US20060187063A1 - Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith - Google Patents
Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith Download PDFInfo
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- US20060187063A1 US20060187063A1 US11/374,802 US37480206A US2006187063A1 US 20060187063 A1 US20060187063 A1 US 20060187063A1 US 37480206 A US37480206 A US 37480206A US 2006187063 A1 US2006187063 A1 US 2006187063A1
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- antenna
- metallized
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- base layer
- metallized region
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
- C23F1/00—Etching metallic material by chemical means
- C23F1/02—Local etching
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- G06K19/07771—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card the record carrier comprising means for minimising adverse effects on the data communication capability of the record carrier, e.g. minimising Eddy currents induced in a proximate metal or otherwise electromagnetically interfering object
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- G06K19/07773—Antenna details
- G06K19/07777—Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type
- G06K19/07779—Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type the inductive antenna being a coil
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- G06K19/07777—Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type
- G06K19/07779—Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type the inductive antenna being a coil
- G06K19/07783—Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type the inductive antenna being a coil the coil being planar
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- G06K19/18—Constructional details
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
- H01Q13/10—Resonant slot antennas
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
- H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
- H01Q9/16—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole
- H01Q9/26—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole with folded element or elements, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of operating wavelength
- H01Q9/27—Spiral antennas
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/02—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which the conductive material is applied to the surface of the insulating support and is thereafter removed from such areas of the surface which are not intended for current conducting or shielding
- H05K3/06—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which the conductive material is applied to the surface of the insulating support and is thereafter removed from such areas of the surface which are not intended for current conducting or shielding the conductive material being removed chemically or electrolytically, e.g. by photo-etch process
- H05K3/067—Etchants
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/02—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which the conductive material is applied to the surface of the insulating support and is thereafter removed from such areas of the surface which are not intended for current conducting or shielding
- H05K3/06—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which the conductive material is applied to the surface of the insulating support and is thereafter removed from such areas of the surface which are not intended for current conducting or shielding the conductive material being removed chemically or electrolytically, e.g. by photo-etch process
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- G06K2019/06215—Aspects not covered by other subgroups
- G06K2019/0629—Holographic, diffractive or retroreflective recording
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
- H01L2924/0002—Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
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- H05K1/03—Use of materials for the substrate
- H05K1/0393—Flexible materials
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
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- H05K2201/0104—Properties and characteristics in general
- H05K2201/0133—Elastomeric or compliant polymer
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits covered by H05K3/00
- H05K2203/01—Tools for processing; Objects used during processing
- H05K2203/0104—Tools for processing; Objects used during processing for patterning or coating
- H05K2203/0143—Using a roller; Specific shape thereof; Providing locally adhesive portions thereon
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits covered by H05K3/00
- H05K2203/15—Position of the PCB during processing
- H05K2203/1545—Continuous processing, i.e. involving rolls moving a band-like or solid carrier along a continuous production path
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49016—Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a process for selectively removing metallic material from a metallized film and, in particular, to the removal of metallic material from a metallized polymeric film using a printing method such as flexographic printing.
- the film can be a reflective film (e.g., a retro-reflective film) or a holographic film that can be used, for example, in an identification device comprising a radio frequency (RF) transponder.
- RF radio frequency
- Retro-reflective materials can reflect and re-emit incident light in a direction that is parallel to that of the source of the incident light. In other words, retro-reflective materials reflect light directly back toward the source of the light.
- retro-reflective materials are widely used in the areas of nighttime transportation and safety. For example, retro-reflective materials are used to identify highway lanes and road signs using the light emitted from vehicle headlights. Retro-reflective materials are also used for the production of car plates, decals and distinctives for all kinds of vehicles and for truck containers, tractors and other applications. Retro-reflective materials have a bright effect under direct light without disturbing human sight.
- Holographic materials have also been used for identification purposes. Since holograms are all but impossible to counterfeit, they are being increasingly used on all types of identification, including driver's licenses, credit cards, bus passes, etc., to increase security.
- Both retro-reflective and holographic materials typically contain a very high level of metal such as aluminum. Holograms, for example, are typically stamped from metal foils. It is known that metal blocks the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals because the RF signal is absorbed or distorted by the metal content in the material. As a result, the signal cannot be received by an antenna blocked by metal. Such a blocked signal cannot be used, for example, to activate a connected device. This same blocking effect can occur whether the device is positioned on top of or underneath the metallic material because the distortion and absorption of the RF signal will be affected in either case. Thus, there is a problem in the prior art with regard to using retro-reflective and holographic materials, as well as other materials containing metals, on the surface of devices for receiving RF signals.
- RF radio frequency
- an RF transponder into an identification device comprising a retro-reflective material, a holographic image, or other material containing a metal.
- the RF transponder could be used for electronic identification.
- an identification device includes retro-reflective or holographic materials, or other materials containing metal, and a usable antenna for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals.
- the identification device comprises: a base layer; an RF transponder comprising a mounted RF chip and an antenna disposed on the base layer; and a metallized region.
- the metallized region can comprise a holographic image or a retro-reflective layer.
- the antenna is in electrical communication with the chip.
- the metallized region has been selectively demetallized such that the RF transponder can transmit and receive information.
- a method of forming a pattern in a metallized layer comprises: transferring a metal etching solution to portions of an exposed surface of the metallized layer using a printing process; allowing the etching solution to react with the metallized layer to selectively demetallize the surface; and washing the selectively demetallized surface.
- a method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and at least one metal region disposed thereon.
- the method comprises: selectively demetallizing a first metal region of the device; forming a holographic image in the first metal region; forming an antenna on the base layer; and mounting an RF chip on the base layer in electrical communication with the antenna to form an RF transponder.
- the selective demetallization of the first metal region allows the RF transponder to transmit and receive information.
- a method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and a metallized retro-reflective layer.
- the method comprises: forming a selectively demetallized retro-reflective layer on the base layer; forming an antenna on the base layer; and mounting an RF chip on the base layer in electrical communication with the antenna to form an RF transponder.
- the selective demetallization of the retro-reflective layer retains the retro-reflective properties of the retro-reflective layer while allowing the RF transponder to transmit and receive information.
- FIG. 1 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a metallized substrate suitable for making an identification device according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a top view of an identification device according to the invention comprising a holographic image and an antenna;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the identification unit shown in FIG. 2 , showing a chip module mounted on the bottom surface of the identification device;
- FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, comprising two metallized layers arranged one above the other;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a device according to the invention, wherein the antenna is in electrical communication with the holographic image;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a further embodiment of an identification device according to the invention, wherein the device has a selectively demetallized holographic image;
- FIG. 7 illustrates a method of making identification devices from a continuous strip of metallized material having multiple segments that may be separated from the strip to make individual identification devices, in accordance with embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 8 illustrates a method of selectively removing metal from a metallized substrate according to the invention
- FIG. 9 shows an apparatus that can be used for the continuous selective demetallization of a metallized film according to the invention.
- FIG. 10 shows a method of making a license plate having a retro-reflective layer and an RF transponder according to the invention
- FIG. 11 shows a license plate according to the invention, comprising a retro-reflective layer and an RF transponder made by the method illustrated in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 shows a method of forming an inlaid antenna according to the invention.
- FIG. 13 shows a method of forming an identification device according to the invention comprising inlaying an antenna in the base layer and overlying a selectively demetallized retro-reflective layer.
- a radio frequency (RF) device can be integrated into an identification device comprising a metallized reflective (e.g., a retro-reflective) or holographic material.
- a metallized reflective e.g., a retro-reflective
- holographic material e.g., a metallized reflective or holographic material.
