Security Layer
SECURITY WHICH ORNAMENTS
A few years of working “off-stage” preceded the SPARK® technology forthcoming
The SPARK® technology is one of the latest developments of the Swiss company SICPA, specializing in security inks and solutions for banknotes, identification documents and other products. The presentation “SPARK®: technology in the printer’s hands for advanced aesthetic quality and ultimate security” presented by SICPA at the Watermark Conference in Suzdal was dedicated to this technology. In order to find out the details, our reporter met with the representative of SICPA — Mathieu Schmidt, Doctor of Chemistry.
-What is the difference between SPARK® and other security elements?
— SPARK® is a dynamic, bright, easily identifiable security element. It is created during the printing process and offers new possibilities for an interesting design creation. The new element combines a bright deep color and a strong dynamic aspect expressed in the movement of the brighter color along the printed element or in the change of the brighter color into the darker one.
SPARK® provides various unique and dynamic effects. For example, the color shift, when with the change of the visual angles the dark and the bright parts of the image “change” places; or the light “overflowing” the design, or the 3D effect. SPARK® creates interesting combinations with offset or intaglio printing, and its unique design completes the general design of the banknote and enhances its security.
It is an optical security instrument based on the magnetic pigments location control with the help of magnetic fields within the ink layer. The OVMI® ink (optically variable magnetic ink) contains optically variable pigments produced with the help of vacuum technology.
The pigment consists of thin layers, where the middle layer is magnetic. OVMI® has special rheological properties for the effective and constant pigment orientation during the fast UV-drying. OVMI® is developed on the basis of the OVI® technology, which has already been used for over 20 years on a commercial scale.
The security element is applied during the printing process. The ink contains a special magnetic pigment, and the printing press is equipped with a special magnetic device which helps to create the design. The printing and drying processes follow. Thus, SPARK® is not glued to the paper, but produced during printing. That is why we believe that it is very secure.
— What are the advantages of the element in your opinion?
— This is an ideal security element easily recognized by the people, it is easy to remember and check. SPARK® can not be imitated without the original materials; it is based on the unique patented technology and available only for the certified manufacturers of security printing, banknotes, identification documents.
— Where will SPARK® be used?
— It will be used on banknotes and other documents requiring high security, possibly including passports.
— Is SPARK® used already, or is it only a development so far?
— We have carried out trials at full speed on our equipment. Thus, SPARK® is ready for usage. The central banks of various countries are already considering the possibility of this security element application to their banknotes.
— What are the prospects of the new development in your opinion?
— We believe that the future will bring the evolution of OVMI®. This technology will be used as widely as OVI® is used now.
— How long did it take SICPA to develop SPARK®?
— It is difficult to obtain technical novelties. Besides, the central banks are not able to implement and use new elements in their banknotes every year. Our industry is interesting but it should be conservative (in a good sense) and at the same time reliable and innovative.
The presentation of such developments as SPARK® takes many years of working “off-stage”. They can not appear every half-year. We believe that our new development is wonderful, reliable, beautiful and ably created.
Tatyana Balueva
