Embossed holograms

About holograms

The commonly and widely used way of imaging of the reality is the photography. A photograph is basically the recording of the differing intensities of the light reflected by the object and imaged by a lens. However, information about dimensions of the object contained not only in amplitude (intensity), but also in a phase of light waves.

A great difference between holography and photography is the information recorded. This difference is why photographs are two dimensional (2-D) images while holograms are three dimensional (3-D) images. Photographs contain only one view point of an object. Our eyes need a minimum of two view points in order to see depth. Vision using two viewpoints of an object is called stereoscopic vision. Each eye receives a slightly different view point of an object, our brain combines the two and we perceive depth. We can fool our eyes into seeing photographs in three dimensions by taking two slightly different views of an object and allowing each eye to see only one image, the right image for the right eye and the left image for the left eye. We can do this with a stereoscope (for pictures) or with polarized glasses (for movies). The shortcoming of stereoscopic images is that when we move our head from side to side or up and down, we still only see the same two view points, whereas we should be seeing continuously changing viewpoints of the object. The image therefore doesn't quite appear to be three dimensional. In order to make a record of a three dimensional object we need to record this continuous set of viewpoints of the object.

Estimating sizes of the objects and considering shape and direction of shadows from these objects, we can create in our mind general representation about volumetric properties of the scene, represented in a photo. But, if sizes of the objects are identical and there are no shadows, volumetric content of the photographed scene is completely lost. For example, we can not define in the photo of snowflakes on a dark background, which of them is closer, and which of them is farther.

Holography is the only visual recording and playback process that can record our three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional recording medium and playback the original object or scene to the unaided eyes as a three dimensional image. The image demonstrates complete parallax and depth-of-field and floats in space either behind, in front of, or straddling the recording medium.

Who can use Holograms?

Every and any industry can use the holographic products to enhance the image of their brands in the market as an genuine and authenticated brands. They are used for attractive product packaging, security applications (they are almost impossible to counterfeit), fancy gifts, etc. Holograms are new media of 3-D art, registration of priceless artifacts, etc. They are also used in new technology aircraft, automobiles, etc. For your quick reference, some of the industry segments where holograms are used very frequently are as follows:

Security documents:

Vehicle Registration/ Driving Licences
Certificates , Degrees, Diplomas
Valuable/ Secret/ Confidencial Documents & Envelopes.
Security/ Financial/ Surety Instruments/ Bonds/ Share Certificates.
Books/ Publications/ Copyright Sales Literature.
Loyalty/ Reward/ Vouchers, Passes and cards
Phone Cards.
Bank Cheques/ Draft/ Guarantees.
Credit Cards/ Membership/ ID cards.Passport/ Visa/Excise Revenue Stamps.

Product brand protection:

Chemicals/Detergents, Fertilisers, Seeds.
Building Material/Hardware.
Fine jewellery/Watches.
Aircraft/ Automotive & High Technology/Engineering Spares & Machine Parts.
Electrical/ Electronic Appliances & Components.
Sporting goods, Toys, Gifts/novelties.
Recording Media(Music-Diskettes/CDs,Cassettes/Tapes/Software).
Clothing Hang-tags, Branded fashion wear & Accessories.
Computer Peripherals.Stationary Products.

Why Holograms should be used?

The reasons for using holograms and holographic products are many:

1. Impact: Holograms are eye-catching and will be looked at significantly longer than other graphic mediums. If a customer name or logo or slogan is on the Hologram, the message is enforced.

2. Pass Around Value: people are impressed by good Hologram and are likely to bring them to attention of colleagues and associates.

3. Retention: people tend to keep good Holograms. Even we received calls from those persons that after 6 monts or one year after they had been given our business cards with Hologram. Do you think that a pen or calendar or a diary can do this? We do not think so.

