ES2667060T3 - Substrate specifications for manufacturing security and value documents - Google Patents

Abstract

Flat substrate sheet for the manufacture of security and value documents with two opposite main surfaces and with corners and side edges that join the corners and form a peripheral edge of the substrate sheet, characterized in that the substrate sheet has at least a main surface at least in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet a stabilization layer to mechanically stabilize the substrate sheet.

Description

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Substrate specifications for manufacturing security and value documents

The invention relates to a flat substrate sheet for the manufacture of security and value documents with two opposite main surfaces and with corners and side edges that join the corners and form a peripheral edge of the substrate sheet.

The term substrate sheet identifies in the present application a sheet of a substrate material suitable for the manufacture of security and value documents, for example, a sheet of paper or a sheet composed of sheets (hybrid sheet) with several layers of alternate sheet and paper with each other.

During the processing of such substrate sheets it can occur in some cases, for example, when printing sheets composed of sheets by printing on steel, a so-called parachute formation at the exit. The printed sheet then does not slide flatly towards the exit, but the corners are first folded down. This is disadvantageous for the placement of the sheets, because the corners slide with a relatively high pressure on the fresh ink of the sheet below, which implies the risk of the ink being run and deposited on the opposite sheet. The reduction of stacking heights and installation speeds results in a decrease in productivity.

From document EP1800891A1 a security document is known, for example, a banknote, at the edges of which a line drawing is arranged, formed by structures stamped dry or in color, in order to reinforce the edges of the security document .

On the basis of the foregoing, the invention aims to avoid the disadvantages of the state of the art and in particular increase productivity during the processing of substrate sheets together with an improvement, in the ideal case, of the flatness of the sheets.

This objective is achieved by the characteristics of the independent claims. Variants of the invention are subject to the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a flat substrate sheet of the type mentioned at the beginning has at least one main surface at least in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet a stabilization layer to mechanically stabilize the substrate sheet.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the stabilization layer may be provided along the entire peripheral edge of the substrate sheet to stabilize the sheet uniformly. In another variant of the invention also advantageous, the stabilization layer is provided in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet only at the corners of the substrate sheet and serves in particular to stabilize the corners. In another advantageous variant, the stabilization layer is provided in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet only in two corners and on the side edge, which joins the two corners, and serves in particular to stabilize the edges, contributing in particular a stabilization from the front edge, located in the process direction, to a better placement. In another advantageous variant of the invention, the stabilization layer is located in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet in the form of a plurality of inclined strips that are at a distance from each other along the peripheral edge of the substrate sheet.

It is evident that the stabilization layer does not have to be present exclusively in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet, but that the stabilization layer can also have partial zones, located inside the substrate sheet. These partial interior areas serve in particular to stabilize the copies, arranged on the substrate sheet, after their separation.

The partial zone of the stabilization layer, provided in the marginal zone of the substrate sheet, is advantageously located outside the copies arranged on the substrate sheet, so that it can be easily removed at a later procedural stage. when the substrate sheet is cut. On the other hand, the inner partial zones of the stabilization layer are still generally part of the separate copies after the substrate sheet has been cut and serve primarily for stabilization. In a suitable configuration, these partial zones can also be integrated as design elements in the copies, as explained in detail below.

The stabilization layer may be provided on only one of the two main surfaces or also on both main surfaces of the substrate sheet. In a two-sided printing of a substrate sheet, the stabilization layer is also preferably arranged on the two main surfaces.

In an advantageous configuration it is provided that the stabilization layer has a constant thickness.

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The stabilization layer is advantageously formed by a printed layer, in particular an ink or varnish printing. As printing procedures, for example, gravure, flexographic printing or steel printing are taken into account. However, the preferred printing process is currently the screen printing process, because thus large layer thicknesses can be achieved in the presence of high viscosities or a high percentage of solids.

The varnishes used for printing can be transparent or colored. In the particular case of hybrid sheets, additional security features or security prints may optionally be incorporated when the stabilization layer is printed on the paper layer. A stabilization layer with a relatively high layer thickness can also be detected by touch after lamination and can thus form, for example, a tactile safety feature.

