Optaglio focuses on composite identity cards

Optaglio, the global leader in high-resolution security holograms, launched Optaglio OVConnect product for seamless integration of holograms into composite ID cards. This innovation complements unique patented solution for polycarbonate, OVMesh.

“Our consultants are sometimes asked what is more suitable, polycarbonate or composite. It depends on the particular situation. A lot of factors play their role, but it seems that lifecycle is the key. If you can change cards each – let ´s say- three years, with reasonable costs and without creating new risks, composite should be sufficient,“ says senior research manager in Optaglio, Tomas Karensky.

However, it is necessary to ensure the same level of anti-counterfeit resistance as polycarbonate. A significant proportion of actual attacks seek to remove PET layer including protection elements and apply it to the fake. “It is important to ensure inseparable connection with PVC. I cannot disclose details, but it seems we found the right solution. After several weeks of testing, we are confident that we can offer this solution to our clients. It is also important that we can implement all our special visual effects.“

Optaglio´s special visual effects are based on resolution exceeding 5 million DPI that enables  – together with unique mathematic algorithms – to create more subtle and irregular diffraction structure resulting in specific visual effects such as the move of illusion object in unexpected directions, emerging 3D objects etc.  These effects cannot be reached using any other technology.

Composite ID cards consist of PVC and PET layers. They are not suitable for passports, driving licences etc. because of their limited operating life. On the other hand, their costs are lower than polycarbonate, and they offer reasonable quality and mechanic stress resistance. In many situations, they can be the choice with optimal ratio price /value.

Optaglio OVConect was developed and tested in Optaglio Labs, the research centre in Lochovice, Czech Republic. In 2015 Optaglio concentrated all its scientific capacities into this centre. It is a part of the long-term tradition of Optaglio as a research organisation, founded by people from Czech Academy of Science.