New polycarbonate film could put an end to debit card frauds and counterfeits

18-Jun-09

Bayer MaterialScience AG developed a new polycarbonate film Makrofol® ID ProteXXion that it says has the potential to end debit card frauds and counterfeiting. The film contains tiny metallic identification particles (OVDot®), which are distributed stochastically and can be arranged in customized patterns to deliver identification security features. This overlay film can be used to give polycarbonate security documents, such as IDs, passports, drivers' licenses and, in the future, also credit cards, an unmistakable, unique surface. It also holds excellent potential for protecting high-quality branded articles and in the production of counterfeit-proof labels. The 0.1 mm metal particles can also be provided with alphanumeric information, such as letters, logos, pictograms and national emblems as per requirements. The new film is available in a standard thickness of 100 micrometers. It can be formed when either hot or cold and back-injected with thermoplastics in a process known as Film Insert Molding (FIM). It can be decorated beforehand using screen printing or laser engraving. The Films Unit is working closely with Bayer Technology Services GmbH on the market launch of the new film. The cooperation came about as a result of the ProteXXion® technology platform recently launched by the Bayer subgroup. This platform features laser-optic scanners for reading off surface information to ensure counterfeit-proof authentication of objects.