In particular during printing on a paper layer, for example, a paper sheet or the paper layer of a hybrid sheet, it may be advantageous for the material of the stabilization layer to partially penetrate the paper layer. This can be achieved, for example, during printing by using water-based varnishes or solvent-based systems. On the contrary, solvent-free systems, for example, 100% UV varnishes, are particularly advantageous when large layer thicknesses are desired. The varnishes used are advantageously characterized by great flexibility and great resistance to breakage. In general, it is also advantageous for the varnish to have a less fluid behavior after printing.

The stabilization layer may also be formed by an application layer with nozzles, rather than by a printed layer. In this sense, for example, low viscosity adhesives that are applied by means of nozzles and penetrate a paper layer of the substrate sheet can be used. In addition to stabilization, the penetration of the adhesives also allows the paper layer to be visibly more transparent.

In advantageous configurations, the stabilization layer is applied at least in partial areas, if necessary, also completely, directly on the substrate sheet, in particular a paper sheet. In this sense it may be advantageous that the stabilization layer in the area of contact with the substrate sheet, in particular a paper sheet, partially penetrates it.

In other also advantageous configurations, the stabilization layer may be separated at least in partial areas, if necessary, also completely, from the substrate sheet by one or several intermediate layers. In this case, at least one intermediate layer is advantageously formed by a sheet, a coating adhesive and / or an ink absorption layer.

It is evident that the stabilization layer, according to the invention, can be arranged on at least one main surface of the substrate sheet and at the same time in an area that is separated from the substrate sheet by one or more intermediate layers. For example, in the case of a sheet composed of sheets (hybrid sheet), the stabilization layer may be arranged on at least one main surface of the substrate sheet and also on at least one sheet or at least one ink absorbing layer . The reason for the particularly good stabilization in this embodiment is based on the current criterion in which a relatively high amount of stabilization layers are generally applied on the substrate sheet in different areas or in different layers of the substrate sheet. Therefore, in such embodiments the stabilization of the substrate sheet is extremely good, that is, the effects, such as the parachute formation mentioned above, are basically completely prevented.

The substrate sheet is in particular a paper sheet, the paper layer of a sheet composed of sheets (hybrid sheet) or a sheet composed of sheets (hybrid sheet), preferably with a layer structure composed of sheet / paper / sheet or paper / sheet / paper. At this point it should be noted that multi-layer composite sheets, which have at least one layer of paper, are then identified as "sheet composite sheets" or "hybrid sheets." Therefore, in the case, for example, of a banknote that has at least one layer of paper and at least one other layer of sheet, it is referred to as a "banknote composed of sheets" or a "hybrid banknote." Therefore, the use of the terms "composite of sheets" or "hybrid" is to be understood as synonymous in the context of the present invention.

As a polymer substrate it is also possible to use a single layer polymer substrate, for example, of BOPP or PET, as well as other crosslinked polymers or polyolefins or crosslinked polyamides.

If the substrate does not have at least one layer of paper, it is referred to as a "polymer substrate", in particular a "polymer banknote", within the framework of the present invention. Such polymer substrate may be configured with one or more layers. For example, such a polymer substrate may be configured from two polymer bands, bonded together, of biaxially oriented polyolefin, in particular biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). However, a polymer compound with three layers in total is also possible, the central polymer band being formed from BOPP, while the outer sheet bands, placed on both sides of this central band, are formed from PET. (layer order: PET / BOPP / PET). For such polymer substrates it is not generally possible for the stabilization layer to penetrate the polymer substrate,

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as explained below with reference to the position of the sheets of a substrate composed of sheets.

By means of the stabilization layer, provided according to the invention, the following advantages are achieved in particular:

- avoidance of parachute formation, particularly in engraving;

- reduction of transfer, in particular offset and printing inks in steel;

- better flatness in the output of printers; Y

- better slippage of the sheets.

Other embodiments, as well as advantages of the invention, are explained below by means of the figures, in whose representation a reproduction at scale and proportionate for a better understanding was dispensed with.

