WO2009106036A2

WO2009106036A2 - Method for the production of a security and/or value document comprising protected personalized data

Info

Publication number: WO2009106036A2
Application number: PCT/DE2009/000177
Authority: WO
Inventors: André LEOPOLD; Per KRÜGER; Jens Ehreke
Original assignee: Bundesdruckerei Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-02-29
Filing date: 2009-02-11
Publication date: 2009-09-03
Also published as: WO2009106036A3; EP2244883B1; EP2244883A2; DE102008012437A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a security and/or value document (1) containing a polymer laminate (2, 3) formed from a basic polymer laminate (2) and a polymer coating (3). At least the polymer coating has a printable substrate layer (4, 5) that can absorb a diffusible ink (6). Said method encompasses the following steps: A) a first printed image is produced on the printable substrate layer (4) of the basic polymer laminate or on the basic polymer laminate by printing a sublimation ink sublimating at a given diffusion temperature by means of a printing process; B) the printable substrate layer (5) of the polymer coating is placed on the first printed image; C) the stack comprising the basic polymer laminate and the polymer coating is laminated by heating the stack to a given lamination temperature; D) simultaneously with or following step C), at least subareas of the stack relative to a main area of the stack are heated to a temperature exceeding the diffusion temperature of the diffusible ink for a given period of time such that at least some of the diffusible ink of the first printed image is diffused into the printable substrate layer (5) of the polymer coating.

Description

Method for producing a security and / or value document with protected personalized

information

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for producing a security and / or value document comprising a polymer layer composite or consisting thereof, wherein the polymer layer composite is formed from a polymer layer base composite and a polymer cover layer and wherein the polymer layer base composite has a printed substrate layer which is receptive to diffusible colorant, with the following Process steps: A) on the printing substrate layer of

Polymer layer base composite, a first print image is produced by printing at least one diffusible colorant diffusing at a given diffusion temperature, B) the polymer topcoat is applied to the first print image, and C) the polymer layer base composite stack and polymer topcoat stack is laminated to a lamination temperature while heating the stack.

The invention further relates to a security and / or value document that can be produced by means of such a method.

Prior art and background of the invention. Personalization of a security and / or value document is a process in which personalized information, ie for a specific person who is designated as the bearer of the security and / or value document, contains individual information, for example image information such as a passport photograph, fingerprint etc., strings, such as name, address, place of residence, etc., are affixed on or in the security and / or value document in question. This can be done for example in the form of imprints.

A method of the type mentioned is known for example from the document WO 00/73088 Al. In this case, a printing substrate layer of a screen printing lacquer based on PVC with organic solvent is first applied to a polymer base layer based on PC. This serves to chemically modify the surface of the PC polymer layer in such a way that a diffusible colorant used in conventional thermal sublimation printing processes can at least partially penetrate into the printing substrate layer of the polymer base layer. Then the polymer base layer is printed by means of a thermal (sublimation) printing process, as it were a cohesive connection between the printed image and the polymer base layer is generated. At least on the area of the polymer base layer with the print image is then applied a protective layer.

From practice it is known, personalized information, such as a printed image, such as a passport photograph, at least partially with a protective film with to cover a security element, for example a diffractive security element. In this case, the security element of the protective film is typically not personalized and represents, for example, a coat of arms or the like. This serves to protect the printed image against unauthorized access, in particular against manipulation. However, this structure entails the risk that a person unauthorizedly removes the security element or the protective film and transfers it to a counterfeit polymer layer base composite, for example with a different print image, and thus creates an impression counterfeit.

A further disadvantage of the manufacturing method known in this respect is that during the lifetime of the security and / or value document the colorant used can continue to diffuse, both in the planes of the layers and in directions orthogonal to the main surfaces of the security and / or value document, whereby the quality of the printed image decreases over time.

Technical problem of the invention

The invention is therefore the technical problem

It is the object of the invention to provide a method for producing a security and / or value document which renders the security element unusable for another use in the case of unauthorized removal of a security element overlying a print image.

Broad features of the invention and preferred embodiments To solve this technical problem, the invention teaches a method for producing a security and / or value document comprising a polymer layer composite or consisting thereof, wherein the polymer layer composite is formed from a polymer layer base composite and a polymer cover layer and at least the polymer cover layer, preferably also the polymer layer base composite, in each case a printing substrate layer have (or consist of), which is receptive to diffusible colorant, with the following process steps: A) on the printing substrate layer of the polymer layer base composite or on the polymer layer base composite or on the

Printing substrate layer of the polymer topcoat is a first printed image produced by printing at least one diffusing colorant diffusing at a predetermined diffusion temperature, optionally for a predetermined period, for example 0.5 to 60 s, a heating of the printed substrate substrate layer of the Polymerschichtbasisverbundes to a temperature above the diffusion temperature, B) the polymer topcoat is placed with its printing substrate layer on the first printed image or the printed substrate layer of the Polymerschichtbasisverbundes or on the Polymerschichtbasisverbund, C) the stack of polymer layer base composite and polymer topcoat is heated with the stack to a predetermined

Laminated lamination temperature, D) simultaneously with the step C) or thereto • then the stack is at least in some areas, based on a main surface of the stack, heated to a temperature above the diffusion temperature for a predetermined duration, wherein this temperature above the lamination temperature but may also be the same, wherein at least a subset of the diffusive colorant of the first printed image diffused into the printing substrate layer of the polymer topcoat.

