkmals,

Fig. 3

zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Prinzips in (a) schematisch die räumliche Energieverteilung eines Markierungslaserstrahls, und in (b) schematisch einen Querschnitt durch die Banknote mit dem manipulationssicheren Folienstreifen der Fig. 1 im Bereich des Sicherheitsmerkmals,

Fig. 4

eine Detailaufsicht auf einen manipulationssicheren Folienstreifen nach einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Fig. 5

in (a) schematisch die räumliche Verteilung der beim Markieren entstehenden Wärmeenergie, und in (b) einen Querschnitt durch eine Banknote mit einem weiteren erfindungsgemäßen, manipulationssicheren Folienstreifen,

Fig. 6

weitere erfindungsgemäße Farbeffekte in Papiersubstrat und Folienelement, wobei in (a) und (b) die maßgeblichen Teilbereiche bei der Laserbeaufschlagung veranschaulicht werden, und (c) bis (i) verschiedene Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung illustrieren,

Fig. 7

einen Querschnitt durch einen manipulationssicheren Schichtverbund nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Fig. 8

in (a) eine Aufsicht auf den Schichtverbund von Fig. 7 und in (b) und (c) Aufsichten auf das getrennte Papiersubstrat und das getrennte Folienelement nach dem Ablösen des Folienelements,

Fig. 9

einen Querschnitt durch einen manipulationssicheren Schichtverbund nach einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Fig. 10

in (a) eine Aufsicht auf den Schichtverbund von Fig. 9 und in (b) und (c) Aufsichten auf das getrennte Papiersubstrat und das getrennte Folienelement nach dem Ablösen des Folienelements,

Fig.11

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel nach dem ersten Erfindungsaspekt, bei dem die durch die Laserstrahlung eingebrachten Kennzeichnungen über den mit Schwächungslinien versehenen Folienstreifen hinaus ins Papiersubstrat ragen, und

Fig.12

in (a) bis (c) Ansichten wie in Fig. 8 für einen Schichtverbund nach dem zweiten Erfindungsaspekt mit über den Folienstreifen ins Papiersubstrat hinausragenden Kennzeichnungen.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a banknote with a tamper evident film strip with a security feature according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a detailed supervision on the foil strip of Fig. 1 in the area of the security feature,

Fig. 3

to explain the principle according to the invention in (a) schematically the spatial energy distribution of a marking laser beam, and in (b) schematically shows a cross section through the banknote with the tamper evident film strip of Fig. 1 in the area of the security feature,

Fig. 4

a detailed inspection of a tamper evident film strip according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5

in (a) schematically the spatial distribution of the thermal energy arising during marking, and in (b) a cross section through a banknote with a further, tamper evident film strip according to the invention,

Fig. 6

further color effects according to the invention in paper substrate and film element, wherein (a) and (b) illustrate the relevant subregions in the case of laser application, and (c) to (i) illustrate various embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 7

a cross section through a tamper-evident layer composite according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 8

in (a) a view of the layer composite of Fig. 7 and in (b) and (c), top views of the separated paper substrate and the separated film element after peeling off the film element,

Fig. 9

a cross section through a tamper-evident layer composite according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 10

in (a) a view of the layer composite of Fig. 9 and in (b) and (c), top views of the separated paper substrate and the separated film element after peeling off the film element,

Figure 11

a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the introduced by the laser radiation markings beyond the scored with lines of film strips project into the paper substrate, and

Figure 12

in (a) to (c) views as in Fig. 8 for a layer composite according to the second aspect of the invention with over the film strip protruding into the paper substrate markings.

The invention will now be explained using the example of security elements for banknotes. Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of a banknote 10 with a through opening 12, which is covered with a film strip 14. The film strip 14 is coated with a UV varnish, are embossed in the embodiment partially metallized diffraction structures.

In order to prevent abusive detachment of the film strip 14 from the banknote 10 and subsequent application of the detached strip to another carrier, the layer composite formed from the paper substrate 18 of the banknote and the film strip 14 is provided with a security feature 16, the lines of weakness in the film strip 14 and a matched colored label in the paper substrate 18.

