Intaglio Printing Research Articles

Printed Design Proposals as Salvaged Remainders of the Goldsmith’s Workshop

Abstract When turning to the techniques of etching on metal to make intaglio prints on paper, goldsmiths addressed potential clients and other fellows in their trade. In doing so, they put forth statements about what constituted property for members of each of these social stations. Multiple claims competed to classify to whom the raw materials belonged, the skills to transmute them or the forms that such handiwork took and whether the ownership of such entities could be transferred, redirected or even undone. The Nuremberg goldsmith Christoph Jamnitzer stages these questions in an etching that shows a tailor who is holding a flag stitched together from remaindered pieces of cloth. Connecting for the first time this image to its literary source, Hans Sachs’s ‘The Tailor and the Flag’, published in 1563, this essay demonstrates how the episode attests against the hoarding of materials, and for the ethos of giving clients and apprentices their due.

(Invited) Toward Ultrathin Flexible Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes and Photodetectors for the Wearable Electronics

Flexible optoelectronic devices, encompassing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors, capable of seamlessly transforming their shapes, represent a prominent trend in next-generation electronics. Quantum dots, widely employed as emitters and light absorption layers, are chosen for their high luminous performance, size-dependent color tunability, and excellent light absorption properties. Moreover, their solution processability and ultrathin form factor make them particularly appealing for the development of ultrathin wearable optoelectronic devices.Here, we introduce ultrathin flexible quantum dot light-emitting diodes and photodetectors designed for wearable electronics. Utilizing intaglio transfer printing, we can produce high-definition red-green-blue quantum dot LEDs, suitable for integration into skin-attachable displays. Moreover, our ultrathin, self-powered, heavy-metal-free photodetectors, based on copper indium selenide nanoparticles, showcase outstanding optical performance (specific detectivity: 2.10 × 1012 Jones at zero-bias) and find application in wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors.

A Flexible Foldable Broadband Metamaterial Absorber Fabricated by Intaglio Printing Technology

A Flexible Foldable Broadband Metamaterial Absorber Fabricated by Intaglio Printing Technology

A Proposed Approach for Assessing the Security Features of Banknotes

Important features for securing banknotes include watermark, security thread, hologram, and Intaglio printing. These features can be realized by the user's senses. The goal of these features is to provide sufficient quality features that can help the public to determine whether or not their banknote is genuine. Recently, due to the development of computer software, laser printers and scanners, counterfeiting has become a vital issue. This paper aims to generate evaluation security features, for the banknotes model to enhance the quality. A Quantitative to evaluate the quality of security features banknotes, where the data was gathered via a questionnaire using the five-point Likert scale that uses the values: poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent. The proposed framework is used for the classification of banknotes genuine or counterfeit.

High‐Resolution Intaglio Transfer Printing of Silver Nanowires for Wearable Electrophysiological Sensors

Silver nanowires (NWs) are promising materials for flexible electronics, such as electronic skins due to their excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Achieving precise patterning of Ag NWs is essential for the successful integration and miniaturization of the electronic device system, but the high aspect ratio (AR) of NWs and the high porosity of NW networks pose challenges in forming high‐resolution patterns. Herein, the intaglio transfer printing technique to create high‐resolution patterning of ultralong Ag NWs (AR≈1000) is presented. During the pattern formation process, the external force becomes concentrated specifically at the edge of the intaglio trench, resulting in the breaking of the entangled Ag NW network in the corresponding region. This simple yet effective technique enables precise high‐resolution (minimum line width: 7 µm) and complicated Ag NW patterns on flexible substrates. The patterned Ag NWs are conformally attached to the various curvilinear surfaces and show high mechanical stability under continuous bending conditions. Wearable electrophysiological sensors are demonstrated to monitor electromyography and electrocardiogram signals in real‐time for continuous healthcare monitoring. This patterning strategy offers an effective approach for achieving high‐resolution patterns of highly anisotropic nanomaterials and highlights the potential of patterned Ag NWs in wearable electronics.