- the present inventors have discovered that, by selectively removing metal from the metallized layer, the conductivity of the metallized layer can be broken and the effect of absorption and distortion of the radio waves that an RF device uses as a power source can be reduced.
- a radio frequency device can be incorporated into a retro-reflective or holographic material, such as a license plate, a decal (e.g., for a car license plate) or an identification card.
- a demetallizing solution such as a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- NaOH sodium hydroxide
- the demetallizing solution can be poured into the stainless steel trays of a printing apparatus.
- the demetallizing solution can then be applied to the metallized surface using a printing process.
- the solution can be applied to a printing plate having a raised pattern.
- the plate can then be contacted with the metallized surface such that the solution on the raised areas is transferred to the metallized surface.
- the application of the demetallizing solution to the metallized surface can be controlled by the inking rollers of a printing apparatus (e.g., by the pressure applied to the inking rollers).
- the demetallizing solution is applied to the metallized layer using a flexographic printing process.
- the flexographic printing process is a rotary in-line printing method that uses flexible resilient plates with raised images to apply inks to a substrate.
- the flexographic printing process can be performed using laser-engraved anilox rolls to allow for high resolutions.
- the sodium hydroxide solution can be transferred to selective portions of the metallized film. In this manner, metal can be selectively removed from those areas.
- the exposure time of the metallized layer to the sodium hydroxide solution can be controlled to ensure that the resulting chemical reaction sufficiently removes metal from the desired areas.
- the selectively demetallized film can be transferred to a washing unit where any excess or remaining chemical solution can be removed.
- washing of the demetallized surface can be accomplished using fine sprinklers.
- the metallized film which has been moistened by the previous wash, can then be subjected to a residue evaporation process.
- Residue evaporation can be accomplished using a set of two rolls (e.g., one made of rubber, one made of steel), as well as by such processes as use of air-cleaning filters, sponges and/or blown air.
- the residue evaporation process can be used as a preparation step preliminary to a heat-driven drying stage. During the heat-driven drying stage, the heat can be generated, for example, by electrical resistance.
- the metal removal process according to the invention can be used to produce a metallized material that is non-blocking to radio frequency transmissions. Therefore, a radio frequency device can be incorporated into an identification device (e.g. a card or plate) having a metallized (i.e., a retro-reflective or holographic) layer. As a result of the demetallization process, the radio-frequency device can transmit or receive information while in close proximity to the metallized layer. Additionally, by using a selective demetallization process according to the invention, the metallized film can be made translucent. Therefore, a visible seal can be incorporated beneath the metallized layer according to the invention.
- an identification device e.g. a card or plate
- a metallized i.e., a retro-reflective or holographic
- the method comprises subjecting the metallized material to a flexographic printing process, wherein the inks are replaced by a metal etching solution.
- the metal etching solution is an oxidizing solution.
- an oxidizing solution can be poured into the stainless steel ink trays of a standard flexographic printing station.
- the oxidizing solution according to the invention preferably comprises sodium hydroxide (NaOH), water (H 2 O), and, optionally, ethylene-glycol.
- the ethylene glycol can be used as a density-reduction agent.
- the oxidizing solution can be transferred to the inking rollers through a second roller (i.e., an “anilox” roller).
- the oxidizing solution can then be transferred to a third roller, which conveys the solution to the metallized surface.
- the exposure time of the metallized surface to the demetallizing solution can be controlled to ensure that the resulting chemical reaction removes the metal properly from the desired areas.
- the demetallizing solution according to the invention can be an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
- NaOH sodium hydroxide
- the metal is converted into a metallic oxide via an oxidative chemical reaction.
- the metallized surface can be washed with water.
- the metallized surface can be washed using fine sprinklers to cover the entire metallized surface to ensure the removal of any residue and/or excess of the demetallizing solution.
- the present invention also relates to the manufacture of an identification device created with a metallized material (e.g., a retro-reflective or holographic material), which device includes a chip and an antenna (i.e., a radio frequency device).
- the antenna can be formed from the same metallized layer used to manufacture the reflective or holographic material.
- an identification device can be provided having a capability of both electronic identification (i.e., via the reading of data stored in the chip) and optical identification (i.e., using the holographic image).
- the device can be configured as an identification card that allows an electronic identification through the reading of data stored in the chip and the optical identification via a check of the hologram on the device.
- metallic films such as aluminum films can be used.
- the metallic films can be grouped on the device to form the hologram using known techniques.
- the hologram can be made using conventional techniques, such as forming the hologram by stamping a metal foil with a hologram plate made using an engraving process.
- a grouping technique can be used involving coupling a transporting unit with a chip and an antenna.
- the antenna can be made by placing a wire conductor on the device or by etching the antenna in the metallic film.
- a purpose of the invention is therefore to provide an identification device that allows both optical identification via a holographic image on the device and electronic identification via an RF chip mounted on the device.
- the metallized layer can be used to prepare both the antenna for the RF device as well as to prepare the optical image on the device.
- the fact that the antenna and the image can be made from the same metallized layer represents an advantage since only a single metallized layer is required. As a result, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the cost of manufacturing the device can be reduced.
- the antenna and the image device can be formed on opposite sides of a substrate material. It may also be advantageous to build the antenna on the device in several parts (i.e., by making one part of the antenna on the same side as the image device and the other part of the antenna on the side opposite the optical image). In this case, a high power antenna can be made on a relatively small identification device.
- the antenna may be produced as a coil or as a dipole.
- the image material may be used at least partially to make an electronic commutation element.
- the image material may be used for making a part of the antenna. This is particularly advantageous when the antenna is made as an antenna coil. It is also possible to use the image material to make a capacitor element.
- FIG. 1 shows the side view of an identification unit 10 according to the invention having a substrate or base layer 11 which has a metallized film or foil 12 mounted on its upper surface 33 .
- the lower surface 30 of the substrate 11 is also shown.
- the metallized film or foil 12 comprises a film 13 coated with a metallic layer 14 .
- the film 13 is preferably a dielectric film, such as a polymer film. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a preferred material for the film. Other materials, however, can also be used for the film 13 .
- PET Polyethylene terephthalate
- the substrate is also preferably a dielectric material.
- the substrate 11 can be made of material with either electrically conductive or dielectric properties depending on the type of film 13 used. For example, if the film 13 is a dielectric material, such as a polymer film, the substrate 11 does not have to be a dielectric material.
- the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be in the form of a card or an identification label.
- a label is typically more flexible than an identification card.
- the rigidity of the identification device can be varied by the choice of the material used for substrate 11 and by the thickness of substrate 11 .
- the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 1 does not necessarily represent the actual end product but can, in addition to the layers shown in FIG. 1 , be provided with further layers, particularly layers covering the top and the bottom. Further, if the identification unit is to be constructed as an identification label, the device can be provided with an adhesive surface such as a pressure sensitive adhesive surface.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of an identification device 10 according to the invention.
- metallized layer 12 has been divided into two fields placed in adjacent position: a holographic image field 16 and an antenna field 17 .
- the metallic film 12 forms a holographic image 18 that can be transferred to the identification device in a known manner (e.g., by using a stamping process) to form a hologram 20 .
- the antenna field 17 comprises an antenna coil 22 created, for example, by using a chemical etching technique according to the invention.
- the coil as shown is provided on each end with contact fields 23 and 24 .
- Contact fields 23 and 24 are provided as through contacts that provide an electric connection with the bottom surface 30 of the base layer 11 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- a corrosive material i.e., an aqueous NaOH solution
- an aqueous NaOH solution can be printed onto the metallic layer 14 to selectively remove portions of the metallic layer 18 from the metal foil 12 , thereby leaving behind only the area defined as the antenna coil 22 .