The lines of weakening of the film strip 14 prevent the strip 14 from being easily removed from an original banknote and transferred to a false banknote, since the film strip tears along the lines of weakness when attempting to peel it off. The weakening of the film strip 14 is combined with a registered colored marking in the paper substrate 18 and thus visually integrated into the design of the banknote 10. In addition, the weakening lines, as in Fig. 2 shown, in addition to be combined with a mark in the film strip 14 and in other embodiments with a label in a transferred or in a present on a film strip paint layer.

With reference to the detail of the security feature 16 in FIG Fig. 2 the weakening of the film strip 14 in addition to the registered marking in the paper substrate 18 is additionally combined with an equally matched but differently colored marking in the film strip 14. So shows Fig. 2 a section of the star-shaped motif element 20 of Fig.1 having a bichromal edge 22, 24. The edge of the motif element 20 shows on the one hand narrow lines 22 of a first color, blue in the exemplary embodiment, which are formed by a blue marking in the paper substrate 18. The narrow blue lines 22 are framed by wider lines 24 of a second color, red in the exemplary embodiment.

The wide red lines 24 are formed by a marking in the film strip 14 that has been matched to the narrow blue lines 22. The lines of weakness in the film strip 14 coincide with the narrow blue marking lines 22 in the paper substrate 18, so that the pattern element 20 contains a total of three perfectly matched elements, namely the narrow blue lines 22, the one marking Form in the paper substrate 18, for the second with these lines 22 in supervision congruent lines of weakness in the film strip 14 and thirdly the wide red lines 24, which form an identification in the film strip 14.

In order to produce this perfect registration of the two markings and the weakening lines, the paper substrate 18 and the film strip 14 were each provided with laser-modifiable effect pigments, which show the desired color change to blue or red when exposed to laser radiation. The first effect pigments are applied to the paper substrate 18, for example printed on, or can be introduced into the volume of the paper substrate 18. The latter can already take place during papermaking by admixture of the effect pigments to the pulp during sheet formation or else subsequently in a dip bath or by impregnation in the size press. The second effect pigments provided in the film strip 14 can also be applied to the film layer or introduced into the volume of the film layer.

As effect pigments which change their visible color by the action of the laser radiation, for example, thermoreactive color pigments, such as the available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc. dye SEC TCM 1180 or ultramarine blue, are suitable. Instead of the effect pigments described by way of example, it is also possible to use a pigment-free laser-modifiable marker, as described in more detail above.

To illustrate the principle of the invention shows Fig. 3 (a) schematically the substantially Gaussian spatial energy distribution 30 of a marker laser beam and Fig. 3 (b) schematically a corresponding Cross section through the banknote 10 with the tamper evident film strip 14 in the area of the security feature 16 after the laser application.

In an inner region of the laser profile, the cutting region 32, the laser energy exceeds the threshold energy E ₁ required for cutting the film strip 14. In the exemplary embodiment, this energy also represents the reaction energy of the first effect pigments present in the paper substrate 18, at which point the color change to blue takes place. With E ₂ , the reaction energy of the present in the film strip 14 second effect pigments is called, when exceeded the desired color change to red.

How out Fig. 3 (a) directly visible, lies in an outer region of the laser beam profile, the film marking region 34, the laser energy between the required for the color change of the second effect pigments reaction energy E ₂ and the energy required for cutting E ₁ , so that in this region 34, a color change of the second Effect pigments is induced, but the film strip is not cut. When the film strip 14 is subjected to the laser beam 30, therefore, the wide red lines 24 in FIG Fig. 2 generated as in Fig. 3 (b) shown.

On the other hand, in the inner cutting region 32, the laser energy is above both the threshold energy E ₁ required for film cutting and above the reaction energy required for the color change of the first effect pigments, so that in this region 32 weakening lines 26 are produced in the film element 14 and, on the other hand, a color change the first effect pigments of the paper substrate 18 is induced. At the laser application with the laser beam 30 are in the area 32 so in addition to the lines of weakness 26 and the narrow blue lines 22 of Fig. 2 generated. Since the identification lines 22, 24 and the lines of weakness 26 are generated simultaneously by different portions 32, 34 of the same laser beam 30, they are arranged in perfect registration.

It is understood that the threshold energy required to cut the film strip 14 in the general case can also deviate from the reaction energy of the first effect pigments. The weakening lines 26 and the narrow marking lines 22 can then have different widths.