Improving a method for determining the level of wear of the mark for people with visual impairments on Ukrainian hryvnia banknotes

The object of this study is the wear resistance of marks for people with visual impairments, which are printed by the intaglio printing method on Ukrainian hryvnia banknotes to identify the banknote denominations. The subject of the study is to determine the impact of wear on the recognizability of marks for people with visual impairments and the identification of banknote denominations by people with visual impairments. The paper considers the problem of inadequate assessment of the level of banknote wear by the systems of control and rejection of protected products from the point of view of banknote accessibility for people with visual impairments. An improved methodology for determining the level of wear of the mark for people with visual impairments on Ukrainian hryvnia banknotes is given, taking into account the indicator of its accessibility for all population groups, in particular for people with absolute vision loss, throughout the entire period of circulation. According to the developed methodology, artificial wear of banknotes was carried out according to three test options. The results of changes in the mass of banknotes, the microstructure of the surface of banknotes, the compressibility of marks for people with visual impairments (elasticity level), and the level of tactile identification of the denomination of banknotes by people with total vision loss were obtained. It was determined that during the artificial wear of banknotes, the main destruction of the mark takes place in the first cycle. After the second cycle of wear, there is an increase in the elasticity of the mark for people with visual impairments, a decrease in the level of its tactile sensation and the identification of the denomination of the banknote. Therefore, the properties of banknotes after the second cycle of wear have been determined to be critical for withdrawing such banknotes from circulation. The revealed regularities make it possible to adjust the parameters of intaglio printing during the production of banknotes and to adjust the sorting equipment to determine the suitability of banknotes for further circulation, taking into account the criterion of accessibility of banknotes for all groups of people.

Thermal-Assisted Multiscale Patterning of Nonplanar Colloidal Nanostructures for Multi-Modal Anti-Counterfeiting.

Nanotransfer printing of colloidal nanoparticles is a promising technique for the fabrication of functional materials and devices. However, patterning nonplanar nanostructures pose a challenge due to weak adhesion from the extremely small nanostructure-substrate contact area. Here, the study proposes a thermal-assisted nonplanar nanostructure transfer printing (NP-NTP) strategy for multiscale patterning of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. The printing efficiency is significantly improved from ≈3.1% at low temperatures to ≈97.2% under the glass transition temperature of PS. Additionally, the arrangement of PS nanospheres transitioned from disorder to long-range order. The mechanism of printing efficiency enhancement is the drastic drop of Young's modulus of nanospheres, giving rise to an increased contact area, self-adhesive effect, and inter-particle necking. To demonstrate the versatility of the NP-NTP strategy, it is combined with the intaglio transfer printing technique, and multiple patterns are created at both micro and macro scales at a 4-inch scale with a resolution of ≈2757 pixels per inch (PPI). Furthermore, a multi-modal anti-counterfeiting concept based on structural patterns at hierarchical length scales is proposed, providing a new paradigm of imparting multiscale nanostructure patterning into macroscale functional devices.

Comparative Analysis of Security Features in Banknotes Across Various Global Economies using VSC®-8000/HS

