Dynamic, high impact micro-optic security films using automated, high precision alignment between micro-lenses and micro-images

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It is estimated that about 7% of world trade (or $1.2Trillion in value terms) is that of counterfeit goods. As per the WHO, very large quantities of fake medicines are in circulation globally.One way to deal with the issue of fake medicines could be to use "overt" labels with "easy to recognise but impossible to copy" visual effects which are very obvious for a common consumer and do not need any verification. Micro-optics offers such effects with striking 3D/ motion features in colour. Creation of these effects inherently requires manufacturing of very fine lenses (pitch <50microns) as well as ultra-fine line graphics (linewidth <5microns)- which working in consonance creates these dynamic effects.Optrical has successfully developed and commercialised such ultra-thin, "easy to recognise and impossible to copy" micro-optic film with striking 3D/ motion effect, two security layers and inbuilt tamper evidence (as tampering destroys the optical effect) over the past 3 years.We however, realise that the ability to register the printed line precisely under each lens can add a new dimension to achievable features and create much more complex, sophisticated and clear visual effects.The objective of the current project is to develop and implement a novel automation technology for precision alignment and registration of fine lenses and micro-printed lines in moving web to a precision of 5 +/- 5 Microns across the web, over the next 15 months. The project output will be an automated, high throughput manufacturing process for micro-optic films far exceeding the current state of the art. Optrical will work with an expert manufacturer of precision machines- "Double R Consulting" who bring over 40 years expertise in automation of such precision machines in wide range industries such as holographic, micro-opitc and optical coating manufacturing.The proposed, easy to recognise and impossible to copy features will be of immense value for multiple industries, such as security documents (ID cards/passports, tax stamps), currency and high value products movement, electronics and spares, nutraceuticals, food and beverages (especially alcoholic drinks), fashion and luxury and industrial goods. Further the techniques developed and implemented in this project will also be transferable to precision manufacturing of multiple high value products, especially in printed and flexible electronics.