- FIG. 3 shows the bottom view of the device of FIG. 2 .
- the contact points 23 , 24 of the antenna coil 22 are connected as through-contacts to a chip 31 on the bottom side 30 of the substrate 11 which, as shown, is mounted in a chip module 32 to make electrical contact between the antenna 22 and chip 31 easier.
- the antenna coil 22 and the chip 31 of the identification device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 forms a transponder unit 34 which enables, by means of a reader unit, contact-free access to the data on the chip 31 for purposes of electronic identification.
- the hologram 20 mounted on the upper side of the identification unit 10 enables optical identification to be made.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an identification device 40 having two substrates 41 , 42 lying on top of each other, each of which has a metallized foil 45 , 46 mounted on its upper surface 43 , 44 .
- the components are arranged in such a way that metallized foil 45 is positioned between substrates 41 and 42 and metallized foil 46 is situated on the upper surface 43 of the metallized layer 41 and forms at the same time the top layer of the identification device 40 .
- each of the metal foils 45 , 46 comprises a film or foil layer 47 having a metallized surface 39 .
- the metal foils 45 , 46 comprise a polymer film having a metallized surface comprising aluminum.
- the upper metal foil 46 is structured or divided up in the same way as metal foil 12 of FIG. 2 . That is to say, the identification device 40 is provided with both a hologram 20 , for example, in a hologram area 16 as well as an antenna coil 22 in an antenna area 17 . As shown, the metal foil 45 mounted on the upper side 44 of substrate 42 and arranged between substrate 42 and substrate 41 is provided with a second antenna coil 49 which is in electrical contact with a first antenna coil located on antenna area 17 via through-contacts with contact points 23 , 24 .
- the second antenna coil 49 is itself connected by through-contacts with contact points 50 , 51 which themselves are connected to a chip module 53 , which is mounted in a recess 52 in the bottom of substrate 42 .
- the antenna coils 22 and 49 each form a component of the complete antenna unit 54 of identification device 40 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an identification device 55 comprising a metal foil 56 on the upper side of a substrate, not shown.
- identification device 55 comprises, for example, a hologram or retro-reflective area 57 , or other metallized substance, and an antenna area 58 .
- the antenna area 58 as shown in FIG. 5 comprises a single antenna coil 59 , which can be created in the manner previously described by selectively etching a metal foil made up of a metallic layer 61 deposited on a film or foil layer (not shown).
- the antenna coil 59 is provided with contact points 62 , 63 .
- Contact points 62 , 63 can be designed as through-contacts connected to contact areas of a chip module 64 mounted on the bottom side of the substrate.
- a hologram or other image 65 is formed in the metallic layer in the manner previously described.
- the hologram or other metal material 65 comprises two image sections 66 , 67 which are electrically isolated from each other and which form, when viewed, a complex connected optical structure.
- the smaller image section 67 is electrically isolated from the larger image section 66 .
- the smaller image section 67 comprises two metal surfaces which appear generally as two U-shaped islands. As shown in FIG. 5 , each of these metal surfaces are connected with a contact area 62 or 63 and form the panels 68 , 69 of a capacitor unit 70 .
- FIG. 6 shows an identification device 71 comprising a metal film 72 , similar to the metal films 12 , 46 , 56 shown in FIGS. 2, 4 , and 5 , respectively.
- the identification device 71 also comprises a holographic field 73 , which could also or alternatively include other types of images, or for example, retro-reflective material, and an antenna field 74 .
- the metal film 72 is a reticulated metallic coating having lines or stripes of metallic material 75 .
- the image is formed from non-metallic fields 76 alternating with metallic fields 77 .
- Such a structure can be created using the same process as the antenna coil 22 using the previously described printing/chemical etching procedure.
- the continuous metal coating in the holographic field 73 can be reticulated by printing lines of a chemical etchant on the continuous metal coating.
- a reticulated holographic material i.e., with alternating lines or stripes of metallic material removed
- FIGS. 2 and 6 When FIGS. 2 and 6 are compared, it can be seen that the image contents of the holographic material 78 of FIG. 6 and the holographic material 20 of FIG. 2 are similar. However, the images have different resolutions. In particular, the image in FIG. 6 has a lower resolution due to the reticulated structure of holographic material 78 . However, the reticulated structure of holographic material 78 reduces interference with RF energy such that an RF transponder can be mounted on the identification device 71 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a method of manufacturing a metal foil having a holographic or other metallized field and an antenna field, such as the metal foil 12 shown in FIG. 2 .
- a metal foil strip 25 with a large number of foil segments 26 connected to each other in continuous order is shown in FIG. 7 .
- individual metal foil sections such as metal foil 12 in FIG. 2 , can be provided.
- the metal foil strip 25 comprises, in the running direction 28 , a sequence of hologram or other metallized areas 16 and antenna areas 17 , continuously following on from each other, which, as shown, are situated on the left and right sides of a central running line 29 .
- the arrangement of the hologram or other metallized areas 16 and the antenna areas 17 in one long line following each other in the running direction 28 enables the continuous production of holograms or other metallized materials 20 in the hologram or other metallized area 16 and of antenna coils 22 in the antenna area 17 when the metal foil strip 25 moves forward in the running direction 28 .
- the forward movement of the metal foil strip 25 can be phased in such a way that, at various stages (indicated in FIG.
- the antenna area 17 on the metal foil strip 25 can undergo printing with a metal etchant in stage 1 .
- the remains of the corrosive material can be washed away, while, at the same time, the oxidized areas of the metallic layer 14 can be removed in stage II.
- the antenna area 17 of the metal foil strip 25 can be dried (stage III).
- the metallized layer in the holographic or other metallized field 16 can be selectively demetallized as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the holographic or other metallized material 20 can be formed in the hologram or other area 16 of the metal foil strip 25 (e.g., by means of a revolving press) after the demetallization process.
- the metal foil strip 25 having holograms or other metallized materials 20 formed in the hologram or other metallized areas 16 and antenna coils 22 formed in the antenna areas 17 can be positioned on a substrate, not shown, laminated (e.g., with an adhesive) and separated along the severance lines 27 to provide individual identification devices, such as the identification device 10 shown in FIG. 2 .
- a rubber engraving e.g., flexographic plate
- the demetallizing solution e.g., an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide
- the sodium hydroxide solution can, for example, be placed in one of the printing stations of a conventional flexographic printing apparatus.
- the demetallizing solution can be placed in a stainless steel tray typically used for holding ink.
- the demetallizing solution can then be applied to the metallized surface by means of the printing roller such that the demetallizing solution is selectively transferred to areas of the metallized surface which are going to be demetallized.
- the volume of sodium hydroxide that is “printed” on the metallized film can be controlled, as with printing using ink, by, for example, the structure (i.e., the resolution) of the printing roller (i.e., the anilox roller) and the inking rollers and by the pressure that is exerted on the printing roller.
- the structure i.e., the resolution
- the printing roller i.e., the anilox roller
- the inking rollers i.e., the anilox roller
- the demetallizing effect is practically immediate once the demetallizing solution is applied to the metallized surface, it may be desirable to allow the demetallizing solution to remain a certain amount of time in contact with the metallized surface so that the chemical reaction is completed in those areas in contact with the solution.
- the metallized surface can be washed with water (preferably non-recycled).
- water preferably non-recycled
- the metallized surface previously printed
- the metallized surface can be passed through a washing area where the residual sodium hydroxide and the oxidized metal (i.e., aluminum oxide) can be removed.