Background: Banknote counterfeiting is a serious issue. Every government adds various security elements to its banknotes to avoid forgery. The security measures inducted in the banknotes reduce the likelihood of counterfeiting. These are the unique elements that are incorporated during the production process. Paper quality, intaglio printing, watermarks, security threads, latent images, etc. are some of these unique properties. Every nation has a unique set of security characteristics. In the year 2016 India demonetized and recalled all of its highest denomination bank notes (Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500) in order to cease counterfeiting. Thereafter, there has been incorporation of various security features in the current Mahatma Gandhi series to make the currency standout with other international currencies, in order to reduce the chances of forgery as per the sections 489A-489E of Indian Penal Code, 1872. Methods: Banknote samples were analyzed using the non-destructive Video Spectral Comparator 8000 (VSC®-8000/HS) by foster+freeman®. Each sample was placed in the live-camera unit with high- resolution 12-megapixel camera forming the part of Super Resolution Imaging (SRI) system. Front and back pictures of the banknotes were taken in white light. The samples were then examined under various illumination settings (Spot Light, Oblique Light, Transmitted Light, UV-light, and Infrared light) for both sides. Security features like Microprinting, Micro texting, Guilloche Pattern, OVI, Watermarks, etc., were studied. Results: In the current research paper, the security characteristics of the banknotes of ten different countries are compared utilizing VSC®-8000/HS. Analysis reveals Thai Baht with the most security features, followed by Vietnamese Dong, Czech Koruna, Indian Rupees, and others. Notably, Indian banknotes stand out due to UV features, security thread, latent image, and strategic micro text placement. Conclusions: This research paper recognizes the importance of security features in various banknotes including the Indian banknotes and also provides some of the recommendations to enhance the quality and security features in the Indian banknotes.

Investigation into the development of novel lanthanide‐based luminescent colorants for application to textiles and paper materials

AbstractThis article describes the synthesis and application of lanthanide‐based luminophores for visualisation under short wavelength ultraviolet (UV) activation (typically 254 nm). Luminophores are chemical compounds which re‐emit light of longer wavelength than typical fluorescence and phosphorescence, following photoexcitation, because of efficient energy transfer from the ligands to the lanthanide ion emission levels. The luminophores described in this article are all derived from europium and terbium metal complexes and cover the complete colour gamut. Selection of appropriate ligands allows for water solubility or water insolubility (if required pigment or disperse “dye” applications). Similar to dyeing or printing processes, the anionic complexes can be applied to polyamide fibres or to cellulosic fibres, whereas dispersions of the non‐ionic complexes are suitable for polyester or cellulose acetate fibre application. The water‐soluble derivatives are also suitable for ink‐jet printing and the water‐insoluble derivatives are suitable for lithographic or intaglio paper printing. The novel complexes are excited by radiation below 300 nm and thus cannot be activated by sunlight (the earth's atmosphere prevents light below about 300 nm reaching the surface). Accordingly, the photo‐stability of the dyed materials and prints obtained is excellent. These materials could be used in security marking applications, for example bank‐notes and passports, where they could replace the current fluorophores that are rendered visible under near UV light (typically 365 nm) illumination but exhibit relatively poor photo‐stability. The development of an RGB (red, green and blue) colour palette for inkjet printing based on these innovative luminophores will significantly support the design of digitally printed security features.

Jan Sawka: Theatre of Image and Metaphor

Jan Sawka: Theatre of Image and Metaphor

Color Cast Correction Mechanisms: Techniques and Innovations for Image Enhancement

This paper presents an in-depth examination of color cast in digital images, elucidating its fundamental principles, generation mechanisms, and real-world implications influenced by light absorption and scattering. The study explores diverse color cast correction methods and provides a detailed analysis of their respective outcomes. Foundational knowledge of color cast, rooted in the principles of light interaction, serves as the basis for understanding its manifestation in various real-world contexts. The research systematically investigates the intricate dynamics of color cast across diverse scenarios, shedding light on its complexities and impact. The paper evaluates a range of color cast correction techniques, including classic approaches such as the Gray World Algorithm, Max–RGB, and White Balance Correction, as well as advanced methods like Gamma Correction, Histogram-Based Method, and the Gray Edge Algorithm. Notably, simulation results underscore the consistent superiority of the Gray Edge Algorithm in effectively correcting color cast, showcasing its robustness across diverse scenarios. This comprehensive exploration contributes to a holistic understanding of color cast, covering its generation, consequences in real-world scenarios, and an in-depth analysis of correction methodologies. The findings provide valuable insights for professionals in image processing and computer vision seeking efficient correction strategies.