In other words, the invention, in other words, consists in that a first printed image produced by means of a printing process contains at least one diffusible colorant in both

Surface layers or printing substrate layers of the polymer layer base composite and the polymer coating layer or at least in the (preferably the

Polymer layer base composite facing) or surface layer of the substrate polymer layer is diffused. With the invention it is achieved that the polymer topcoat in the case of removal of the polymer layer base composite is not removable without parts of the first printed image and so unusable for another use, in particular for the purposes of producing a counterfeiting, because then remaining in the polymer topcoat parts of the Print image cover the new (different) print image and make recognizable as a forgery.

Other printing methods in addition to the thermal printing process exist in all the usual digital printing processes, for example inkjet printing. For all printing processes in the

According to the invention, the usual colorants can be used, provided that they have a diffusibility in the printing substrate layer in the sense of the following definitions.

In principle, any printing process can be used in stage A). In particular, a thermal printing process does not necessarily have to be used. The term printing or the printing process also includes, for example, re-transfer processes. Here, a transfer film is printed with an image (in the true sense) and then applied to the document.

By heating to a temperature above the diffusion temperature, in turn, diffusion of the diffusible colorant into the printing substrate layer of the polymer base layer and / or the polymer cover layer takes place here. For in the course of the further process according to the invention, the print image is heated at least once to a temperature above the diffusion temperature, with the result that the diffusible colorant is mixed into the

Substrate substrate layer of the polymer topcoat diffused. In the case of the optional heating to such a temperature in step A), there is also an in-diffusion into the polymer layer base composite, insofar as it is receptive to the colorant. However, it is preferred if the printing process of stage A) is a thermal printing process, in particular the thermal sublimation, is used. Then, during printing, at least a subset of the diffusible colorant diffuses into the polymer layer base composite. A printing substrate layer is receptive to a diffusible colorant when, after the diffusion of the colorant and simultaneous or subsequent heating to the diffusion temperature, diffusion of the color into the ink

Surface layer takes place. This is phenomenologically recognizable by the fact that after heating, a complete removal of a printed image is possible only by abrasive removal or partial removal of the printing substrate layer. In the case of only superficial mechanical processing or processing with a solvent which does not dissolve the printing substrate layer, an at least pale print image always remains. A printing substrate layer is to be referred to as receptive, in particular, when an after printing by means of a conventional

Thermosublimationsdruckverfahrens obtained print image is no longer completely removable by non-abrasive method.

Specifically, the terms of the receptivity of the material or the printing substrate layer, the diffusion temperature and the diffusible colorant are definable as follows. A colorant is diffusible in a material when from one to one

Surface of the material applied pressure layer at the diffusion temperature within a period of less than 60 s, preferably less than 10 s, at least 0.1 wt .-%, preferably at least 1 wt .-%, most preferably at least 10 wt .-%, of the printed Colorant in a volume element of the material below the printing layer with an extent orthogonal to the surface of the material from 0.1 nm to 1 micron, measured from the surface of the material is diffused. A material, however, is not receptive to the colorant or acts as a barrier layer, at least at the same diffusion temperature, if for the same duration and the same volume element less in amount of

Colorant is diffused than the above-mentioned lower limits.

Examples of materials for suitable printing substrate layers are polymer layers based on "ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate, especially bisphenol A polycarbonate), PET (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), TPE (Thermoplastic

Elastomers), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PI (polyimide or poly-trans-isoprene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and copolymers of such polymers. "Such layers can be applied by lamination but also as a lacquer or the like Materials which are not receptive to diffusible colorants include polymer layers based on "PC (polycarbonate, especially bisphenol A polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PI (polyimide or poly-trans-isoprene), and copolymers and blends of such polymers". Suitable diffusible colorants are, for example, the customary colorants which are used in thermal printing processes, directly or indirectly, in question, it being true that dyes contained at the diffusion temperature but also at temperatures above that should be color-stable, ie do not decompose. The diffusion temperature can be below 120 ⁰ C. Preferably, the diffusion temperature of the diffusible colorant is in the range of 80 ⁰ C to 250 0C. Particularly preferred is a diffusion temperature of the diffusible colorant in the range of 200 ⁰ C to 250 ⁰ C. Only as examples of applicable within the scope of the invention diffusible colorants its called colorants of ribbons, such as CP-P34 OA-DN or CY-P35KA-DN of the company Dai Nippon and K500 or K550 of the company Kurz.