The laser parameters during the application are selected so that the weakening of the film strip 14 by the lines of weakness 26 exceeds the adhesive force between the film strip 14 and the paper substrate 18. This ensures that the film strip 14 breaks in a detachment attempt, starting from the weakening lines 26 into individual parts. Typically, the film element 14 is thinned along the lines of weakness 26 to one third or less of the layer thickness d present outside the lines of weakness 26, the required weakening, of course, being dependent on the film material, the film thickness and the adhesive bond properties between paper substrate and film element.

Instead of uniformly reducing the layer thickness of the film element along the lines of weakness 26, the lines of weakness may also be formed in the form of perforation lines, as in FIG Fig. 4 shown. The square motif element 40 shown there in sections has a bichromal edge, which is composed of a narrow continuous line 42 and a wide broken line 44. In the narrow Line regions 42, the edge of the pattern element 40 appears with the second color, in the exemplary embodiment, red, in the wide line segments 44, the edge is bicoloured, in each case a narrow line element 46 in the first color, in the exemplary embodiment, blue of a wide line segment 48 of second color, in this case red, is framed. In the areas of the narrow blue line segments 46 of the film strip 14 is perforated, its thickness there so reduced to zero, while the film 14 is in the areas where there is only a narrow red line 42, unhurt. In other designs, the layer thickness in the perforated areas is not reduced to zero, but local weak spots with reduced layer thickness are created along the lines of weakness.

In order to produce such a perforation, the layer composite of film strips 14 and paper substrate 18 can be acted upon, for example, with a marking laser beam of varying intensity over time. When writing the narrow red line regions 42, the maximum laser energy lies between E ₁ and E ₂ , so that although the reaction energy of the second effect pigments exceeded, the energy required to cut the film 14 is not reached. For writing the two-color line segments 46, 48 and creating the perforation openings, the laser energy is increased to a value above E ₁ , so that, as in Fig. 3 the film 14 is cut and accurately produced both a narrow blue mark 46 in the paper substrate 18 and a wide red marking 48 in the film element 14.

In addition to the modification of the effect pigments or of the pigment-free marking substance by the laser radiation itself, a modification of the marking substance by the heat generated during laser beam cutting is also suitable. Fig. 5 (a) illustrates the resulting laser application Spatial distribution 50 of the heat energy in the paper substrate 18. With E ₁ , the threshold energy required for cutting the film strip 14 is again denoted, with E ₃ the reaction energy of the first effect pigments present in the paper substrate 18. The film strip is not provided with effect pigments in this embodiment.

How out Fig. 5 (a) and the cross section of Fig. 5 (b) Immediately apparent, the heated region 54, in which the reaction energy of the first effect pigments is exceeded, and therefore a color change in the paper substrate 18, extend well beyond the cut region 52, so that narrow lines of weakness 56 are combined with wide marking lines 58 in the paper substrate 18 can. It is understood that effect pigments in the paper which react to the heat generated can be combined with effect pigments or thermo-reactive dyes in the film strip, which react to the laser radiation itself. In this way, it is possible, for example, in addition to the weakening lines 56 to produce broad marking lines in the paper substrate and, in comparison thereto, narrow marking lines in the film element

However, the marking lines in the paper substrate 18 may also be formed wider than the lines of weakness, even if the marker in the paper reacts to the laser radiation itself. This can be achieved, for example, with such markers and such laser energies in which the laser energy, although no longer sufficient to cut the film strip, but still enough light penetrates through the film strip to trigger the desired color change of the marker in the paper.

Instead of a film element, the weakening lines described can also be introduced into a lacquer layer transferred to a paper substrate. For this purpose, a thin lacquer layer can be applied to a carrier foil, embossed with a desired structure and partially or completely metallized. The coated carrier film is adhered to a paper substrate and the carrier film is peeled off so that only the embossed and optionally metallized coating layer remains on the paper substrate. By providing weakening lines according to the invention with simultaneous marking of the paper substrate, the possibility of detaching such lacquer layers, for example, from a genuine banknote and transferring it to a counterfeit banknote, is effectively prevented, since the weakened lacquer layer is inevitably destroyed in such a transfer attempt starting from the lines of weakness.