An Image Processing-Driven System for Fake Currency Detection

Fake currency is a critical factor affecting economies worldwide, including India. In this paper, a novel and structurally efficient approach for detecting and identifying duplication in currency notes is presented using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). The system employs image processing algorithms to extract essential features such as security thread, intaglio printing (RBI logo), and identification mark, which serve as security measures for Indian currency. To identify fake portions in the currency notes and make informed decisions about their authenticity, the matching scores from all fake detection modules are fused together. A crucial aspect of the work lies in comparing the extracted features from various currency notes, enabling us to differentiate between fake and genuine notes effectively. To assess the performance, mean square error is employed as a metric for comparison between two images. A database is build containing authentic Indian notes of different denominations, extract their features, convert them into binary equivalents, and then calculate their mean square error. The proposed Fake Note Detection System takes a test currency note image, performs preprocessing operations to eliminate noise and negative artifacts, and then proceeds with the detection process. The system offers a promising solution to combat counterfeit currency issues and safeguard the integrity of the Indian economy.

Effects of the surface ligands of quantum dots on the intaglio transfer printing process

High-resolution semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dot (QD) patterns are required for applications in display devices. For this, the dry transfer printing of QDs is promising because it does not degrade the inherent properties of QDs. However, the effect of the surface ligands on this process remains poorly understood, despite its importance. Herein, we investigate the effect of the surface ligands on the intaglio transfer printing process. Colloidal QDs with organic (C8–C18) or inorganic (I−) ligands are prepared. In various pattern-printing tests, including patterns with a sub-10-μm width, the patterning yield is ∼100% for QDs with long-chain ligands (C18). However, the patterning yield decreases with decrease in the chain length for the organic-ligand-passivated QDs and is the lowest for the QDs passivated with I−. Using surface energy characterization and finite element method simulations, we suggest two printing failure mechanisms: (i) Inorganic-ligand-passivated QDs are not effectively picked-up by the stamp because of poor adhesion, and, (ii) for the organic-ligand-passivated QDs, internal crack formation is easier for QDs having short-chain ligands because of the weak interparticle attraction between QDs. Our findings reveal previously unknown defects of the intaglio printing process and provide guidance for mitigating these problems for preparing high-resolution QD patterns.

Degradation of polymer banknotes through handling, and effect on fingermark visualisation

The surface structure of mint (as-issued) and handled polymer five pounds sterling banknotes was studied by atomic force microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. A total of 1856 fingermarks on mint and handled banknotes from four different issuing banks (Bank of England, Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank) were visualised with Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), Cyanoacrylate Fuming (CAF) and, on Clydesdale Bank notes, magnetic fluorescent powder. VMD was significantly more effective in developing fingermarks on handled banknotes, across all the banks studied, although effectiveness varied with issuing bank. For example, on handled Bank of England notes 45% of marks showed ridge detail with VMD development and 28% with CAF; for Bank of Scotland handled notes success rates were 17% with VMD and 1% with CAF. Microscopy of degraded banknotes showed the loss of intaglio printing and the formation of a cracked surface structure in the handled notes. These features can lead to the trapping of powder, or contaminants, increasing quantity of development agent in fingermark background between the ridges, decreasing contrast and decreasing performance of powder-based fingermark development techniques. These same features can restrict the migration of components of the fingermark, preventing fingermarks degrading through spread of material and thus reducing potential formation of empty prints, so that VMD development is not adversely affected.

Intaglio Contact Printing of Versatile Carbon Nanotube Composites and Its Applications for Miniaturizing High-Performance Devices.

