New films for production of ultra-secure tamper proof ID cards

07-Nov-08

Bayer MaterialScience AG has added two more products to its range of Makrofol® ID polycarbonate films for the production of plastic cards that will make it virtually impossible for forgers to tamper with items such as security passes and passports. The new Makrofol® ID film for laser printing enables colour personalization for added security for example, a passport photo of the card owner. Images can be printed onto both the front and back of this modified monolayer polycarbonate film using commercially available color laser printers that use dry toners. The print image is created directly on the polycarbonate surface, not on a separate functional layer. As a result, adhesive is not required when it is laminated with other polycarbonate films resulting in an inseparable composite film, i.e. a single piece of polycarbonate. Once produced, forgers cannot change the print image inside the card without damaging the card itself. The film is offered in transparent and opaque white designs in thicknesses of 100 and 200 micrometers. Also, the new film cannot be penetrated by the light frequencies used in laser engraving thereby provides for an effective means of combating forgery wherein the laser manipulation is used to alter signatures and passport photographs. The film can be laminated to finished cards after personalization using laser engraving technology. Standard protective film laminators, such as simple roll laminators, can be used for this purpose.