SECURITY
INKS
Add discrete security with our range of inks
Security Inks
Security Ink Experts
We offer a wide range of security inks that we use in collaboration with high-security designs to protect your sensitive documents. We provide a consultative approach and will advise on the most appropriate inks for your project. Security inks are one of many security features that we incorporate during our multi-layered production of high-value documents.
Tamper Evident Inks
Solvent-sensitive Inks - These inks are used to highlight fraudulent alterations to your documents. If a fraudster uses a chemical or solvent to alter or remove any information on your document, a reaction takes place that will highlight that change.
Aqua Fugitive Inks - These inks are water soluble. They are used to highlight fraudulent alterations when a water based agent is applied. They can also act as an instant verification feature which fluoresces under a UV light.
Combined Solvent Sensitive Aqua Fugitive - This security ink, as its name suggests, combines the functionality of the two inks mentioned above.
Adhesion Promotion Varnish - This ink strengthens laser toner adhesion to the paper making attempted alteration of personalised information clearly obvious.
Instant Verification Inks
Invisible UV Ink - Under normal light conditions these inks are invisible to the naked eye and only become visible when viewed with an ultraviolet light. The invisible ink is designed to seamlessly integrate with your visible design. They are available in a wide range of fluorescent colours and wavelengths. Inks can be combined to fluoresce different colours at various wavelengths.
Thermochromic Ink - These inks change colour or disappear when heat or friction is applied making them perfect for fast document verification. They are available in a variety of colours and reactive temperatures.
Photochromic ink - Photochromic inks change colour when they are illuminated with either ultraviolet light or natural daylight. They are colourless in their natural state and when exposed they produce their visible colour. These inks are reversible; reverting to their colourless state when the light source is removed.
Coin Reactive Ink - When a coin is used to rub these inks, a concealed message, such as "VALID," is revealed. These can be especially helpful when it comes to document validation requirements in outdoor settings without easy access to UV lamps.Infrared ink - Whether an ink has specific IR visibility or invisibility cannot be detected by the naked eye, it must be verified using IR-sensitive equipment. IR visibility can be combined with other ink features to complement a document design and verification method.
Taggant ink - A taggant is a unique microscopic chemical marker which can be added to an ink and verified with a handheld reader.
How to choose the right security ink
Regulations - Certain products must comply with national or international regulations, such as cheques and immigration visa stickers. Single Use Documents - Documents including cheques, gift vouchers or coupons have a short life span and commonly use inks such as Thermochromic, Photochromic, Aqua Fugitive and some certain colours of solvent-sensitive inks. Long Life Documents - Educational certificates, civil registration certificates and legal documents should use light fast inks to ensure they don't fade over time. Threat Level - Some documents have higher threats of counterfeiting and others have a higher risk of fraudulent alteration. Our team can advise you on the most appropriate inks to suit your document requirements.
Ink Verification Methods
Verifying with equipment - Some equipment used to verify documents are:- UV Lights
- QR code scanners/software system
- IR-sensitive equipment
- Taggant ink reader
- Visual verification - Can see where a tamper evident ink has been altered.
- Physical verification - Can be tactile feel of an intaglio ink, or rubbing to reveal a hidden message.
- Sunlight - Holding up the document in the sun causes a reaction which can be used for verification.
- Body temperature - Friction from rubbing changes the colour of the ink.
GET IN TOUCH
Interested in our offering? Fill out the form and one of our representatives will get in touch to discuss your enquiry.
Or, give us a call
0121 554 0044
SECURITY INKS FAQS
Security inks are specialist inks created to give an extra layer of security and protection against fraud and counterfeiting. They are utilised in many different settings, including the production of currency, banknotes, passports, identification cards, and other vital papers where security is paramount.
Security inks function by including elements that make them challenging to duplicate or copy. For instance, colour-shifting inks change colour based on the angle at which they are seen, whereas fluorescent inks emit a specific colour when exposed to UV light.
Security inks are crucial because they aid in preventing fraud and counterfeiting, which can have detrimental effects on the economy and society. Security inks raise trust and deter would-be counterfeiters by making critical documents and money harder to duplicate.
The cost of security inks vary depending on the type of ink and the application. However, they can be a cost-effective way to prevent counterfeiting and fraud, as the cost of implementing security inks is lower than the cost of dealing with the consequences of fraudulent activity and counterfeiting.
Security Ink Sectors
Banking
The banking and finance industry can benefit from implementing security inks into their banknotes, checks, and other financial documents which frequently contain these security features to deter counterfeiting.
Government
Security inks are used to prevent fraud on passports, visas, and other official papers which is why the government sector can benefit from utilising such security methods within their documentation.
Manufacturing
Security inks are used to ensure the integrity of products and packages and to prevent tampering. They can be applied to a wide range of commodities, including the manufacturing of medications, cosmetics, and luxury items.
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