A polymer layer base composite is also referred to as a card or document blank. As a rule, it is formed from a plurality of polymer layers, wherein at least one of the polymer layers, usually a plurality of polymer layers, can or can carry a conventional printing layer, for example a guilloche. One of the polymer layers may also carry an electronic circuit (integrated circuit, IC), a display module or other electronic circuit, or contain this component embedded. The polymer layers of the polymer layer base composite are joined together, for example by gluing, or else by thermal lamination. However, the term polymer layer base composite also includes monolithically produced card blanks, for example by way of injection molding or transfer molding, reactive or non-reactive. As such, a polymer layer base composite need not necessarily be made from multiple polymer layers. But this will be the case with most security and / or value documents. The thermal lamination of stage C) can be carried out at temperatures between 80 to 270 ^° C., preferably 120 to 200 ^° C., and pressures (specific pressure directly on the workpiece) of 1 to 10 bar, in particular 3 to 7 bar. In question, for example, in particular the role lameness.

It is preferred if the polymer cover layer and / or the polymer layer base composite contains (or is formed from) a polymer layer of a polycarbonate material which carries the printing substrate layer, directly or with intermediate layers. The printing substrate layer may also be formed as a surface layer of a polymer layer which is chemically modified such that the surface layer is receptive to a diffusible colorant. This can also be done, for example, by applying a solvent or a solvent mixture, if appropriate with one or more dissolved polymers which is different from the polymer of the poly layer.

The method according to the invention can be further developed in various variants.

In a first, the printed image contains a first diffusible colorant having a first diffusion temperature, in particular below 160 ⁰ C, preferably between 80 ⁰ C and 140 ° C, and a second diffusible colorant having a second different from the first diffusion temperature

Diffusion temperature, in particular at least 100 ⁰ C, preferably between 100 ⁰ C and 120 ° C, wherein the first and the second diffusible colorant have different color absorption and / or reflection, wherein the step A) is optionally carried out at a temperature which is above both diffusion temperatures, and wherein the step D), optionally in all areas of the stack, at a temperature between the two diffusion temperatures is done. Thus, diffusible colorants of different colors, for example but not necessarily the primary colors cyan, magenta and yellow, are used, the different colors being different

Diffusion temperatures diffuse. If, in stage D), the temperature is heated to between the two diffusion temperatures, only the diffusive colorant that diffuses is absorbed into the printing substrate layer of the polymer topcoat. It is understood that the lamination temperature should also be between the two diffusion temperatures or below both diffusion temperatures. It is achieved that in the case of unauthorized detachment of the polymer topcoat from the security and / or value document in the printing substrate layer of the polymer topcoat exclusively the diffusive colorant low diffusion temperature is included (and therefore unusable for further use), while this color component is missing in the printed image of the remaining polymer layer base composite or weakened, and thus also in the printed image of the polymer layer base composite produces a recognizable by the eye and / or with mechanical means color cast, so that even the polymer layer base composite is unusable for any other use. An analogous effect is produced when the step D) takes place only in subregions of the stack, based on directions of the main surfaces of the security and / or value document, or part of the polymer covering layer. It is understood that the step C) takes place at a lamination temperature which is below the diffusion temperature of the diffusible colorant. Sublimation of the diffusible coloring agent and absorption in the printing substrate layer of the polymer covering layer then take place only in the subregions. The result is a fragmentation of the print image, at least with respect to the color of the diffusible colorant in the event of unauthorized detachment of the polymer topcoat from the security and / or value document.

In a further variant, the

The printing substrate layer of the polymer cover layer or the polymer cover layer has gaps in total, ie, no material of the printing substrate layer is present in partial areas of the surface of the printing substrate layer. This results in a polymer topcoat, wherein the diffusive colorant is taken in partial areas of the surface when heated above the diffusion temperature, in other areas, the gaps, but not. Again, in the case of unauthorized detachment of the polymer cover layer, fragmentation of the printed image takes place. In addition, material of the polymer cover layer runs into the gaps during lamination, as a result of which sinks are formed on the outer surface of the polymer cover layer which can also be detected haptically and form an additional security feature. In all variants, moreover, a print image is created, which partly consists of sharper subregions, for example pixels, and less sharp subregions, for example pixels. This is because pixels having diffusible colorant diffusing in the step D) are washed out due to diffusion into the printing substrate layer (s). Such a mixture of sharp and less sharp pixels produces a characteristic expectation of personalization of the security and / or value document.

It is preferred if the printing substrate layer of the polymer layer base composite and of the polymer covering layer are identical or different and have a layer based on a polymer selected from the group consisting of "PVC,

ABS, PETG, and copolymers and mixtures of such polymers "are formed, and optionally directly on a polymeric barrier layer, which is not receptive to the diffusive colorant, for example based on PET or PC.This ensures that a further diffusion of the diffusive Colorant during the life of the security and / or value document in directions orthogonal to the main surface of the security and / or value document is prevented, whereby a blurring of the printed image is reduced.