- the water will wet the entire printed area of the metallized surface.
- fine sprinklers can be used to cover the entire printed area.
- washing may be repeated one or more times using fresh water each time.
- the film Before the film enters the drying station, it may be desirable to remove excess water from the metallized surface in order to facilitate the evaporation of and remaining residual water. In order to remove the water, it is recommendable to use a pair of rollers (e.g., one of rubber and another metallic), air cleaners, sponges and/or air sprinklers. Finally the film is passed through the drying unit through for a heat dry (e.g., using electrical resistance heating) to completely remove the water from the material.
- a heat dry e.g., using electrical resistance heating
- water based inks are very manageable, clean and highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light. For these reasons, water based inks are desirable. Nevertheless, because one of the sub-processes of the demetallizing process is washing, it is preferable to print with water based inks after the demetallizing and washing steps have been completed.
- UV ultraviolet
- metallized areas are desired not to be printed, it is possible to use a transparent solvent based varnish for print protecting the metallized film. After print protection, the metallized layer can be demetallized. In this manner, higher resolutions can be achieved. This technique can be used in high security applications to produce microtext and/or very fine lines.
- any liner or protective layer 81 present on the metal layer 83 is removed to expose the metal.
- the metal layer 132 is shown disposed on a carrier or base layer 78 .
- the carrier or base layer 78 can be polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate.
- the metal layer 132 is then selectively exposed 79 to the corrosive action of a corrosive material, such as a sodium hydroxide solution, using a flexographic, screen, offset or any other printing process to remove metal from the desired areas.
- a corrosive material such as a sodium hydroxide solution
- a fine line demetallizing process can be performed over the remaining metal surface using the same demetallizing process to break the conductivity of the metal layer and the absorption or distortion of radio waves. This allows the RF energy to be captured by the antenna of the radio frequency device. This process is preferably done at a high resolution to maintain the retro-reflective (or, for example, holographic) properties of the remaining metal layer while, at the same time, interrupting the conductivity of the metal to allow RF reception and transmission.
- the metallized layer is demetallized in a square grid pattern comprising a first set of parallel lines of demetallized material oriented at right angels to a second set of parallel lines or demetallized material.
- the squares of metallized material in the square grid pattern will have dimensions of 5 mm ⁇ 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm ⁇ 3 mm or less.
- shielding i.e., distorion and/or absorption
- shielding i.e., distorion and/or absorption
- the longest straight line that can be drawn on any metallized area is about 5 mm or less, more preferably about 3 mm or less.
- FIG. 9 A schematic of an apparatus for selective demetallization of a roll of metallized material is shown in FIG. 9 .
- metallized material e.g., retro-reflective material
- a chemical etchant e.g., NaOH
- the printed metallized layer is then passed over a temperature application roller 128 to a washing station 36 . After washing, hot air from dryer 37 is directed over the surface of the washed material.
- the selectively demetallized material is optionally transferred to various printing stations 38 , 120 so that designs can be overprinted thereon.
- the metallized material can be transferred to an adhesive application roller 122 and adhesively bonded to a carrier material or base layer material 124 .
- the base layer material 124 can have perforations (not shown) to allow for separation of individual identification devices from the continuous length. After bonding to the base layer, the material is shown wound onto a take-off roller 126 .
- the demetallizing process can be terminated by washing the surface with water and immediately drying. Afterward, a design can be over-printed on the identification device using a fixed or variable printing process.
- the radio-frequency device can be used as a label or as an identification tag, such as a car license plate.
- labels according to the invention can, for example, be used for all types of vehicle control.
- the labels can be provided in auto-adhesive form for use with a car license plate, a tractor platform or for container information, vehicle control applications, etc.
- the labels can be provided with read and write capabilities and can include biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris recognition data, facial recognition data, voice recognition data, picture data and traffic violation data for drivers.
- Car license plates are typically made from metal, acrylic or polycarbonate. Regardless of the material, the process of applying an RF device will usually be similar. This process is described below with reference to FIG. 10 for a metal license plate.
- an upper surface 82 of a metal plate 80 is embossed to form a depressed region 84 .
- An isolation layer 86 e.g., a ferrite composite layer
- a radio frequency device 88 is then mounted on the isolation layer. In this manner, RF device 88 is able to transmit and receive information without interference from the metal plate 80 .
- the license plate can be laminated with, for example, a selectively demetallized retro-reflective material 90 .
- the region of the retro-reflective material 90 above the area 92 where the radio frequency device 88 is mounted will be free of metallized material. Further, the rest of the retro-reflective material 90 is preferably selectively demetallized with a fine line demetallizing pattern 94 using a demetallizing process as described above to reduce interference.
- the resulting license plate is shown in FIG. 11 .
- the license plate 94 comprises an antenna region 96 and a retro-reflective region 98 .
- the retro-reflective region is shown over-printed with a license plate number.
- the retro-reflective material has been removed from the antenna region 96 .
- the antenna can be formed by selectively demetallizing a continuous metal layer using a printing procedure as described above.
- An alternative process of forming the antenna comprises producing a thin polymer layer (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate) having an antenna (preferably a copper antenna) embedded therein. Structures of this type are commonly referred to as inlays.
- a method of manufacturing an inlaid antenna according to the invention is shown in FIG. 12 .
- a conductive wire 100 (preferably a copper wire) is unrolled from a spool 102 and embedded in the surface of a polymer sheet 104 .
- the conductive wire 100 passes over a thermal ultrasound head 106 and under a bridge 108 before being embedded in the polymer sheet 104 to form the antenna 110 .
- the inlaid antenna can be applied with an auto-adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive to the base layer or substrate of the identification device.
- the antenna should be applied in an area of the device that has been demetallized to avoid contact with any metal in the identification device.
- the carrier or base layer is a polymer such as PVC or PET.
- the antenna can be embedded directly in the carrier using ultrasonic energy as set forth above.
- the retro-reflective or other metallized layer can then be applied onto the carrier. Portions of the retro-reflective or other metallized layer overlying the antenna should be demetallized to avoid any contact of the antenna with the metal content of the retro-reflective or other metallized material.
- a fine line demetallization process can be used as describe above over the remainder of the retro-reflective or other metallized material to minimize RF distortion or absorption that can interfere with the radio frequency device.
- an acrylic or epoxy resin can be applied to transform the identification device into a label.
- FIG. 13 shows an identification device according to this embodiment of the invention wherein an inlaid antenna 110 is positioned on a carrier layer (not shown) beneath a demetallized portion 112 of a retro-reflective or other metallized layer 114 . Also as shown in FIG. 13 , a fine line demetallizing process has been used on the continuous metal portion 116 of the retro-reflective layer 114 to reduce interference and thereby ensure adequate performance of the radio frequency transmitting 118 and receiving 119 functions. In this manner, the retro-reflective or other metallized material properties can be retained while allowing for the adequate transmission and reception of RF energy.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,092 filed on Apr. 9, 2002 including the specification, claims, drawings and summary. The disclosure of the above patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to a process for selectively removing metallic material from a metallized film and, in particular, to the removal of metallic material from a metallized polymeric film using a printing method such as flexographic printing. The film can be a reflective film (e.g., a retro-reflective film) or a holographic film that can be used, for example, in an identification device comprising a radio frequency (RF) transponder.