They show:

Fig. 1 schematically, a sheet of paper according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 a cross section of the sheet of figure 1 in the marginal zone along the N-N line;

Fig. 3 to 6 cross sections as in Fig. 2 for other embodiments of the invention; Y

Fig. 7 in (a) to (c), other configurations of paper sheets, according to the invention, which are stabilized

by stabilization layers.

The invention is explained by means of the example of a sheet of paper for the manufacture of banknotes. Figures 1 and 2 schematically show in this regard a sheet of paper 10 with a plurality of copies 12 corresponding subsequently to cut banknotes. Figure 1 shows the sheet of paper 10 in plan view and Figure 2 shows a cross section of the sheet in the marginal area along the M-M line of Figure 1.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the sheet of paper 10 has a first and second opposite main surface 14, 16, four corners 18 and four side edges 20 joining the corners. The corners and side edges form a peripheral edge 22 of the paper sheet 10. Figure 1 shows a plan view of the first main surface 14 representing the front side of the paper sheet 10 and also of the banknotes manufactured to from copies 12. On this first main surface 14 of the paper sheet 10 a stabilization layer 24, according to the invention, has been applied along the entire peripheral edge 22 of the substrate sheet.

The peripheral stabilization layer 24 mechanically stabilizes the paper sheet 10, which prevents the formation of parachutes mentioned above during processing. In addition, the transfer, for example, of offset and steel printing inks is reduced by means of the stabilization layer 24. It also achieves a better flatness in the output of printers and a better sliding of the sheets.

The stabilization layer 24 is located outside the copies 12 and is removed in a subsequent process step when the sheet of paper 10 is cut in the copies 12.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 a varnish 26 or an ink was applied to produce the stabilization layer 24 in the marginal area 22 of the sheet in the screen printing process. The thickness of the impression (amount of ink) and the physical properties of the layer, if necessary, hardened (flexibility, fragility, degree of crosslinking, with solvent content, without solvent content, etc.) can be selected accordingly with the desired properties of the layer. Likewise, at the time of the application it must be taken into account in particular if the application is carried out on a base paper, on a composite sheet or on a hybrid finished with ink absorbing layer.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the varnish 26 is applied directly to the base paper 30 without intermediate layers, so that the varnish can penetrate the paper in a surface area 32 and thus fix the paper fibers better. On the stabilization layer 24, a sheet 34 with coating adhesive and an ink absorption layer 36 are provided.

Instead of placing the stabilization layer only on a main sheet surface, a stabilization layer 24 can also be provided on the two main surfaces 14, 16 of the paper sheet 10, as shown in the cross-section of Figure 3 In this exemplary embodiment, the stabilization layer 24 of the two main surfaces was produced with the application of a printing ink 40 by screen printing. The use of the screen printing process allows to obtain large thicknesses in the presence of high viscosities or a high percentage of solids. Similar to the configuration of Figure 2, the printing ink 40 penetrates a surface area 32, for example, in the base paper 30 of the paper sheet, and thus fixes the paper fibers.

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On the stabilization layer 24 on the two main surfaces 14, 16, a sheet 34 with coating adhesive and an ink absorbing layer 36 are disposed in each case.

The variant of Figure 4 corresponds broadly to the configuration shown in Figure 3, but, unlike Figure 3, the stabilization layer 24 is formed by a print 42 that penetrates to a greater extent.

This can be achieved, for example, by the use of a water-based varnish or also by the use of solvent-based systems. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the impression material 42 and, therefore, the stabilization layer 24 generally penetrates a deep penetration zone 44 in the base paper 30. In this way mechanical stabilization is achieved. desired, without producing a thick layer on the surface of the sheet. This can be useful in particular when the stabilization layer 24 also has partial areas inside the paper sheet and in particular in the area of copies 12, which must be kept on the finished banknotes.