In principle, all materials which are customary in the field of security and / or value documents can be used as materials for the polymer layer part composite and the polymer top layer. The polymer materials can, the same or different, on Base of a polymer material from the group consisting of "PC (polycarbonate, especially bisphenol A polycarbonate), PET (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PI

(Polyimide or poly-trans-isoprene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and copolymers of such polymers. "The use of PC materials for at least one layer of the polymer layer base composite and / or the polymer top layer is preferred the polymer coating layer preferably so-called low-T _g -Materials low-T can be used. _g -Materials are polymers whose glass transition temperature is below 140 ⁰ C. it is preferred in this case if the polymer layer partial composite and the polymer top layer are formed from the same or different polymers , Wherein at least the base polymer of the polymer topcoat, preferably also the base polymer of the polymer layer component composite, same or different mutually reactive groups, wherein in a

Laminating temperature of less than 200 ⁰ C reactive groups of the polymer coating layer with each other and / or react with reactive groups of the Polymerschichtteilverbundes and form a covalent bond with each other. As a result, the lamination temperature can be lowered without jeopardizing the intimate bond of the laminated layers. This is because (with reactive groups both in the polymer layer base composite and in the polymer cover layer), the different polymer layers can no longer be readily delaminated due to the reaction of the respective reactive groups. Because there is a reactive coupling between the layers, as it were a reactive lamination. Second allows lamination below a diffusion temperature due to the lower lamination temperature. It is preferred if the glass transition temperature T _{g of} the polymer topcoat before thermal lamination is less than 120 ⁰ C (or less than 110 ⁰ C or as 100 ⁰ C), the glass transition temperature of this polymer layer after the thermal lamination by reaction of reactive groups of the base polymer of the polymer layer with each other by at least 5 ⁰ C, preferably at least 20 ⁰ C, higher than the glass transition temperature before the thermal lamination. In this case, there is not (only) a reactive coupling of the layers to be laminated with one another, but an increase in the molecular weight and thus in the glass transition temperature takes place through crosslinking of the polymer within the layer and between the layers. This complicates delamination in addition. When using such polymer materials, the lamination temperature in step C) is preferably less than 180 ^° C., more preferably less than 150 ^° C. The choice of suitable reactive groups is not difficult for the person skilled in polymer chemistry. Exemplary reactive groups are selected from the group consisting of "-CN, -OCN, -NCO, -NC, -SH, -S _x, -Tos, -SCN, -NCS, -H, epoxy (-CHOCH _2), - NH ₂ , -NN ⁺ , -NN-R, -OH, -COOH, -CHO, -COOR, -HaI (-F, -Cl, -Br, -I), -Me-HaI (Me = at least divalent metal , for example Mg), -Si (OR) ₃ , -SiHaI ₃ , -CH = CH ₂ , and -COR ", where R can be any reactive or non-reactive group, for example -H, -HaI, Ci-C ₂₀ alkyl, C ₃ -C 2o-aryl, C ₄ -C _2O - Aralkyl, each branched or linear, saturated or unsaturated, optionally substituted, or corresponding heterocycles having one or more identical or different heteroatoms N, 0, or S ". Other reactive Of course, groups are possible. These include the reaction partners of the Diels-Alder reaction or a metathesis. The reactive groups may be attached directly to the base polymer or linked to the base polymer via a spacer group. Suitable spacer groups are all spacer groups known to the person skilled in the art of polymer chemistry. The spacer groups may also be oligomers or polymers which impart elasticity, whereby a risk of breakage of the security and / or value document is reduced. Such elasticity-promoting

Spacer groups are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be further described here. By way of example only, spacer groups may be mentioned which are selected from the group consisting of "- (CH ₂ ) _n -, - (CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O) _n -, - (SiR ₂ -O) _n -, - (C ₆ H ₄ ) _n -, - (C ₆ H ₁₀ ) _n -, Ci-C _n -alkyl, C ₃ -C ( _{n + 3} ) -aryl, C ₄ -C ( _{n + 4)} -ArAlkyl, each branched or linear, saturated or unsaturated, optionally substituted, or corresponding heterocycles having one or more, identical or different heteroatoms O, N, or S "with n = 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 10. Regarding further reactive groups or possibilities of modification is on the reference "Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry", Wiley Verlag, electronic edition 2007, referenced. The term of the base polymer refers to the above

Designs a polymer structure which carries no reactive under the lamination conditions used groups. These may be homopolymers or copolymers. There are also modified polymers compared to said polymers.

It is preferred if the polymer topcoat a diffractive security element, such as Embossed structure, Prägehomogramm, volume hologram, Kinegram or the like, contains, part of the area or full surface. In particular, the diffractive security element can be integrated into the polymer cover layer, ie the diffractive security element is covered to the outside of the security and / or value document with a surface layer. Advantageously, the polymer layer base composite facing side of the diffractive element itself forms a printing substrate layer or consists of suitable material.

