Micro formed holographic security features in steel

Abstract

Counterfeiting, with a global trade volume of approximately 450 billion euro a year compromises business results of companies in all industrial segments. At worst, product plagiarism causes severe damages to the individual brand reputation due to product defects or liability issues. Therefore, product integration of inseparable and unique security features is essential for a preserving market share in all manufacturing branches. This paper presents a novel approach regarding a replication technology for the manufacturing of holographic security features. Using a microstructured aluminium substrate with holographic properties as a base material, a forming die is manufactured by a combination of physical vapour deposition (PVD) and galvanic coating processes. Furthermore, a process adapted hardness progression between individual layers was created. By the use of this die, the forming of a holographic microstructure into high strength aluminium alloy (3.3547) and spring steel (1.1248) could be demonstrated within a preliminary study.