- Retro-reflective materials can reflect and re-emit incident light in a direction that is parallel to that of the source of the incident light. In other words, retro-reflective materials reflect light directly back toward the source of the light. Such materials and devices are widely used in the areas of nighttime transportation and safety. For example, retro-reflective materials are used to identify highway lanes and road signs using the light emitted from vehicle headlights. Retro-reflective materials are also used for the production of car plates, decals and distinctives for all kinds of vehicles and for truck containers, tractors and other applications. Retro-reflective materials have a bright effect under direct light without disturbing human sight.
- Holographic materials have also been used for identification purposes. Since holograms are all but impossible to counterfeit, they are being increasingly used on all types of identification, including driver's licenses, credit cards, bus passes, etc., to increase security.
- Both retro-reflective and holographic materials typically contain a very high level of metal such as aluminum. Holograms, for example, are typically stamped from metal foils. It is known that metal blocks the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals because the RF signal is absorbed or distorted by the metal content in the material. As a result, the signal cannot be received by an antenna blocked by metal. Such a blocked signal cannot be used, for example, to activate a connected device. This same blocking effect can occur whether the device is positioned on top of or underneath the metallic material because the distortion and absorption of the RF signal will be affected in either case. Thus, there is a problem in the prior art with regard to using retro-reflective and holographic materials, as well as other materials containing metals, on the surface of devices for receiving RF signals.
- It would be desirable to incorporate an RF transponder into an identification device comprising a retro-reflective material, a holographic image, or other material containing a metal. The RF transponder could be used for electronic identification.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, an identification device is provided that includes retro-reflective or holographic materials, or other materials containing metal, and a usable antenna for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The identification device comprises: a base layer; an RF transponder comprising a mounted RF chip and an antenna disposed on the base layer; and a metallized region. The metallized region can comprise a holographic image or a retro-reflective layer. The antenna is in electrical communication with the chip. According to this aspect of the invention, the metallized region has been selectively demetallized such that the RF transponder can transmit and receive information.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of forming a pattern in a metallized layer is provided. The method comprises: transferring a metal etching solution to portions of an exposed surface of the metallized layer using a printing process; allowing the etching solution to react with the metallized layer to selectively demetallize the surface; and washing the selectively demetallized surface.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and at least one metal region disposed thereon is provided. The method comprises: selectively demetallizing a first metal region of the device; forming a holographic image in the first metal region; forming an antenna on the base layer; and mounting an RF chip on the base layer in electrical communication with the antenna to form an RF transponder. According to this aspect of the invention, the selective demetallization of the first metal region allows the RF transponder to transmit and receive information.
- According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and a metallized retro-reflective layer is provided. The method comprises: forming a selectively demetallized retro-reflective layer on the base layer; forming an antenna on the base layer; and mounting an RF chip on the base layer in electrical communication with the antenna to form an RF transponder. According to this aspect of the invention, the selective demetallization of the retro-reflective layer retains the retro-reflective properties of the retro-reflective layer while allowing the RF transponder to transmit and receive information.
- Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention.
- The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a metallized substrate suitable for making an identification device according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of an identification device according to the invention comprising a holographic image and an antenna; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the identification unit shown inFIG. 2 , showing a chip module mounted on the bottom surface of the identification device; -
FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, comprising two metallized layers arranged one above the other; -
FIG. 5 is a top view of a device according to the invention, wherein the antenna is in electrical communication with the holographic image; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a further embodiment of an identification device according to the invention, wherein the device has a selectively demetallized holographic image; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a method of making identification devices from a continuous strip of metallized material having multiple segments that may be separated from the strip to make individual identification devices, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a method of selectively removing metal from a metallized substrate according to the invention; -
FIG. 9 shows an apparatus that can be used for the continuous selective demetallization of a metallized film according to the invention; -
FIG. 10 shows a method of making a license plate having a retro-reflective layer and an RF transponder according to the invention; -
FIG. 11 shows a license plate according to the invention, comprising a retro-reflective layer and an RF transponder made by the method illustrated inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 shows a method of forming an inlaid antenna according to the invention; and -
FIG. 13 shows a method of forming an identification device according to the invention comprising inlaying an antenna in the base layer and overlying a selectively demetallized retro-reflective layer. - The present inventors have discovered a method by which a radio frequency (RF) device can be integrated into an identification device comprising a metallized reflective (e.g., a retro-reflective) or holographic material. In particular, the present inventors have discovered that, by selectively removing metal from the metallized layer, the conductivity of the metallized layer can be broken and the effect of absorption and distortion of the radio waves that an RF device uses as a power source can be reduced. In this manner, a radio frequency device can be incorporated into a retro-reflective or holographic material, such as a license plate, a decal (e.g., for a car license plate) or an identification card.
- According to the invention, a demetallizing solution, such as a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), can be used in place of ink in a printing process to selectively demetallize a metal layer. In particular, the demetallizing solution can be poured into the stainless steel trays of a printing apparatus. The demetallizing solution can then be applied to the metallized surface using a printing process. For example, the solution can be applied to a printing plate having a raised pattern. The plate can then be contacted with the metallized surface such that the solution on the raised areas is transferred to the metallized surface. The application of the demetallizing solution to the metallized surface can be controlled by the inking rollers of a printing apparatus (e.g., by the pressure applied to the inking rollers).
- According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the demetallizing solution is applied to the metallized layer using a flexographic printing process. The flexographic printing process is a rotary in-line printing method that uses flexible resilient plates with raised images to apply inks to a substrate. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexographic printing process can be performed using laser-engraved anilox rolls to allow for high resolutions.
- By using a printing process, such as a flexographic printing process, the sodium hydroxide solution can be transferred to selective portions of the metallized film. In this manner, metal can be selectively removed from those areas. According to the invention, the exposure time of the metallized layer to the sodium hydroxide solution can be controlled to ensure that the resulting chemical reaction sufficiently removes metal from the desired areas.
- According to the invention, after the demetallization process is complete, the selectively demetallized film can be transferred to a washing unit where any excess or remaining chemical solution can be removed. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, washing of the demetallized surface can be accomplished using fine sprinklers.
- The metallized film, which has been moistened by the previous wash, can then be subjected to a residue evaporation process. Residue evaporation can be accomplished using a set of two rolls (e.g., one made of rubber, one made of steel), as well as by such processes as use of air-cleaning filters, sponges and/or blown air. The residue evaporation process can be used as a preparation step preliminary to a heat-driven drying stage. During the heat-driven drying stage, the heat can be generated, for example, by electrical resistance.
- The metal removal process according to the invention can be used to produce a metallized material that is non-blocking to radio frequency transmissions. Therefore, a radio frequency device can be incorporated into an identification device (e.g. a card or plate) having a metallized (i.e., a retro-reflective or holographic) layer. As a result of the demetallization process, the radio-frequency device can transmit or receive information while in close proximity to the metallized layer. Additionally, by using a selective demetallization process according to the invention, the metallized film can be made translucent. Therefore, a visible seal can be incorporated beneath the metallized layer according to the invention.
- Features of the present invention directed to a metal-removal process for a metallized material (e.g., a metallized polymer film) will now be described in greater detail. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises subjecting the metallized material to a flexographic printing process, wherein the inks are replaced by a metal etching solution. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal etching solution is an oxidizing solution. For example, an oxidizing solution can be poured into the stainless steel ink trays of a standard flexographic printing station. The oxidizing solution according to the invention preferably comprises sodium hydroxide (NaOH), water (H2O), and, optionally, ethylene-glycol. The ethylene glycol can be used as a density-reduction agent.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the oxidizing solution can be transferred to the inking rollers through a second roller (i.e., an “anilox” roller). The oxidizing solution can then be transferred to a third roller, which conveys the solution to the metallized surface.