However, it is also possible for a diffractive security element to be arranged between the polymer layer base composite and the polymer cover layer, wherein the diffractive security element for the diffusible colorant can be receptive or non-receptive, the diffractive security element having a printed substrate layer over part or all of its area which is receptive to the diffusible colorant is and the first printed image faces, may have and otherwise is not receptive to the diffusive colorant and / or wherein the diffractive security element may cover the first printed image in whole or in part.

That is, a full or partial area overlapping with a first and / or second print image (in view orthogonal to a main surface of the security and / or value document) diffractive element may also be located on the polymer topcoat so that it later inside between polymer topcoat and polymer layer base composite, ie on the Bottom of the polymer topcoat. In particular, it can completely or partially (based on the overlap between diffractive element and printing layer) prevent the diffusion of dyes from the printing substrate layer of the polymer layer base composite in the printing substrate layer of the polymer topcoat and thus act as a barrier layer for a diffusible colorant.

Prior to stage C), a second printed image, in particular with at least one (of the above-described different or the same) diffusible colorant, printed on the printed substrate layer of the polymer topcoat and the printed polymer topcoat optionally at least partially heated to a temperature above the diffusion temperature of this diffusive Colorant lies. The second print image may represent non-personalized information, such as a crest, but also individualized information, such as a document number. This avoids the transport and handling of unmarked polymer topcoats and thus increases the safety in the production process of the security and / or Wertdokumeήtes. However, it is also possible (in addition or as a replacement) to apply a second printed image with a conventional colorant, provided that the conventional colorant is stable at the temperatures to be used in the process according to the invention.

Following the printing of the polymer topcoat, the application of a partial diffractive element to the polymer topcoat on that side of the Polymer topcoat, which then becomes later inboard.

The polymer topcoat can cover the total area or only a partial area of the polymer layer base composite. Especially in the latter case, the

Pre-punched polymer topcoat and isolated on the either also pre-punched and isolated or present as a sheet material or sheet material Polymerschichtbasisverbund be applied.

As already mentioned, the first print image can represent personalized information and / or the second print image can represent non-personalized information or individualized information. Individualized information differs from personalized information in that it is not associated with a single person but with a single security and / or value document.

In the context of the method according to the invention, a layer of the polymer top layer and / or of the polymer layer base composite may contain a laser-sensitive component or the polymer top layer and / or the polymer layer base composite may altogether contain such a component. It is preferred if (only) the polymer layer base composite contains a laser-sensitive component. A manipulation attempt is made more difficult because the personalized information produced by laser engraving remains deeply embedded in the polymer layer base composite, even if the polymer topcoat is removed. But it is also possible that (only) the polymer topcoat contains the laser-sensitive component, then the remains laser engraved personalized information even after (unauthorized) removal of the polymer topcoat contained in this and makes it unusable for any other use (in addition). The laser-sensitive component may in principle be a polymer which per se pyrolyzes itself by laser irradiation and thus makes it black. The polymer layer in question may also consist of such a polymer. Suitable polymers are explained below in connection with laser-sensitive pigments. However, the laser-sensitive component may also be a laser-sensitive pigment which is mixed with the polymer material of the relevant polymer layer and distributed therein. As laser-sensitive pigments are all in the technological field of

Security and / or value products known pigments used. They may for example be formed from organic polymers which have a high absorption of the laser radiation, for example PET, ABS, polystyrene, PPO, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene sulfone, polyimidesulfone. But it can also be, for example, LCPs. Particularly suitable are micro-ground thermoplastics with a very high melting range of more than 300 ° C. The particle size is typically in the range of 0.01 to 100 μm, in particular 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 1 to 20 μm. The polymer particles may further contain light-sensitive fillers or pigments, for example in an amount of from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the laser-sensitive pigment. These may also be electrically conductive pigments and / or effect pigments and / or dyes, as described above. It may also be oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, sulfates or phosphates of metals, such as Cu, Bi, Sn, Zn, Ag, Sb, Mn, Fe, Ni, or Cr. In particular basic

Cu (II) hydroxide phosphate can be used. Specifically, a product of the heating of blue Cu (II) orthophosphate (Cu ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ * 3H ₂ O) to 100 to 200 ⁰ C is formed and a molecular formula Cu ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ * Cu (OH) ₂ has. Other suitable copper phosphates are: Cu ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ * 3Cu (OH) ₂ , Cu ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ * 2Cu (OH) ₂ * 2H ₂ O, 4CuO * P ₂ O ₅ , 4CuO * P ₂ O ₅ * 3H ₂ O, 4CuO * P ₂ O ₅ * 1, 5H ₂ O and 4CuO * P ₂ O ₅ * l, 2H ₂ O.

