Security Printing (Counterfeit-Resistant)

With the advent of the color copier and the associated technology getting better all the time, having anti-counterfeiting features built into your high-value printed documents is a necessity, not a luxury. At Cordes Printing, we have the ability to incorporate many overt and covert security features into your printed pieces to help guard against fraudulent activity, without blowing your budget.

Combining 2 or 3 security features is usually a sufficient deterrent to making a quick copy of an original document. A counterfeiter has to go to considerable trouble and expense to create an accurate duplication and in most cases the end result doesn't justify that much effort.

Sometimes referred to as Sensory or First-Level Security, Overt Security features are noticeable with little training and no special tools. Overt features include:

Thermochromic Ink: Remember mood rings? This is a similar idea where a printed image is applied to the document. When heat is applied (pressing a finger against the image is usually all it takes) the color of the image changes or even disappears. The image reappears when the heat is removed.

Gloss Imaging: A background image is printed in a clear coating which is visible to the naked eye. Copiers cannot reproduce this image. Works especially well on coated paper.

Holographic Foil: A spot of foil or any pattern or shape can be applied to your ticket or document. Typically only a small area is needed as the larger the area the more costly the process gets.

Embossing or Debossing: These processes deform the sheet of paper by either creating a raised area (embossing) or an indented image (debossing).
 
Coin Rub: Invisible image or text printed typically on the back of a document, that when rubbed by a coin reveals the text or image.

Split Fountain: Two colors are printed on the background of the document and allowed to "mix" together, creating a blended color where they come together which is almost impossible to duplicate on a digital imaging device.

Numbering (Batch and/or Barcode): Documents are numbered, sometimes using an alphanumeric number which can be tracked back to a database of documents issued.

Referred to as Second-Level features, Covert Security Features are not as obvious to the naked eye and require simple tools and minimal training to authenticate. Covert includes:

Pantograph: Printed background reveals the words "VOID", "COPY" or "UNAUTHORIZED COPY" when a duplicate is produced on a photocopier.

Micro-Text: What appears to be a heavy line on the document is actually readable text when viewed with a magnifying glass. Text this small cannot be reproduced by copiers.

Black Light Image: Invisible printed image or text that is revealed under black light.

High-value printed pieces are good candidates for security printing measures. Included in this list would be:

Certificates
Diplomas
Coupons
Tickets to Events
Raffle Tickets
Policies
Warranties
Identification Cards
Forms