TECHNOLOGY’S EDGE

Nilpeter Introduces Hologram Printing Technology

SLAGELSE, Denmark—Nilpeter has introduced HoloPrint, a process for directly printing holographic images in a single-pass. The technology allows label and packaging converters to incorporate high-value anticounterfeiting security features on a wide range of labels, tags, and tickets to protect a multitude of consumer products. In addition, its diffractive color pallette not only reassures consumers of a brand's authenticity, but also enhances the appearance of the label or packaging. Both factors add to the shelf-appeal of such products as toiletries, cosmetics, and premium-brand wines and spirits.

Nilpeter has developed the necessary prepress, printing, and materials sub-technologies. This means users can control all stages of the holographic design and layout stages, while eliminating the need for outsourced embossing and metallizing stages. Lead times are therefore shorter and users are not limited to standard foil designs.

The HoloPrint module prints holographic images in register directly onto any web-fed paper or film substrate using a special UV-cured varnish. The holograms are printed at speeds of more than 40 m/min. with resolutions of up to 50,000 dpi. Placement is unrestricted, allowing unlimited printed areas to maximum print widths of 330 mm (13˝) and 410 mm (16˝).

HoloPrint is designed for integration with other printing technologies. At Labelexpo Europe, the HoloPrint module operated in-line on a 6-color Nilpeter FA-Line UV flexo press, positioned after a CMYK single-pass Caslon inkjet module.

Digital Watermark for Brand Authentication

SOMERSET, N.J.—Catalent Pharma Solutions, a provider of packaging and printing services to the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer health industry, introduced its DigiTrack™ advanced anti-counterfeiting system. The DigiTrack™ digital technology adds a unique, covert watermark to packaging by embedding an imperceptible pattern directly into existing package graphics. When printed, the watermark and encrypted code cannot be seen by the naked eye, but can be identified digitally by a Web-enabled mobile phone, computer, hand-held reader, or other device through patented security-class software.

When the code is identified as a match on the watermarked package, key unit-specific track-and-trace data is then transmitted to the end-user's device for instant product identification and origin to verify authenticity. If the code does not match, counterfeit or perhaps even dangerous goods may be prevented from reaching the consumer.

"This digital watermarking technology utilizes an interconnected system of security features for the utmost in brand and product protection," says Eric Caro, manager, new product development for Catalent's Printed Components Business. "Because this technology is covert, the watermarks leave pirates and counterfeiters unaware, making products highly resistant to attack."

Printed Speakers

HSINCHU, Taiwan—Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), a high-tech research and development institution, has introduced FleXpeaker, a paper-thin flexible speaker technology. Researchers at ITRI devised a way to create arrays of tiny, bendable speakers that can be combined to produce high-fidelity speaker systems of almost any size using standard printing.

Because FleXpeaker is flexible in size, lightweight, and consumes less power, this disruptive technology can be used in car audio systems, flat-screen televisions, thin-sheet MP3 innovative applications, and advertising. Additionally, it can be integrated into and extended to energy-saving buildings, electric vehicles, and entertainment and medical applications. Through special integration technology, FleXpeaker can also be incorporated into wearable clothing, wallpaper, and consumer packaging.

"We plan to carry out technology transfer of large-size paper-thin flexible speaker mass production by early 2010 and complete R&D of the flexible transparent speakers in plastic material by 2010," says General Director Dr. Yi-Jen Chan. "ITRI is seeking to license the technology or create a spin-off company to commercialize the product." pP