- The exposure time of the metallized surface to the demetallizing solution can be controlled to ensure that the resulting chemical reaction removes the metal properly from the desired areas.
- As set forth above, the demetallizing solution according to the invention can be an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When NaOH contacts the metallic surface, the metal is converted into a metallic oxide via an oxidative chemical reaction. To stop this oxidative process, the metallized surface can be washed with water. For example, the metallized surface can be washed using fine sprinklers to cover the entire metallized surface to ensure the removal of any residue and/or excess of the demetallizing solution.
- The present invention also relates to the manufacture of an identification device created with a metallized material (e.g., a retro-reflective or holographic material), which device includes a chip and an antenna (i.e., a radio frequency device). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna can be formed from the same metallized layer used to manufacture the reflective or holographic material. When the device is made with a holographic image, an identification device can be provided having a capability of both electronic identification (i.e., via the reading of data stored in the chip) and optical identification (i.e., using the holographic image). For example, the device can be configured as an identification card that allows an electronic identification through the reading of data stored in the chip and the optical identification via a check of the hologram on the device.
- For the holographic image on the identification device, metallic films such as aluminum films can be used. The metallic films can be grouped on the device to form the hologram using known techniques. For example, the hologram can be made using conventional techniques, such as forming the hologram by stamping a metal foil with a hologram plate made using an engraving process.
- In the case of identification cards or identification stickers, which can allow the transmission of identification data stored in a chip to a reading device, a grouping technique can be used involving coupling a transporting unit with a chip and an antenna. The antenna can be made by placing a wire conductor on the device or by etching the antenna in the metallic film.
- A purpose of the invention is therefore to provide an identification device that allows both optical identification via a holographic image on the device and electronic identification via an RF chip mounted on the device. The metallized layer can be used to prepare both the antenna for the RF device as well as to prepare the optical image on the device. The fact that the antenna and the image can be made from the same metallized layer represents an advantage since only a single metallized layer is required. As a result, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the cost of manufacturing the device can be reduced.
- Additionally, the antenna and the image device can be formed on opposite sides of a substrate material. It may also be advantageous to build the antenna on the device in several parts (i.e., by making one part of the antenna on the same side as the image device and the other part of the antenna on the side opposite the optical image). In this case, a high power antenna can be made on a relatively small identification device.
- Depending specifically of the desired frequency of the oscillating circuit made by the chip and the antenna, the antenna may be produced as a coil or as a dipole. To influence the oscillating chip frequency behavior, it may be advantageous to use the image material at least partially to make an electronic commutation element. For example, the image material may be used for making a part of the antenna. This is particularly advantageous when the antenna is made as an antenna coil. It is also possible to use the image material to make a capacitor element. To prevent the creation of metallic layers that may negatively affect the antenna's electromagnetic field, it may be useful to superimpose the image structure with a superficial structure to separate the metallic surface from the hologram support, thereby creating electrically isolated partial metallic layers.
- Turning to the figures,
FIG. 1 shows the side view of anidentification unit 10 according to the invention having a substrate orbase layer 11 which has a metallized film or foil 12 mounted on itsupper surface 33. Thelower surface 30 of thesubstrate 11 is also shown. As shown, the metallized film or foil 12 comprises afilm 13 coated with ametallic layer 14. Thefilm 13 is preferably a dielectric film, such as a polymer film. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a preferred material for the film. Other materials, however, can also be used for thefilm 13. The substrate is also preferably a dielectric material. However, thesubstrate 11 can be made of material with either electrically conductive or dielectric properties depending on the type offilm 13 used. For example, if thefilm 13 is a dielectric material, such as a polymer film, thesubstrate 11 does not have to be a dielectric material. - The
identification device 10 shown inFIG. 1 can be in the form of a card or an identification label. A label is typically more flexible than an identification card. The rigidity of the identification device can be varied by the choice of the material used forsubstrate 11 and by the thickness ofsubstrate 11. - In addition, it should be noted that the
identification device 10 shown inFIG. 1 does not necessarily represent the actual end product but can, in addition to the layers shown inFIG. 1 , be provided with further layers, particularly layers covering the top and the bottom. Further, if the identification unit is to be constructed as an identification label, the device can be provided with an adhesive surface such as a pressure sensitive adhesive surface. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of anidentification device 10 according to the invention. As shown inFIG. 2 ,metallized layer 12 has been divided into two fields placed in adjacent position: aholographic image field 16 and anantenna field 17. In theholographic field 16, themetallic film 12 forms aholographic image 18 that can be transferred to the identification device in a known manner (e.g., by using a stamping process) to form ahologram 20. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theantenna field 17 comprises anantenna coil 22 created, for example, by using a chemical etching technique according to the invention. The coil as shown is provided on each end withcontact fields bottom surface 30 of thebase layer 11, as shown inFIG. 3 . - For the construction of the
antenna coil 22 shown inFIG. 2 , a corrosive material (i.e., an aqueous NaOH solution) can be printed onto themetallic layer 14 to selectively remove portions of themetallic layer 18 from themetal foil 12, thereby leaving behind only the area defined as theantenna coil 22. -
FIG. 3 shows the bottom view of the device ofFIG. 2 . As shown inFIG. 3 , the contact points 23, 24 of theantenna coil 22 are connected as through-contacts to achip 31 on thebottom side 30 of thesubstrate 11 which, as shown, is mounted in achip module 32 to make electrical contact between theantenna 22 andchip 31 easier. - The
antenna coil 22 and thechip 31 of theidentification device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 forms atransponder unit 34 which enables, by means of a reader unit, contact-free access to the data on thechip 31 for purposes of electronic identification. At the same time, thehologram 20 mounted on the upper side of theidentification unit 10 enables optical identification to be made. -
FIG. 4 illustrates anidentification device 40 having twosubstrates foil upper surface foil 45 is positioned betweensubstrates metallized foil 46 is situated on theupper surface 43 of the metallizedlayer 41 and forms at the same time the top layer of theidentification device 40. As shown inFIG. 4 , each of the metal foils 45, 46 comprises a film orfoil layer 47 having a metallizedsurface 39. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal foils 45, 46 comprise a polymer film having a metallized surface comprising aluminum. - In the
identification unit 40 shown inFIG. 4 , theupper metal foil 46 is structured or divided up in the same way asmetal foil 12 ofFIG. 2 . That is to say, theidentification device 40 is provided with both ahologram 20, for example, in ahologram area 16 as well as anantenna coil 22 in anantenna area 17. As shown, themetal foil 45 mounted on theupper side 44 ofsubstrate 42 and arranged betweensubstrate 42 andsubstrate 41 is provided with asecond antenna coil 49 which is in electrical contact with a first antenna coil located onantenna area 17 via through-contacts withcontact points second antenna coil 49 is itself connected by through-contacts with contact points 50, 51 which themselves are connected to a chip module 53, which is mounted in arecess 52 in the bottom ofsubstrate 42. In this way, the antenna coils 22 and 49 each form a component of thecomplete antenna unit 54 ofidentification device 40. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of anidentification device 55 comprising ametal foil 56 on the upper side of a substrate, not shown. In a similar manner to metal foils 12 and 46 ofFIGS. 2 and 4 , respectively,identification device 55 comprises, for example, a hologram or retro-reflective area 57, or other metallized substance, and anantenna area 58. Theantenna area 58 as shown inFIG. 5 comprises asingle antenna coil 59, which can be created in the manner previously described by selectively etching a metal foil made up of ametallic layer 61 deposited on a film or foil layer (not shown). As shown, theantenna coil 59 is provided withcontact points chip module 64 mounted on the bottom side of the substrate. - In the hologram or other metallized
area 57 ofmetal foil 56, a hologram orother image 65 is formed in the metallic layer in the manner previously described. As shown inFIG. 5 , however, the hologram orother metal material 65 comprises twoimage sections smaller image section 67, is electrically isolated from thelarger image section 66. As shown, thesmaller image section 67 comprises two metal surfaces which appear generally as two U-shaped islands. As shown inFIG. 5 , each of these metal surfaces are connected with acontact area panels capacitor unit 70. -
