Security Printing
Security printing is the field of the printing industry that deals with the printing of items such as
banknotes, cheques, passports, tamper-evident l labels, product authentication, stock certificates,
postage stamps and identity cards.
The main goal of security printing is to prevent forgery, tampering, or counterfeiting. Different types of
printing techniques are suited to different applications. Sometimes a heavier weight of ink is needed on
the substrate in order for the security feature to work properly. In other instances is needed to use a
technique that uses a more delicate approach, so that the detailing in the artwork adds to the security.
Levels of Security
There are several printing technologies that give the required level of security in a print output. Security
printing is regarded as one of three stages in the printing business. Varied clients have different
requirements; nonetheless, we use one or more of the three ways to provide the appropriate level of
protection.
Level 1
Printing Method: Overt (low layer of authentication)
Easily seen by the naked eye
Images or text are embedded within the document using a specific security ink.
Level 2
Printing Method: Semi-Covert (medium layer of authentication)
Can be seen with the use of a microscope, magnifying glass, or UV light device.
Images or text are embedded within the document using a specific security ink.
Level 3
Printing Method: Covert (highest layer of authentication)
Invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen by special forensic devices
Images or text are embedded within the document using a specific security ink.
SUBSTRATES AND INK USED IN SECURITY PRINTING
While creating a document that is totally resistant to counterfeiting, significant materials and security
features can raise the time, expense, and effort necessary for a potential counterfeiter to make or copy
a protected document illegally.
Security Paper
Paper, polymer, and cardboard are the most
common printing substrates. Security substrates
can be designed and manufactured with special
features and considerations to protect
documents. In some specific cases, substrates
can be personalized and produced with certain
features and unique securities in order to
improve the level of protection and to prevent
from counterfeiting and forgery.
Security Inks
wide variety of security inks can be used in
documents, packages, labels, and cards. In addition to
security printing inks, the printer can also use
overprint varnishes and laminates to help deter
counterfeiting. It should be noted that many security
printing inks depend upon the absorption of UV
radiation and its re-emission as visible light
https://www.spectraintegration.com/digital-printing/security-printing/