Composites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising patternable materials that can be engineered to incorporate the outstanding properties of CNTs into various applications via printing technologies. However, conventional printing methods for CNTs require further improvement to overcome the major drawbacks that limit the patterning resolution and target substrate. Herein, an intaglio contact printing method based on a CNT/paraffin composite is presented for realizing highly precise CNT network patterns without restrictions on the substrate. In this method, the CNT/paraffin composite can be patterned with a high resolution (<10µm) and neatly transferred onto various substrates with a wide range of surface energies, including human skin. The patterned composite exhibits high durability against structural deformations, and structural damage caused by fatigue accumulation can be cured in a few seconds. In addition, miniaturized sensing and energy-harvesting applications are demonstrated with high performances. The present method facilitates the rapid fabrication of highly precise interdigitated electrodes via one-step printing, enabling high-performance operation and miniaturization of the devices. It is anticipated that these results will not only spur the further development of various applications of CNTs but also contribute to advances in soft lithography methods applicable to many fields of science and engineering.

Research on temperature acquisition system of printing machine oven based on wireless Sensor network

Aiming at the problems such as limited transmission distance of traditional temperature data, complex wiring and aging line, ZigBee wireless network is introduced into the temperature acquisition system of the intaglio printing machine oven, which makes the whole system easy to operate and simple, and greatly improves the transmission distance of temperature signal. The composition of the temperature monitoring system and the hardware circuit of the ZigBee master node are described, including DC 5 V power supply circuit and USB interface power supply circuit, the connection circuit between the RADIO frequency board and the backboard, to realize the construction of the network and the wireless reception of temperature data. To realize the construction of the network and wireless reception of temperature data. It combines ZigBee wireless communication technology to complete real-time transmission of multi-point temperature data, realize real-time LCD display of multi-point temperature data collected by DS18B20, and realize ZigBee networking function based on ZigBee protocol stack.

Surface functionalized inorganic phosphor by grafting organic antenna for long term preservation of latent fingerprints and data-security applications

Creative advancements are enormously sought for the advanced forensic and data security in modern era. Herein, fabrication of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) functionalized Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %) nanopowders dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix for long term preservation and visualization of latent fingerprints, as well as printing. Efficient intramolecular energy transfers from coordinated ligand to the doped Eu3+ ions, called the antenna effect was precisely organized by grafting organic molecule, resultant to an enhanced photoluminescence emission. On this basis, the masking of PVA/Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %)@BSA solution on a latent fingerprints results a flexible transparent film; a highly stable fingerprint images with well-defined ridge characteristics was developed on the film, which enabling personal individualization. Interestingly, the followed latent fingerprints development technique was non-destructive and stored long duration up to 1 year on filtrating and non-filtrating surfaces. The same mechanism was also validated by utilized for application of PVA/Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %)@BSA nanocomposites in dip pen and intaglio printing. Hence, the prepared nanocomposites signify an competent method towards long preservative fingerprints as well as great performance for data security operations. This work endorses a prospective paradigm for luminescence enhancement and its applications in advanced forensic science.

MODEL OF OPTIMIZATION OF FUNCTIONING OF MODERN POLYGRAPHIC AND PUBLISHING COMPLEXES

Analysis of known methods and modern equipment for printing and publishing (sheet rotary machines, roll machines, flat-printing and platen machines for flat impression block, relief, intaglio and digital printing) is conducted in this article. In a result of the analysis article authors have to make a conclusion, that most prospective equipment for automated printing and publishing complexes are: high-performance sheet and roll machines, in that number crucible, flatbed and rotary three-cylinder machines and also single-layer and multi-layer sectional machines, digital laser and inkjet machines. Authors propose a mathematical model of an automated optimization system of functioning of modern printing and publishing companies. In the model are used databases with information about orders (quantity, volumes, content, terms of orders fulfillment, admissible prime value and characteristics of quality of finished products), production capacities of printing and publishing enterprises of the region (destination, quantity and productivity of equipment, its technological capabilities, loading with other orders, service life), as well as additional data about value of transportation and storage of ready products, the possibility and feasibility of transferring orders to other enterprises and more. The elaborated model can be used as a basis for creation of a computer program for automated synthesis and analysis of functioning optimization of modern printing and publishing companies in the region to improve their efficiency, as well as for help customers of printing products in selection of optimal variants of orders fulfillment. The modeling results will allow to rationalize the utilization of enterprises capacity, to reduce the value of finished products, to ensure their proper quality, to avoid of disruptions during of peak periods of enterprises loading, to reduce the value of repair and maintenance of the complex equipment.