Depending on the desired design, the effects described can be used with transparent or opaque film elements or with transparent or opaque paint layers. If the weakening lines in the film or the lacquer are difficult to recognize, the color effect of the paper substrate and the color of the film element or the lacquer can be matched to one another. For example, a paper substrate having a marker that has a color change to red may be combined with a red colored transparent film element. After the laser application, the red coloration of the film element is reduced or removed in the region of the weakening lines. At the same time, however, calibrated red marking lines were created in the paper substrate, so that the lines of weakness are not or only with difficulty recognizable in the case of intact layer composite.

In addition to the effects already described are basically a variety of other color effects in the layer composite of paper substrate and film element possible, with a choice in Fig. 6 is shown. For all effects, a transferred lacquer layer can be used instead of a foil element.

The further color effects are based on the observation that the markers used in addition to the already described threshold energy E _M , which is exceeded by a color change, generally also have a higher destruction threshold E _D , when exceeded, the marker is removed or destroyed. If, therefore, the maximum energy of the laser beam lies above the destruction threshold E _D , three subregions can be distinguished within the beam profile. In a first subarea in which the laser energy exceeds the destruction threshold E _D , the marking substance is destroyed or eroded and thereby related to the environment first color effect generated. In a second subregion, in which the laser energy lies between the reaction threshold E _M and the destruction threshold E _D , the desired color change of the marker occurs, so that a second color effect occurs there. In the region below the reaction threshold E _M , the marking substance is not changed and no color effect is produced.

When using a first marker A with marker threshold AM and destruction threshold A _D in the paper substrate 18 and a second marker B with marker threshold B _M and destruction threshold B _D in the film element 14, the in Fig. 6 schematically shown five sub-areas 61-65 are distinguished, in which the laser beam 60 from the portion 61 to the portion 65 has decreasing laser energy. In the schematic representation of Fig. 6 For reasons of clarity, the width of the subregions is shown to be the same size. The subregions are set so that the laser energy in the inner subregions 61 and 62 the for cutting the film 14 energy exceeds, so that the generated lines of weakness 68 have the width of the portions 61 and 62, as in Fig. 6 (b) shown. For ease of illustration, the lines of weakness are in Fig. 6 always completely drawn through the film element, even if they generally have a certain residual thickness in practice, as described above.

Fig. 6 (c) first shows the already related Fig. 2 and 3 described case in which the laser energy is in the sub-areas 61 and 62 between AM and A _D , so that the marker A there has a color change, but is not destroyed or removed. In the partial region 63, the laser energy lies between B _M and B _D , so that the marker B has a color change there, but is not destroyed or removed. Outside the subregions 61-63, the laser energy lies below the reaction thresholds of both markers, so that no color effect is produced there.

The most general case is in Fig. 6 (d) There, the laser energy lies in the partial region 62 between AM and A _D , in the partial region 61 even above A _D , so that the marker substance A shows a color change in the partial region 62 and is removed or destroyed in the central partial region 61. The color effect of the central portion 61 of the weakening line 68 is therefore different from the color effect of the outer portions 62 of the weakening line. Furthermore, the laser energy lies in the partial region 64 between B _M and B _D , in the partial region 63 even above B _D , so that the marker substance B shows a color change in the outer partial regions 64 and is removed or destroyed in the inner partial regions 63. The color effect in the outer parts 64 of the marking of the film element 14 therefore differs from the color effect of the inside Parts 63 of the label. Outside the subregions 61-64, the laser energy lies below the reaction thresholds of both markers, so that no color effect is produced there. It is understood that the various color effects can be combined with body colors of the paper substrate and the film element itself, thus providing the designer with a variety of design options for the markings.

In the variant of Fig. 6 (e) is the laser energy in contrast to the variant of Fig. 6 (d) both in the sub-region 61 and in the sub-region 62 below A _D , so that only one color effect, namely the desired color change of the marking substance A, results in the region of the weakening lines 68. In the variant of Fig. 6 (f) the laser energy lies in both partial regions 61, 62 above the destruction threshold A _D. Even there there is only a color effect in the region of the weakening lines 68, which is caused by the destruction or removal of the marking substance A.

The variant of Fig. 6 (g) is different from the variant of Fig. 6 (c) in that the laser energy is above A _D both in the partial region 61 and in the partial region 62, so that the marking substance A is removed in the entire region of the weakening lines 68.

