Our facilities are equipped with the following processes
Offset printing is the first printing process used to create colourful security backgrounds and patterns. We use a 10 colour, Simultan machine, giving us the scope to integrate aesthetics with visible, invisible and machine readable security features. This process allows us to print line-perfect, front-to-back registration, in one pass, creating immediately recognisable features such as:
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- Vignettes & micro-lettering
- See-through register features
- Offset screen traps
- Variable offset line pattern backgrounds
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| 2. Intaglio Printing |
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Intaglio printing remains the foundation of banknote printing thanks to its distinctive look and feel. We use the Orlof Intaglio process that allows us to create a rich range of visible, invisible and optically variable elements one pass such as:
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- Multi-level intaglio portraits
- Deep engravings
- Dual and multi-tone elements
- Orlof colour splits
- Intaglio positive & negative micro-print
- Continuous intaglio backgrounds
- Latent images
- Intaglio OVI
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Our origination process enables us to produce dynamic line structures and variable engraving depths giving the widest spectrum of colour tonality possible. The plate pressure of the intaglio process seals the paper substrate and enhances other printed and embedded features. Intaglio is frequently used to apply machine readable features in a way that assures their effectiveness for the full lifetime of the note in circulation.
| 3. Screen Printing |
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Rotary screen printing is becoming the preferred method for application of color-shift inks. Whether carried out in the paper-mill, in a roll-to-roll application, or sheet-printed in the print-works, we broaden the range and means of adding colour changing elements to the banknote.
| 4. Foil Stripe Application |
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As the advantages of foil stripes are becoming broadly recognised, we have integrated a rotary foil application unit into our paper-making process. Applying foil in this way is more efficient, more secure and does not generate any excess waste within the printing facility. We also achieve superior adhesion of the OVD to the substrate by applying OVD stripes in a roll-to-roll process at the paper-mill.
| 5. Typographic Numbering |
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Typographically printed numbering lines remain one of the easiest ways for central banks, cash centres and commercial banks to manage their banknote logistics and distribution activities. The addition of machine-readable properties to the numbering inks, such as magnetics or luminescence, make numbering lines and ideal security feature for high-speed sorter and point of sale validation.
| 6. Final Inspection |
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Final inspection is the ultimate control to ensure that all the features present within a banknote, visible and invisible, and the overall banknote itself are suitable for release to the cash-cycle. We use a fully automated, full colour final inspection system that has been specifically developed to inspect visible and invisible print quality while allowing us to keep a perfect numbering sequence.
| 7. Protective Varnishing |
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Protective varnishing enhances both the quality and security of banknotes in circulation whilst extending their life in circulation. Protective varnishing can be formulated to interact in a lock and key fashion with the anti soil treatment applied during papermaking leaving the ink and substrate sealed with protective resins yet retaining the traditional feel of banknote paper.
| 8. Automatic Finishing |
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Since banknotes are in their most vulnerable stage in the finishing department, close attention must be paid to both quality and physical security. We use a fully automatic finishing process that counts, cuts, bands and packs banknotes in one end-to-end process. There is no human intervention at any point and each final pack of banknotes is again counted and re-counted to ensure the integrity of its contents.
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