Suitable laser radiation for laser engraving has a wavelength in the range 150 nm to 10600 nm, in particular 150 nm to 1100 nm. C0 ₂ lasers (10600 nm), Nd: YAG lasers (1064 nm and 532 nm, respectively), and pulsed UV lasers (excimer lasers) can be used, for example. The energy density is generally in the range of 0.3 mJ / cm ² to 50 J / cm ² , in particular in the range 0.3 mJ / cm ² to 10 J / cm ² .

The invention also relates to a security and / or value document, which with an inventive

Method can be produced. Such a security and / or value document typically contains or consists of a polymer layer base composite and a polymer cover layer, wherein a first printed image and possibly a second printed image containing at least one diffusible colorant are arranged between the polymer layer partial composite and the polymer cover layer, optionally a first colorant Subset of the diffusible colorant in the polymer layer base composite and a second subset of the diffusive colorant is necessarily diffused into the polymer topcoat or exclusively in the polymer topcoat. One Safety and / or value document according to the invention can easily be identified by the fact that, on detachment of the polymer cover layer, a part of the first printed image remains recognizable in the polymer cover layer. The remaining first printed image on the polymer layer base composite can have a color cast. With regard to possible variants in detail, reference is made to the comments on the method according to the invention, which find analogous application.

Typically, the polymer layer base composite has a thickness in the range of 200 to 2000 .mu.m, in particular 400 to 1500 .mu.m, and / or the polymer topcoat has a thickness in the range of 5 to 300 .mu.m, preferably 10 to 120 .mu.m, most preferably 20 to 120 .mu.m ,

A security and / or value document according to the invention may additionally comprise a layer or several layers based on paper, Teslin and other composite materials, in particular in the case of

Polymer layer based network. This may be integrated in the polymer layer base composite or connected in a stack therewith.

Security and / or value documents may be mentioned by way of example only: identity cards, passports, ID cards, access control cards, visas, tickets, driving licenses, motor vehicle papers, personalized securities, bank cards, credit cards, and personalized chip cards. Such security and / or value documents typically have at least one substrate, at least one printing layer and optionally a transparent cover layer. Substrate and cover layer can in turn consist of a plurality of layers. A substrate is a support structure to which the print layer is applied with information, images, patterns, and the like. Suitable materials for a substrate are all customary materials based on paper and / or (organic) polymers in question. Within the overall layer composite, such a security and / or value document comprises a polymer layer composite of polymer layer base composite and polymer cover layer according to the invention. In addition to the polymer layer composite according to the invention, at least one (additional) print layer can also be set up, which can be applied to an outer surface of the polymer layer composite or to a further layer connected to the polymer layer base composite.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrating examples. Show it:

1 shows a first variant of a security and / or value document according to the invention,

2 shows a second variant of a security and / or value document according to the invention,

3 shows a third variant of a security and / or value document according to the invention,

Fig. 4: a fourth variant of an inventive

Security and / or value document construction of a finished security and / or value document and Fig. 5: a fifth variant of an inventive

Security and / or value document Structure of a finished security and / or value document.

FIG. 1 shows a security and / or valuable document 1, for example an identity card, with a polymer layer base composite 2 and a polymer cover layer 3. The polymer layer base composite 2 can in turn be constructed from a plurality of different layers, which are not shown for the sake of clarity. Useful part layers in the context of the polymer layer base composite 2 are customary in the art and are irrelevant in detail for the invention. Likewise, the polymer cover layer 3 may be formed on several partial layers, which is also not shown. The polymer cover layer 3 may in particular contain a diffractive security element 7.

FIG. 1 furthermore shows that, in this embodiment, both the polymer layer base composite 2 and the polymer top layer 3 each have a printing substrate layer 4, 5 which is receptive to a diffusible colorant 6. In the illustration, for the sake of simplicity, a single pixel of the diffusible colorant 6 of a single color is shown. It can be seen that the diffusible colorant 6 penetrates both into the printing substrate layer 4 of the

Polymerschichtbasisverbundes 2 and in the printing substrate layer 5 of the polymer topcoat 3 diffused branches. Here are the Printing substrate layers 4, 5 formed either by chemical modification of the per se for the diffusive colorant 6 non-receptive materials of the polymer layer base composite 2 and the polymer topcoat 3, or as separate layers previously applied.

If it is now attempted for the purpose of abuse to detach the polymer covering layer 3 with the diffractive element 7 from the polymer layer base composite, a subset of the diffusible coloring agent 6 and thus of the pixel is thereby removed and remains firmly bonded to the polymer covering layer 3, whereby the polymer covering layer 3 co-reacts the diffractive security element 7 has become unusable for further use.