The variants of Fig. 6 (h) and (i) make variations of the variants of the FIGS. 6 (d) and (e) in which the laser energy lies in the partial region 63 between B _M and B _D and, moreover, the laser energy passing through the film element 14 and reaching the paper substrate 18 is still above AM, so that in the partial region 63 not only a color change in the film element 14, but also a color change in the paper substrate 18 takes place.

Another aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS FIGS. 7 to 10 explained. In experiments of the inventors, it has been found that it is possible, in a layer composite 70, to consist of a paper substrate 72 and a film element 74 (FIG. Fig. 7 ), in which the paper substrate and the film element are provided in a marking area 75 with a first and second laser-modifiable marking substance, respectively, to generate markings in the paper substrate 72 and in the film element 74 simultaneously and precisely by laser irradiation without cutting the film element 74 thereby. Such a nondestructive marking of paper and film was surprisingly possible in particular with a CO ₂ laser whose radiation is actually absorbed by the film material at a wavelength of 10.6 μm.

To protect the layer composite 70 against manipulation, the paper substrate 72 is provided in the marking region 75 with a first marking substance which undergoes a color change to a first color, in the exemplary embodiment red, when laser is applied, so that a red marking 76 results in the paper. The film element 74 is provided in the marking area with a second marking substance which undergoes a change in color to a semi-transparent second color 78, in the exemplary embodiment blue, when laser is applied, so that a blue marking 78 results in the film element.

Since the two markings 76, 78 are generated simultaneously by the same laser beam, they lie in the composite layer 70 registration and congruent one above the other, as in the FIGS. 7 and 8 (a) shown. When viewed in supervision, the combined marking 76, 78 appears with the combination color of the first and second color, which in the embodiment shown results in magenta (= red + blue). Will that be now Foil element 74 detached from the paper substrate 72, the marking 76 on the then separate paper substrate 72 in its red color is visible ( Fig. 8 (b) ), while the marking 78 on the then separate film element 74 in its blue color in appearance ( Fig. 8 (c) ).

In order to successfully readjust the visual appearance of the layer composite 70 by transferring the film element 74 to another paper substrate, the peeled film element 74 with its marking 78 would have to be applied congruently to a red marking 76, which is due to the fine structures which can be achieved by means of laser application. is extremely difficult. By the proposed measure, therefore, a very high security against forgery of the jointly marked layer composite 70 is achieved.

The principle of the invention of the second aspect of the invention can also be realized by color removal of a marker, as based on the embodiment of the FIGS. 9 and 10 explained. The composite layer 90 of Fig. 9 In this case contains a paper substrate 92 which is provided in a marking region 95 with a first marker, which shows a color change from a first color, for example blue, to a second color, for example yellow, when the laser is applied. The layer composite further contains a transparent film element 94 applied in the marking region 95 with a second marking substance which has a third color, for example red, and which can be removed by laser application.

By applying the layer composite 90 to the radiation of a CO ₂ laser, markings 96, 98 can be produced in the paper substrate 92 and the film element 94 simultaneously and precisely to destroy or cut the film element 94. Outside of the markers 96, 98, the viewer sees a combination color of the blue color of the first marker and the red color of the second marker, so that the marker area 95 shows a magenta background.

In the area of the combined marking 96, 98, the first marking substance of the paper substrate 92 appears yellow after the color change, while the second marking substance of the film element 94 has been removed and the film thus appears transparent. Overall, the combined marker 96, 98 thus appears yellow to the viewer in front of a magenta background, as in FIG Fig. 10 (a) shown schematically.

If the film element 94 is removed from the paper substrate 92, the marking 96 on the then separate paper substrate 92 is still visible in its yellow color, but now appears against the blue background of the marking region 95, as in Fig. 10 (b) shown. On the then separate film element 94, the marking 98 now appears transparent against a red background, as in Fig. 10 (c) shown.

Here, too, results in a transmission attempt of the film element which can hardly be overcome difficulty, the detached film element 94 with the transparent marking 98 congruent to a label 96 of in Fig. 10 (b) shown type, so that for the composite layer 90 also a very high security against counterfeiting is achieved.

In a modification of the embodiment of the FIGS. 9 and 10 become the color effect of the first marker and the color of the second Marking fabric coordinated so that the combination color of the first color of the first marker and the color of the second marker corresponds to the second color of the first marker after the color change. For example, the first marker may exhibit a color change from blue to magenta upon laser exposure and the second marker may be red.