FIG. 6 shows anidentification device 71 comprising ametal film 72, similar to themetal films FIGS. 2, 4 , and 5, respectively. As shown, theidentification device 71 also comprises aholographic field 73, which could also or alternatively include other types of images, or for example, retro-reflective material, and anantenna field 74. In contrast to themetal film 12 shown inFIG. 2 , however, themetal film 72 is a reticulated metallic coating having lines or stripes ofmetallic material 75. As a result, the image is formed fromnon-metallic fields 76 alternating withmetallic fields 77. Such a structure can be created using the same process as theantenna coil 22 using the previously described printing/chemical etching procedure. In particular, the continuous metal coating in theholographic field 73 can be reticulated by printing lines of a chemical etchant on the continuous metal coating. As a result, a reticulated holographic material (i.e., with alternating lines or stripes of metallic material removed) can be formed. - When
FIGS. 2 and 6 are compared, it can be seen that the image contents of theholographic material 78 ofFIG. 6 and theholographic material 20 ofFIG. 2 are similar. However, the images have different resolutions. In particular, the image inFIG. 6 has a lower resolution due to the reticulated structure ofholographic material 78. However, the reticulated structure ofholographic material 78 reduces interference with RF energy such that an RF transponder can be mounted on theidentification device 71. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a method of manufacturing a metal foil having a holographic or other metallized field and an antenna field, such as themetal foil 12 shown inFIG. 2 . In particular, ametal foil strip 25 with a large number offoil segments 26 connected to each other in continuous order is shown inFIG. 7 . When themetal foil strip 25 is separated lengthwise along the dottedseverance lines 27, individual metal foil sections, such asmetal foil 12 inFIG. 2 , can be provided. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , themetal foil strip 25 comprises, in the runningdirection 28, a sequence of hologram or other metallizedareas 16 andantenna areas 17, continuously following on from each other, which, as shown, are situated on the left and right sides of acentral running line 29. The arrangement of the hologram or other metallizedareas 16 and theantenna areas 17 in one long line following each other in the runningdirection 28 enables the continuous production of holograms or othermetallized materials 20 in the hologram or other metallizedarea 16 and of antenna coils 22 in theantenna area 17 when themetal foil strip 25 moves forward in the runningdirection 28. In addition, the forward movement of themetal foil strip 25 can be phased in such a way that, at various stages (indicated inFIG. 7 as stages I, II and III), various operations can be performed on the foil. In particular, theantenna area 17 on themetal foil strip 25 can undergo printing with a metal etchant in stage 1. The remains of the corrosive material can be washed away, while, at the same time, the oxidized areas of themetallic layer 14 can be removed in stage II. Finally, theantenna area 17 of themetal foil strip 25 can be dried (stage III). - In conjunction with the production of the
antenna coil 22 in theantenna area 17 of themetal foil strip 25, the metallized layer in the holographic or other metallizedfield 16 can be selectively demetallized as shown inFIG. 7 . Further, the holographic or othermetallized material 20 can be formed in the hologram orother area 16 of the metal foil strip 25 (e.g., by means of a revolving press) after the demetallization process. - In order to construct the
identification device 10 shown inFIG. 2 , themetal foil strip 25 having holograms or othermetallized materials 20 formed in the hologram or other metallizedareas 16 and antenna coils 22 formed in theantenna areas 17 can be positioned on a substrate, not shown, laminated (e.g., with an adhesive) and separated along theseverance lines 27 to provide individual identification devices, such as theidentification device 10 shown inFIG. 2 . - A demetallizing process according to the invention will now be described in more detail.
- Once the areas to be demetallized have been determined (e.g., using graphical design) a rubber engraving (e.g., flexographic plate) can be made to cover the printing roller that is going to be used to deposit the demetallizing solution (e.g., an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide) on the metallized surface of the film. The sodium hydroxide solution can, for example, be placed in one of the printing stations of a conventional flexographic printing apparatus. For example, the demetallizing solution can be placed in a stainless steel tray typically used for holding ink. The demetallizing solution can then be applied to the metallized surface by means of the printing roller such that the demetallizing solution is selectively transferred to areas of the metallized surface which are going to be demetallized. The volume of sodium hydroxide that is “printed” on the metallized film can be controlled, as with printing using ink, by, for example, the structure (i.e., the resolution) of the printing roller (i.e., the anilox roller) and the inking rollers and by the pressure that is exerted on the printing roller.
- Although the demetallizing effect is practically immediate once the demetallizing solution is applied to the metallized surface, it may be desirable to allow the demetallizing solution to remain a certain amount of time in contact with the metallized surface so that the chemical reaction is completed in those areas in contact with the solution.
- To stop the oxidizing effect of the solution, the metallized surface can be washed with water (preferably non-recycled). For example, the metallized surface (previously printed) can be passed through a washing area where the residual sodium hydroxide and the oxidized metal (i.e., aluminum oxide) can be removed. In a preferred embodiment, the water will wet the entire printed area of the metallized surface. For example, fine sprinklers can be used to cover the entire printed area. In order to make the washing process more efficient and to completely remove the residuals of the chemical process, washing may be repeated one or more times using fresh water each time.
- Before the film enters the drying station, it may be desirable to remove excess water from the metallized surface in order to facilitate the evaporation of and remaining residual water. In order to remove the water, it is recommendable to use a pair of rollers (e.g., one of rubber and another metallic), air cleaners, sponges and/or air sprinklers. Finally the film is passed through the drying unit through for a heat dry (e.g., using electrical resistance heating) to completely remove the water from the material.
- As a complement to the method of selective demetallizing, it is possible to include in the same line of production an overprinting process with ink. In this manner, the effects of demetallizing and printing can be obtained on the same material.
- Compared with solvent based inks, water based inks are very manageable, clean and highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light. For these reasons, water based inks are desirable. Nevertheless, because one of the sub-processes of the demetallizing process is washing, it is preferable to print with water based inks after the demetallizing and washing steps have been completed.
- In addition, if certain metallized areas are desired not to be printed, it is possible to use a transparent solvent based varnish for print protecting the metallized film. After print protection, the metallized layer can be demetallized. In this manner, higher resolutions can be achieved. This technique can be used in high security applications to produce microtext and/or very fine lines.
- A demetallizing process for use with a metallized, such as a retro-reflective material, according to the invention is described below in reference to
FIG. 8 . First, any liner orprotective layer 81 present on themetal layer 83 is removed to expose the metal. InFIG. 8 , themetal layer 132 is shown disposed on a carrier orbase layer 78. The carrier orbase layer 78 can be polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate. Themetal layer 132 is then selectively exposed 79 to the corrosive action of a corrosive material, such as a sodium hydroxide solution, using a flexographic, screen, offset or any other printing process to remove metal from the desired areas. This process is described in detail in Mexican Patent Application Nos. 2001/010968 and 2001/010969 as well as in German Patent Application No. 101 21 126. These applications are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference. Selective metal removal can be used to form an antenna for the RF transponder. - As a second step, a fine line demetallizing process can be performed over the remaining metal surface using the same demetallizing process to break the conductivity of the metal layer and the absorption or distortion of radio waves. This allows the RF energy to be captured by the antenna of the radio frequency device. This process is preferably done at a high resolution to maintain the retro-reflective (or, for example, holographic) properties of the remaining metal layer while, at the same time, interrupting the conductivity of the metal to allow RF reception and transmission.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metallized layer is demetallized in a square grid pattern comprising a first set of parallel lines of demetallized material oriented at right angels to a second set of parallel lines or demetallized material. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the squares of metallized material in the square grid pattern will have dimensions of 5 mm×5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm×3 mm or less. It has been found that, when the squares of metallized material have dimensions of about 5 mm or less, shielding (i.e., distorion and/or absorption) is reduced to about 5% or less and when the squares of metallized material have dimensions of about 3 mm or less, shielding (i.e., distorion and/or absorption) is reduced to about 1% or less.