The production of such a security and / or value document takes place in that initially preferably on the printing substrate layer 4 of the

Polymerschichtbasisverbunds 2 and / or the printing substrate layer 5 of the polymer topcoat 3, a first printed image or pixel 6 by printing the diffusion at a given diffusion temperature diffusive colorant 6 by means of a printing process, for example

Thermosublimation printing process is generated. In this case, or in an optional heating stage, a recording of the diffusible colorant 6 in the printing substrate layer of the

Polymerschichtbasisverbundes 2 are effected by heating to a temperature which is above the diffusion temperature of the diffusive colorant. 6 lies. Then, the polymer cover layer 3 is placed with its printing substrate layer 5 on the first printed image. Subsequently, the stack of polymer layer base composite 2 and polymer cover layer 3 is heated to the stack to a predetermined

Lamination temperature laminated. Here, or in a subsequent process stage, the stack is heated at least in partial areas, based on a main surface of the stack, for a given duration to a temperature which is above the diffusion temperature of the diffusible colorant 6, wherein, as shown in Figure 1, at least one Subset of the diffusive colorant 6 of the first printed image diffused into the printing substrate layer 5 of the polymer top layer 3 into.

In the exemplary embodiment, the polymer top layer 3 and the illustrated layer of the polymer layer base composite 2 are formed from a polycarbonate material (PC), preferably from a low-T _g material.

FIG. 2 shows a variant of a security and / or value document 1 according to the invention, which differs from the variant of FIG. 1 only in that the polymer layer base composite 2 used does not have any

Printing substrate layer 4 has. The result is that the diffusible colorant β is not included in the polymer layer base composite 2, but exclusively in the polymer cover layer 3. If the

Polymer cover layer 3 unauthorized away, so the first printed image or the pixel is almost completely removed and remains cohesively with the Polymer top layer 3 connected. The production takes place completely in accordance with the production of a security and / or value document 1 of FIG. 1, whereby, of course, the optional heating prior to the application of the polymer topcoat 3 is less expedient.

FIG. 3 shows a further variant of the article of FIG. The difference is essentially that the illustrated pixel is formed with two different diffusible colorants 6a, βb. The two diffusible colorants βa, 6b have different colors and also different diffusion temperatures. In principle, the areal extent of pixels of the two diffusible colorants 6a, 6b is generally the same; only for the sake of better illustration are the areal extents of the two diffusible colorants 6a, 6b drawn differently. It can be seen that the first diffusible colorant 6a is taken up exclusively in the printing substrate layer 4 of the polymer layer base composite 2, while the second diffusible colorant 6b is accommodated both in the printing substrate layer 4 of the polymer layer base composite 2 and in the printing substrate layer 5 of the polymer cover layer 3. If now the polymer top layer 3 is removed without authorization, both in the polymer layer base composite 2 and in the polymer top layer 3 remain representations of the first printed image, but each with substantially complementary color casts, which are evident. Both the polymer layer base composite 2 and the polymer cover layer 3 are for a further use unusable. The preparation is analogous to the example of Figure 1, but is heated during lamination and / or thereafter to a temperature which is between the two diffusion temperatures. Therefore, the diffusible colorant 6a remains at the higher level

Diffusion temperature nearly stationary, i. is not absorbed, or only to a very limited extent, in the printing substrate layer 5 of the polymer covering layer 3, while the diffusing colorant βb having the low diffusion temperature diffuses into both printing substrate layers 4, 5.

FIG. 4 shows a variant of the invention in which the printing substrate layer 5 of the polymer cover layer 3 has gaps. These gaps are filled up by the material of the polymer cover layer 3 which is not receptive to the diffusible colorant 6. Consequently, the diffusible colorant 6 is diffused in some areas in the polymer top layer 3 and not in other areas. The printed image composed of the various pixels is fragmented upon detachment of the polymer top layer 3, with one partial image remaining firmly bonded to the polymer top layer 3. Furthermore, it can be seen that 5 depressions 8 are arranged above the gaps in the printing substrate layer. These represent an additional security feature that can be detected haptically. The production of such a security and / or value document 1 takes place substantially analogously to the production of the example of FIG

FIG. 2. The essential difference is that before the application of the polymer cover layer 3, its printing substrate layer 5 has gaps or holes has been equipped. In the course of lamination, the material of the polymer cover layer 3 runs into these gaps or holes and fills them. This also creates the sinks 8.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows a variant in which a diffractive security element 7 is not integrated into the polymer covering layer 3 but is arranged as a discrete, separate element between the polymer layer base composite 2 and the polymer covering layer 3. In this case, this diffractive security element 7 in turn a

Printing substrate layer, which is receptive to the diffusive colorant 6, or consist of such a receptive material in total. In this case, the absorption capacity can be provided partially or in full surface in the diffractive security element 7. Also, the diffractive security element 7 may comprise a receptive and a non-receptive layer. A receptive layer or such an area will always be facing the printed image.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method for producing a security and / or

Value document (1) containing a polymer layer composite or consisting thereof, wherein the polymer layer composite of a polymer layer base composite (2) and a polymer cover layer (3) is formed and at least the polymer cover layer (3), preferably also the polymer layer base composite (2), a

Printed substrate layer (4, 5), which is receptive to a diffusible colorant (6), comprising the following process steps:

A) on the printing substrate layer (4) of the polymer layer base composite (2) or on the polymer layer base composite (2) or on the printing substrate layer (5) of the polymer topcoat, a first printed image

Imprinting at least one diffusible colorant (6) diffusing at a predetermined diffusion temperature by means of a printing process,

B) the polymer covering layer (3) is placed with its printing substrate layer (5) on the printing substrate layer (4) of the polymer layer base composite (2) or on the polymer layer base composite (2),

C) the stack of polymer layer base composite (2) and polymer cover layer (3) is heated with the Laminated to a predetermined lamination temperature,

D) simultaneously with the step C) or thereafter the stack is heated, at least in partial areas, with respect to a main surface of the stack for a predetermined duration to a temperature which is above the diffusion temperature of the diffusible colorant (6), wherein at least a subset of the diffusible

Colorant (6) of the first printed image diffused into the printing substrate layer (5) of the polymer cover layer (3),

wherein the first print image contains a first diffusible colorant (βb) having a first diffusion temperature and a second diffusible colorant (6a) having a second diffusion temperature different from the first diffusion temperature, the first and second diffusible

Colorant (βa, 6b) have different color absorption and / or reflection, and wherein the step D) is carried out at a temperature which is between the two diffusion temperatures.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the

Polymer cover layer (3) and / or at least one polymer layer of the polymer layer base composite (2) is formed from a polycarbonate material which carries the printing substrate layer (4, 5). The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing method in step A), the thermal printing, in particular the thermal sublimation, is used.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diffusion temperature of the sublimation colorant

• (β) is in the range of 80 ⁰ C to 250 ⁰ C.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first diffusion temperature below 160 ⁰ C, preferably between 80 ⁰ C and 140 ⁰ C, and / or the second diffusion temperature of at least 100 ⁰ C, preferably between 100 ⁰ C and 220 ⁰ C. , is, and wherein the step D) takes place in all areas of the stack.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step D) takes place only in partial areas of the stack.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printing substrate layer (5) of the polymer cover layer (3) has gaps.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step C) takes place at a lamination temperature in the range of 80 ⁰ C to 250 ⁰ C.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the

Printing substrate layers (4, 5) of the polymer layer base composite (2) and the

Polymer top layer (3) are identical or different and based on a polymer from the group consisting of "PVC, ABS, PETG, and copolymers and mixtures of such polymers" are formed and optionally directly on a barrier layer, in particular a polymeric barrier layer, for example based on PET or PC, are arranged.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a partial layer of the polymer layer base composite (2) and / or the polymer cover layer (3) based on PC, in particular low T _g PC, are formed.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polymer cover layer (3) comprises a diffractive security element (7), or wherein between the polymer layer base composite (2) and the polymer cover layer (3) a diffractive security element (7) is arranged, wherein the diffractive security element (7) for the diffusible colorant (6) can be receptive or non-receptive, wherein the diffractive security element (7) over part of its area or over the entire surface of a Bedruckungssubstratschicht which is receptive to the diffusive colorant (6) and the first printed image faces, and otherwise is not receptive to the diffusive colorant and / or wherein the diffractive security element (7) can cover the first printed image in whole or in part.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein prior to step C) on the Bedruckungssubstratschicht (5) of the polymer topcoat (3) a second printed image, in particular with at least one diffusible colorant (β), printed and the printed polymer topcoat (3) optionally is at least partially heated to a temperature which is above the diffusion temperature of this diffusible colorant (6).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the polymer cover layer (3) covers the total area or only a partial area of the polymer layer base composite (2).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first printed image represents a personalized information and / or the second printed image non-personalized information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the polymer top layer (3) and / or the polymer layer base composite (2) and / or one or a plurality of the printing substrate layers (4, 5) comprises or consists of a polymer layer with a laser-sensitive component.

16. Security and / or valuable document (1) obtainable by a method of claims 1 to 15.

17. Security and / or value document (1), in particular according to claim 16, comprising a polymer layer base composite (2) and a polymer cover layer (3), or consisting thereof, wherein between the polymer layer base composite (2) and the polymer cover layer (3) a first printed image and optionally a second printed image, comprising at least one diffusible colorant (6) is arranged, optionally a first subset of the diffusible colorant (6) in the Polymerschichtbasisverbund (2) and a second subset of the diffusible colorant (6) mandatory in the polymer topcoat (3) is at least partially diffused.

18. security and / or valuable document (1) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the

Polymer layer base composite (2) has a thickness in the range from 200 to 2000 .mu.m, in particular from 400 to 1500 .mu.m, and / or the polymer cover layer (3) has a thickness in the range from 5 to 270 .mu.m, preferably from 10 to 120 .mu.m, most preferably from 20 to 120 has μm.

Security and / or value document (1) according to one of Claims 16 to 18, additionally comprising a layer or several layers based on paper, Teslin and other composite materials.