In layer composite 90, the laser-induced markings 96, 98 then appear magenta (magenta of the first marker + transparency of the film element) against a magenta background (blue of the first marker + red of the second marker) and are therefore virtually invisible in the intact layer composite.

If, however, the film element 94 is detached from the paper substrate 92, the markings 96 on the then separate paper substrate 92 appear magenta in front of a blue background and on the then separated film element 94 transparent against a red background, as in FIG Fig. 10 (b) and Fig. 10 (c) shown schematically.

The use of mixed colors is of course also possible in the above-described designs with weakening lines. The security element does not have to be completely severed for this purpose since the laser application can lead to the transparency of the security element or the feature substance can be introduced into the volume of the security element. In particular, security elements with lines of weakness can be produced in this way, in which the lines of weakness in the initial state are virtually invisible.

Fig. 11 5 shows a further embodiment 100 according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the markings 104 introduced by the laser radiation project beyond the line of film 102 provided with lines of weakness into the paper substrate 106. As in Fig. 2 As already explained, the lines of weakness in the film strip can be combined with registered markings in the film strip and in the underlying paper substrate. These matched elements of the marker strips lying in the foil strip 102 are in Figure 11 for the sake of simplicity, they are shown together as a light line 108.

In the embodiment of Fig. 11 The tag 104 now projects beyond the area of the film strip 102 and extends into the paper substrate 106. Since the tag portions 110 in the paper substrate 106 are formed with the same laser beam as the tag portions 108 in the film strip 102, they are laterally perfectly matched thereto. This lateral registration results in additional protection of the applied foil strip. As the tag 104 passes into the paper substrate 106, the color intensity and / or the width of the tag 104 may change as it is partially laser-printed on the film strip 102 and partially directly on the paper substrate 106.

Also, the color of the tag 104 itself may change during the transition, especially if a multi-layered design is used. For example, a first marker may be incorporated into the volume of the paper substrate 106 and a second marker may be printed on the surface of the paper substrate 106. The laser energy in cutting may then be tuned to be in the area outside of the film strip 102 for ablating the second feature substance of the surface layer and to induce color change of the first marker is sufficient, while in the region of the film strip 102 after passing through the film still incident on the paper laser energy is sufficient only to induce a color change of the present on the surface of the second marker.

The described effect can also be exploited in film composite banknotes in the region of openings of the films. The effect can be further used in the non-destructive marking according to the second aspect of the invention, as in Fig. 12 shown.

It is, similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 , a layer composite 120 of a paper substrate 122 and a film element 124 is provided and the paper substrate and the film element are provided in a marking region with a first and second laser-modifiable marking material. Marked sections 126 and 128 are produced by laser irradiation in perfect lateral fit, with only marking of the paper substrate 122 being made in the marking sections 126, while in the marking section 128 in FIG Fig. 8 As already described, identifications in the paper substrate 122 and in the film element 124 are produced simultaneously and with register accuracy without cutting the film element 124 in the process.

For example, the paper substrate 122 is provided in the marking area with a first marking substance, which undergoes a color change to a first color, red in the exemplary embodiment, when laser is applied, so that a red marking 130 results in the paper. The film element 124 is provided in the marking area with a second marking substance, which upon laser application, a color change to a semi-transparent second color, blue in the embodiment, experiences, so that there is a blue marking 132 in the film element.

At the in Fig. 12 (a) The combined marking in the area of the foil element 124 (marking section 128) with the combination color of the first and second color, in this case in red + blue = magenta, appears in the top view. Outside the film element, in the marking section 126, the marking appears red.

If the film element 124 is detached from the paper substrate 122, the marking 130 on the then separate paper substrate 122 is completely visible in its red color ( Fig. 12 (b) ), while the marking 132 on the then separate film element 124 appears in its blue color ( Fig. 12 (c) ).

Exceeding the range of the security element on the one hand has the advantage that the security element can be better integrated into the paper substrate, since the label from the paper substrate on the security element overlaps. On the other hand, the laterally adapted marking section 126 provides additional protection, since this marking part remains in the paper substrate even when the paper is split when the security element is detached.

