Hologram Industry News

BOBST has launched a version of its VISIONFOIL press, specifically dedicated to security hologram application.

As more and more industries look for solutions to protect the authenticity of their products, holographic materials offer an ideal solution, helping its brand owners make a clear difference between originals and forgeries, protecting their valuable assets, and deterring counterfeiters.

However reproducing holograms, and placing them accurately on the product, require specialized equipment. Until 2010, the reference machine for flat-to-flat hologram application on paper, labels, or board has been the BOBST SP 76-BM Foilmaster, a B2 size press (equivalent to a packaging format of 0b). Now BOBST has introduced the VISIONFOIL 104 H to deliver hologram application of accuracy previously unavailable to the B1 print sector or the format 3B packaging market.

The VISIONFOIL 104 H uses BOBST’s patented, high precision Registron cameras to bring each hologram on the sheet into perfect register, be they 2-D, 2-D/2-D, 3-D, 2-D/3-D, or multiplexed. The same cameras perfectly process diffraction foils, skipping the unusable shim line areas. All current sizes of holograms can be processed using the VISIONFOIL 104 H. In addition the press handles holograms substantially larger or smaller than current industry standards - offering designers and users the opportunity to include special size holograms in their designs or portfolio of products.

The smooth foil path created by the specially designed internal foil unwind module, enables high precision foil handling and better productivity. The cameras are auto-setting, reducing make-ready time. Up to six independently driven advance shafts, increase flexibility and cut down on foil waste. The platen entry easily handles light materials which make up the majority of security print jobs.

Alongside its hologram application capabilities, the VISIONFOIL 104 H is highly flexible, being able to apply conventional as well as holographic foil. The press shares with the rest of the VISIONFOIL 104 range a maximum running speed of 7,500 sheets per hour, along with the ability to run paper and labels down to 80 gsm, carton board to 2000 gsm, and corrugated sheets up to 4 mm in thickness. The maximum sheet size the VISIONFOIL 104 H can handle is 1040×740 mm and the press features 12 individually controllable heating zones.

The VISIONFOIL 104 H is ideal for banknote printers applying holograms and/or metal stripes; software packaging manufacturers applying seals to CD/DVD cases; ticket printers producing concert, event and sporting event tickets, tobacco industry suppliers and other industries trying to protect their products or brands.

For more information please contact Marco Lideo at Bobst, Switzerland: marco.lideo@bobstgroup.com or +41-21 621 49 64 or visit www.bobstgroup.com
Continuous research and development is a major part of KURZ’s philosophy. The company has extended its range of foils and developed a new product line - BlackLine Magnetics®.
Kurz’s focus during the design development was to produce a black magnetic foil with a modern grey or silver overprint in three different shades, which is intended to elevate card designs and/or simply replace a black magnetic stripe with a superior one.
The foil is available in three grades for three varied creations: Grade 1 is the most restrained version, which is only visible at close inspection for discreet decoration. Grade 2 is a filigree pattern creating a high-end look, while grade 3 is the real eye-catcher with exciting design. Sources: www.kurzin.com

About Kurz
KURZ is a major international supplier of hot stamping technology. The company has more than 3,500 employees as well as nine production facilities located throughout Europe, the United States, and the Pacific region. It also has 19 international branch offices and 70 exclusive distributors with the ability to provide full-service solutions that match the requirements of each individual customer.