An investigation on printability of different solvent based inks by gravure printing onto various substrates

Gravure printing is an intaglio printing process, the image to be printed is engraved on the surface of the gravure cylinder, so that the image to be printed is embedded into the surface. The places engraved in the cylinder during printing are filled with ink, surplus of ink is stripped by a blade and separated for reuse. Print quality consistency and efficiency is high in gravure printing. It is also possible to print on different substrates. Ink systems, viscosity, surface properties of substrate material and dot structures on the gravure cylinder are the main factors that determine the print quality. Appropriate inks can be chosen depending on the material to be printed and finished product used area. Mostly solvent based inks are used. The aim of this study is to determine the solvent that can enable higher quality printing on different substrates, which are frequently used in the gravure printing system, and to investigate the conditions under which the ink-substrates interface relationship can be the best in terms of printability.In this study, IGT F1 laboratory type gravure testing machine was used. Polyethylene and polypropylene printable films are used as the substrate materials. Three different solvent-based inks are used, prepared with ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol. Density, contact angle, surface energy and gloss properties of the printed materials were examined. The printability properties of selected substrates and inks have been determined.

Вплив технологічних параметрів на властивості друкувальних елементів форм інтагліодруку, отриманих прямим лазерним гравіюванням

Визначення якості відтворення отриманих методом прямого лазерного гравіювання (DLE — Direct Laser Engraving) штрихів форми інтагліодруку та її залежності від запроектованих параметрів профілю є актуальним завданням, що дозволить удосконалити режими оброблення форм DLE та розширить її використання у виробництві захищеної поліграфічної продукції.&#x0D; Дослідження методом оптичної металографії шліфів гравійованих штрихів тридцяти видів, що відрізнялися запроектованим профілем (глибиною (20‒100 мкм), шириною (30‒100 мкм), кутом нахилу стінок штриха (600‒900)) та потужністю гравіювання, утворених методом DLE на латунній пластині, показало, що всі гравійовані штрихи зразка мають суттєві відхилення від заданого геометричного профіля і зазвичай є несиметричними.&#x0D; Оскільки стан поверхні штрихів є ще одним додатковим фактором забезпечення зносостійкості форм DLE + PVD, то для урахування цього параметру було розроблено принципи бального оцінювання поверхні штрихів на основі порівняння зі зразком за 5-бальною шкалою&#x0D; В експериментальних дослідженнях встановлено, що, незважаючи на суттєві відмінності профіля, що був отриманий гравіюванням, і запроектованого, з погляду можливої тактильності відбитків (найсуттєвішого параметру інтагліодруку), переважна більшість режимів виготовлення і профілів забезпечує достатньо високу відповідність ширини штриха (80‒130 %) запроектованому. Глибина штриха змінюється суттєвіше — від 60 % від запроектованого до майже 200 %. Через суттєве відхилення профілю від запроектованого площа перетину штрихів перебуває в межах 40‒90 % від запроектованого. Найкращі геометричні параметри мають прямокутні штрихи невеликого розміру. З погляду відтворення геометричної форми штрихів кращі параметри мають трапецієподібні профілі. З погляду якості поверхні штрихів — прямокутні профілі.&#x0D; Зниження потужності випромінювання дозволяє як забезпечити кращу якість відтворення геометричних параметрів штриха, так і забезпечити кращу якість поверхні штриха. Останнє є особливо важливим фактором забезпечення належного рівня адгезії захисного покриття до латунної основи, тобто в подальшому — вищої тиражостійкості. Таким чином, стан поверхні штрихів є ще одним додатковим фактором забезпечення зносостійкості форм DLE + PVD.