- Although a square grid demetallized pattern is preferred, other patterns can be employed according to the invention. When other patterns are employed, it is preferred that the longest straight line that can be drawn on any metallized area is about 5 mm or less, more preferably about 3 mm or less.
- A schematic of an apparatus for selective demetallization of a roll of metallized material is shown in
FIG. 9 . As shown inFIG. 9 , metallized material (e.g., retro-reflective material) from aroll 121 is unrolled and passed over aprinting roller 123 where a chemical etchant (e.g., NaOH) fromreservoir 35 is applied in a desired pattern. The printed metallized layer is then passed over atemperature application roller 128 to awashing station 36. After washing, hot air fromdryer 37 is directed over the surface of the washed material. Afterward, the selectively demetallized material is optionally transferred tovarious printing stations adhesive application roller 122 and adhesively bonded to a carrier material orbase layer material 124. Thebase layer material 124 can have perforations (not shown) to allow for separation of individual identification devices from the continuous length. After bonding to the base layer, the material is shown wound onto a take-offroller 126. - After exposing the material to the demetallizing agent, the demetallizing process can be terminated by washing the surface with water and immediately drying. Afterward, a design can be over-printed on the identification device using a fixed or variable printing process.
- Once the metal is removed from an area of the device, it is possible to mount a radio frequency device in the demetallized area. The radio-frequency device can be used as a label or as an identification tag, such as a car license plate.
- In one example application, labels according to the invention can, for example, be used for all types of vehicle control. The labels can be provided in auto-adhesive form for use with a car license plate, a tractor platform or for container information, vehicle control applications, etc. The labels can be provided with read and write capabilities and can include biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris recognition data, facial recognition data, voice recognition data, picture data and traffic violation data for drivers.
- Car license plates are typically made from metal, acrylic or polycarbonate. Regardless of the material, the process of applying an RF device will usually be similar. This process is described below with reference to
FIG. 10 for a metal license plate. First, anupper surface 82 of ametal plate 80 is embossed to form adepressed region 84. An isolation layer 86 (e.g., a ferrite composite layer) is then deposited indepressed region 84. Aradio frequency device 88 is then mounted on the isolation layer. In this manner,RF device 88 is able to transmit and receive information without interference from themetal plate 80. Afterward, the license plate can be laminated with, for example, a selectively demetallized retro-reflective material 90. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the region of the retro-reflective material 90 above thearea 92 where theradio frequency device 88 is mounted will be free of metallized material. Further, the rest of the retro-reflective material 90 is preferably selectively demetallized with a fineline demetallizing pattern 94 using a demetallizing process as described above to reduce interference. - The resulting license plate is shown in
FIG. 11 . As can be seen fromFIG. 11 , thelicense plate 94 comprises anantenna region 96 and a retro-reflective region 98. The retro-reflective region is shown over-printed with a license plate number. As can be seen fromFIG. 11 , the retro-reflective material has been removed from theantenna region 96. The antenna can be formed by selectively demetallizing a continuous metal layer using a printing procedure as described above. - An alternative process of forming the antenna comprises producing a thin polymer layer (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate) having an antenna (preferably a copper antenna) embedded therein. Structures of this type are commonly referred to as inlays. A method of manufacturing an inlaid antenna according to the invention is shown in
FIG. 12 . As shown inFIG. 12 , a conductive wire 100 (preferably a copper wire) is unrolled from aspool 102 and embedded in the surface of apolymer sheet 104. As shown inFIG. 12 , theconductive wire 100 passes over athermal ultrasound head 106 and under abridge 108 before being embedded in thepolymer sheet 104 to form theantenna 110. The inlaid antenna can be applied with an auto-adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive to the base layer or substrate of the identification device. The antenna should be applied in an area of the device that has been demetallized to avoid contact with any metal in the identification device. - An alternative way of obtaining a retro-reflective or other metallized material on a metal plate or sticker can be employed wherein the carrier or base layer is a polymer such as PVC or PET. In this embodiment, the antenna can be embedded directly in the carrier using ultrasonic energy as set forth above. The retro-reflective or other metallized layer can then be applied onto the carrier. Portions of the retro-reflective or other metallized layer overlying the antenna should be demetallized to avoid any contact of the antenna with the metal content of the retro-reflective or other metallized material. A fine line demetallization process can be used as describe above over the remainder of the retro-reflective or other metallized material to minimize RF distortion or absorption that can interfere with the radio frequency device. Afterward, an acrylic or epoxy resin can be applied to transform the identification device into a label.
-
FIG. 13 shows an identification device according to this embodiment of the invention wherein aninlaid antenna 110 is positioned on a carrier layer (not shown) beneath ademetallized portion 112 of a retro-reflective orother metallized layer 114. Also as shown inFIG. 13 , a fine line demetallizing process has been used on thecontinuous metal portion 116 of the retro-reflective layer 114 to reduce interference and thereby ensure adequate performance of the radio frequency transmitting 118 and receiving 119 functions. In this manner, the retro-reflective or other metallized material properties can be retained while allowing for the adequate transmission and reception of RF energy. - These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/374,802 US20060187063A1 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2006-03-14 | Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (12)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE10121126A DE10121126A1 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2001-04-30 | Identification medium and process for its production |
DE10121126.0 | 2001-04-30 | ||
MX010971 | 2001-10-26 | ||
MXPA01010967 MXPA01010967A (en) | 2001-10-26 | 2001-10-26 | Dematallizing process of holographic plastic particles. |
MX010967 | 2001-10-26 | ||
MX010968 | 2001-10-26 | ||
MXPA01010968 MXPA01010968A (en) | 2001-10-26 | 2001-10-26 | Demetallized process of reflective plastic particles. |
MX010969 | 2001-10-26 | ||
MXPA01010971A MXPA01010971A (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2001-10-26 | Holographic material device having a chip and an integrated antenna, and a process for obtaining the same. |
MXPA01010969 MXPA01010969A (en) | 2001-10-26 | 2001-10-26 | Reflective material device and obtaining process. |
US10/118,092 US7034688B2 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2002-04-09 | Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith |
US11/374,802 US20060187063A1 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2006-03-14 | Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith |
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US10/118,092 Continuation US7034688B2 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2002-04-09 | Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith |
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US11/374,802 Abandoned US20060187063A1 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2006-03-14 | Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith |
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US10/118,092 Expired - Lifetime US7034688B2 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2002-04-09 | Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith |
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US20050183817A1 (en) * | 2004-02-23 | 2005-08-25 | Eric Eckstein | Security tag system for fabricating a tag including an integrated surface processing system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MXPA01010971A (en) | 2010-09-24 |
DE10121126A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 |
US7034688B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 |
US20020160786A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
MXPA02004371A (en) | 2007-12-06 |
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