Security Layer
BANKNOTES HAVE BECOME MORE FLEXIBLE
The MOTION technology will be used on the new US $100 banknotes
Another novelty introduced at the Watermark Conference refers to the security threads usage in banknotes and passports. It is a kind of thread produced with the help of the MOTION technology. This security feature is already applied on the 1000‑kron banknote in Sweden. Such thread will appear on the Mexican banknotes with four face-values in the nearest future. Besides, it is decided to use this technology in the production of the new US $100 banknotes, which are expected to be put into circulation in 2009.
The Watermark has received particulars
from David Tidmarsh, Sales Director
of Crane Currency.
- What is the MOTION technology?
— It is a security thread with floating images. We’ve been working with this technology since 2003. We did not invent it. It was the invention of some other people, but we made a commercial product of it. The technology was first announced in 2004, and in 2005 after laboratory tests we moved the product to the industrial level.
The security feature structure is the following: it is a security thread on which icons with images are located. When one is moving the paper or changing the visual angle it looks as if the image is moving. It is the micron-level optics. We started with the 44‑micron thread, now its thickness has decreased to 35 microns, but the technology still works. At the same time, it has become more flexible. But in order to receive such a small structure, a very accurate production technology is necessary. All the icons with images should be of the absolutely the same size.
— What kind of image may be used inside the icon?
— Any picture may be here, including figures reflecting the face-value of the banknote. We have created a large number of images for our clients to choose. But the images should be plain because the icons are very small. We have developed a program showing our client the design of the future banknote. It is possible to choose the design, colour, size.
— Is it also possible to change colours?
— It is possible to apply various colours, but some of them are distinguished better, and others worse. For instance, the yellow colour is poorly distinguished, purple is not well distinguished either. Contrast colours are necessary to receive a good image. A separate colour is chosen for each denomination of the Mexican banknotes.
— Is it possible to change the shape of the security element, or is it always a strip?
— The shape can also be changed. It may be a circle or any other shape, with various designs and animation variants. It is also possible to add UV ink glowing in the dark.
Another advantage of our security feature is that it may be viewed in both transmitted and reflected light.
— Is it possible to counterfeit this element?
— It would be very difficult, and I suppose it is not possible. It is not overprinted on the paper, but imprinted at the paper production stage, like a watermark. It is impossible to counterfeit it in simple ways. We tried to make a copy; the image is moving on the original but not on the copy.
— Have there been cases of counterfeiting the security element on the Swedish banknotes?
— Before we applied the security thread on the Swedish 1000‑kron banknotes we had asked the experts to counterfeit it, but none of them succeeded.
— Was this security feature developed specially for banknotes?
— Yes, it was. As I have already said, the MOTION technology is chosen for four denominations of the Mexican banknotes, as well as for the new US $100 banknote. We have received a contract for 7 billion American banknotes.
— What are the next prospects of the technology development?
— We believe that it is the new generation of security elements. Such an element is attractive and easily explained to the general public. It works even in insufficient, transmitted and reflected light. It is practically uncounterfeitable, and it may be complemented with UV luminescence.
The MOTION technology is an absolutely innovative technology different from those applied on banknotes before. Security experts in many banks evaluated the technology and said that they had never seen anything similar before. It is easy to distinguish and hard to counterfeit.
Elena Kareva