At this point it should be noted in relation to the penetration depth of the stabilization layer that it depends on many influential factors, for example, the quality of the substrate used, in particular paper, as well as the quality of the printing used as a layer of stabilization, in particular, the varnish used. The depth of penetration also depends on the amount of material applied on the substrate to be stabilized, in particular the amount of stabilizer varnish applied. Another factor related to the depth of penetration is the time required for the hardening of the stabilizer layer after being applied, because from a certain degree of hardening it is not possible for the stabilization layer to continue to penetrate the substrate to be stabilized. On the depth of penetration it can also be pointed out in general that it can be so large on each side of the substrate that the stabilizing layers, applied on the two opposite main surfaces of the substrate, overlap inside the substrate. That is, the stabilization layer penetrates the entire thickness of the substrate in such a particularly preferred embodiment.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, whose construction is basically in correspondence with the construction of the embodiment of Figure 3, the stabilization layer 24 is not applied directly on the sheet of paper 10, but is arranged between a sheet 34, placed on the paper sheet 10, and the ink absorbing layer 36. In this variant, the stabilization layer 24 does not penetrate the paper sheet 10.

Another possibility for arranging the stabilization layer 24 is shown in Figure 6, in which the stabilization layer 24 is separated from the sheet of paper 10 both by a sheet 34 and by an ink absorption layer 36. In this variant, the stabilization layer 24 also does not penetrate the sheet of paper 10.

Figure 7 shows three other configurations of the sheet of paper 10 that are mechanically stabilized by stabilization layers 24. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 7 (a), only the corner areas 50 of the sheet of paper 10 are provided with the layer of stabilization 24. In this case, the stabilization layer 24 present in the corner areas 50 is located outside the copies 12 and is removed in a subsequent process step.

With reference to the representation of Figure 7 (b), the stabilization layer 24 may also be provided in an alternative configuration, for example, only at the two upper corners 52 and at the side edge 54 which runs between these corners. In this way, the front edge of the paper sheet 10 is stabilized for placement.

In another configuration shown in Figure 7 (c), the stabilization layer 24 is present in the form of a plurality of inclined strips 56 that are at a distance from each other along the peripheral edge 22 of the paper sheet 10 around copies 12 and thus mechanically stabilize the edge of the sheet. The width and distance of the individual strips 56 from each other allow the additional surface weight to be varied and adjusted as desired, and consequently the effect of the stabilization layer, so that a behavior different from different sheets of paper during placement.

List of reference numbers

 10

 Sheet of paper

 12

 do you copy

 14, 16

 Main surfaces

 18

 Corners

 twenty

 Side edges

 22

 Peripheral edge

 24

 Stabilization layer

 26

 Varnish

 30

 Base paper

 32

 Surface area

 3. 4

 Sheet

36 Ink Absorption Layer

40 Printing ink

42 Printing

44 Penetration zone 50 Corner areas

52 Corners

54 Side Edge

56 Inclined Strips

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five 1. Flat substrate sheet for the manufacture of security and value documents with two opposite main surfaces and with corners and side edges that join the corners and form a peripheral edge of the substrate sheet, characterized in that the substrate sheet presents at least one main surface at least in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet a stabilization layer to mechanically stabilize the substrate sheet. 2. Substrate sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilization layer is provided along the entire peripheral edge of the substrate sheet. 3. Substrate sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilization layer is provided in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet only at the corners of the substrate sheet or only at two corners and at the side edge that joins The two corners. 4. Substrate sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilization layer is located in the area of the edge of the substrate sheet in the form of a plurality of inclined strips that are at a distance from each other along the peripheral edge of the substrate sheet. 5. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a stabilization layer is disposed on the two main surfaces of the substrate sheet. 6. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stabilization layer has a constant thickness. 7. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stabilization layer is formed by a printed layer, in particular an ink or varnish impression. 8. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the stabilization layer is applied at least in partial areas directly on the substrate sheet, in particular a paper sheet. 9. Substrate sheet according to claim 8, characterized in that the stabilization layer in the area of contact with the substrate sheet, in particular a paper sheet, has partially penetrated it. 10. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the stabilization layer is separated at least in partial areas of the substrate sheet by one or more intermediate layers, in particular by at least one Intermediate layer is formed by a sheet, a coating adhesive and / or an ink absorption layer. 11. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the stabilization layer has partial areas, located inside the substrate sheet, in particular for stabilizing copies, arranged on the substrate sheet , after their separation. 12. Substrate sheet according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the substrate sheet is a paper sheet or sheet composed of sheets (hybrid sheet), preferably with a layer structure integrated by sheet / paper / sheet or paper / sheet / paper.