In principle, the laser energy can be varied, depending on whether the security element or only the paper substrate is applied. However, register tolerances may arise between the marking sections on the paper and the security element.

It is understood that the lasering of paper and film need not be symmetrical about the centerline of the film. Even the lasered pattern itself can be asymmetric.

Claims (15)

1. A method for manufacturing a security or value document, characterized by the method steps:

   B) Providing a layer composite composed of at least one paper substrate that is provided in a marking region with a laser-modifiable marking substance and a security element that is present in the marking region and that is weakenable by laser action, and

   L) Impinging on the layer composite with laser radiation to produce, simultaneously and in perfect register, weakening lines in the security element and, through modification of the marking substance, markings in the paper substrate.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the laser parameters for impinging on the layer composite in step L) are chosen such that the weakening of the security element due to the weakening lines exceeds the adhesive strength between the security element and the paper substrate, or in that the adhesive strength between the security element and the paper substrate and the sturdiness of the security element are both chosen to be greater than the sturdiness of the paper substrate, and the laser parameters for impinging on the layer composite in step L) are chosen such that, due to the weakening of the security element in the region of the weakening lines, the sturdiness of the paper substrate exceeds the adhesive strength between the security element and the paper substrate or the sturdiness of the security element.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the paper substrate is coated with the marking substance in step B), especially in that the marking substance is imprinted on in the marking region or in that the marking substance is introduced into the volume of the paper substrate in step B), especially in that the marking substance is added to the paper pulp at sheet formation, in that the marking substance is introduced into the paper substrate in an immersion bath, or in that the paper substrate is impregnated with the marking substance in a size press.
4. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the security element exhibits a foil ply that is weakenable by laser action, and in that the foil ply is likewise provided with a laser-modifiable marking substance in order, in step L), to additionally produce, simultaneously and in perfect register, markings in the foil ply.
5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the foil ply is coated with the marking substance in step B), especially in that the marking substance is imprinted on or in that the marking substance is introduced into the volume of the foil ply in step B).
6. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the security element exhibits a lacquer layer that is weakenable by laser action.
7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the lacquer layer is likewise provided with a laser-modifiable marking substance in order, in step L), to additionally produce, simultaneously and in perfect register, markings in the lacquer layer.
8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, in step B), the marking substance is added to the lacquer prior to the application to the paper substrate, or in that the marking substance is applied to, especially is imprinted on, the lacquer layer in step B).
9. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the security element is weakened along the weakening lines to 50% or less, preferably to 30% or less of the thickness outside the weakening lines.
10. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the security element is provided along the weakening lines with local weak spots, especially is perforated.
11. A method for manufacturing a security or value document, characterized by the method steps:

    B) Providing a layer composite composed of at least one paper substrate that is provided in a marking region with a first laser-modifiable marking substance, and a foil element that is provided in the marking region with a different, second laser-modifiable marking substance, and

    L) Impinging on the layer composite with laser radiation to produce, simultaneously and in perfect register, through modification of the marking substance, markings in the paper substrate and in the foil element.
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the paper substrate is coated with the first marking substance in step B), especially in that the first marking substance is imprinted on or in that the first marking substance is introduced into the volume of the paper substrate in step B), especially in that the marking substance is added to the paper pulp at sheet formation, in that the marking substance is introduced into the paper substrate in an immersion bath, or in that the paper substrate is impregnated with the marking substance in a size press.
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the foil element is coated with the second marking substance in step B), especially in that the second marking substance is imprinted on or in that the second marking substance is introduced into the volume of the foil ply in step B).
14. A security or value document, manufacturable according to one of claims 1 to 10, having a layer composite composed of at least one paper substrate that is provided in a marking region with a laser-modifiable marking substance, and a security element that is present in the marking region and is weakenable by laser action, and by laser impingement, weakening lines being introduced, simultaneously and in perfect register, into the security element and markings being introduced into the paper substrate through modification of the marking substance.
15. A security or value document, manufacturable according to one of claims 11 to 13, having a layer composite composed of at least one paper substrate that is provided in a marking region with a first laser-modifiable marking substance and a foil element that is provided in the marking region with a different, second laser-modifiable marking substance, markings being introduced, by laser impingement through modification of the marking substances, in perfect register in the paper substrate and in the foil element.

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