4. Security: Holograms are virtually impossible to duplicate and to produce by average criminals. Therefore, they have become the integral part of many government and commercial security programs. They have been applied to documents, currency, ID cards and product lanes. To further detert the counterfeiters, we, have added sequential, hidden text and other covert features toour security Holograms. That's why Security Hologram is a unique optical security device, that has combined the Physics and Optics to create a three dimensional image on a two dimensional surface that is used to protect the genuineness of the brand name and authenticity of a product against the duplicates and counterfeits

5. Commercial Reasons: Holographic products commercially, constitute a very unique market in them selves helping to keep documents secure.

6. Promotional reasons: holographic materials and its allied products catches the attention of people. Actually, they diffract the seven colours of the spectrum when the light falls on them. The unique three dimensional images and colors inherent to the products never let anybody go without a look that is significantly longer then any other medium. Once applied to the product, the apparent value of the product is elevated no matter which way you look at it.

Origination techniques

Holograms  can be made using both Traditional (Analog) Holographic Technique and Digital Holographic Manufacturing Technique. Lightgate offers both Traditional and Digital Holograms, details of which are given below:

2D/3D: These are by far the most common type of holograms. These holograms (and therefore the artwork of these holograms) may be of two layers (i.e. with a background and a foreground) or of three-layers (with a background, a middle ground and a foreground). The matter of the middle ground and the foreground in the case of three-layer holograms and the matter of the foreground in the case of the two-layer holograms are usually superimposed over the matter of the background of the hologram. These holograms display a unique multilevel , multi-colour effect. These images have one or two levels of flat graphics “floating” above or at the surface of the hologram. The matter in the background appears to be “under” or “behind” the hologram, giving the illusion of depth.

Apart from being the most cost-effective type of holograms, the 2D/3D Holograms, when viewed under a variety of sources of light, are extremely eye-catching.

Dot Matrix Technology: The hologram produced using Dot Matrix technology are considered to be one of the most secured hologram internationally. These holograms are originated using highly sophisticated and very expensive Dot Matrix System. This kind of technology allows creating or originals of holograms with a resolution of up to 10 microns. Dot Matrix technology makes it possible to create originals of computer synthesized holograms with high level of protection. The hologram includes elements that cannot be manufactured using other optical or printing technologies. this technique requires development of various algorithms for designing optical elements that shapes scattered radiation patterns.

E-Beam Technology: The hologram produced using electronic beam technology are considered to be the most secured hologram internationally. These holograms are originated using highly sophisticated and very expensive E-Bean Lithography system. This king of technology allows creating of originals of holograms with a resolution of up to 0.1 micron. Electron Bean technology makes it possible to crate originals of computer synthesized holograms with high level of protection. The hologram includes elements that cannot be manufactured using other optical or printing technologies. The technique requires development of various algorithms for designing optical elements that shapes scattered radiation patterns. This origination technique offers manifold possibilities for combining various security features. The technology of computer synthesis of holograms opens ample opportunities for the creation of OVD with highest level of security

 

SECURITY FEATURES 

 

Various technologies are applied for hologram origination. The most popular among them are:

        2D/3D Holography
        Dot Matrix Holography
        E-Beam Holography

Within each of these technologies, origination companies worldwide have developed a number of complex techniques and processes.  In analog holography, there are different techniques like Transmission Transfer Holograms, One step rainbow holograms, HOE Images, LCD Holograms (Digital Holograms) etc.  Within  these techniques,  many different types of holograms and features possible. In Transmission Transfer Holograms it is possible to make Switching Holograms, Multi channel holograms, 2D-3D holograms, 3D holograms, Animated holograms, Laser Readable holograms, 90° Viewable holograms, Flashing images, Kinetic Holograms etc.  These unlimited possibilities make the duplication of holograms virtually impossible.

 

1. 2D/3D holograms

This is the conventional type of holography and the processes are highly skill based.  The skilled holographer sets up the optical elements like lenses, mirrors, splitters, filters and collimators to create the image elements and secure features.  The process is very complex and time consuming.  The hologram created by this method, by two different holographers from the same design specifications are easily distinguishable by an even an untrained eye.  Even for the same holographer, it is very difficult to recreate exactly the same hologram for a second time. The different types of holograms possible in this type are:

 

1.      Switching or Flip-Flop

2.      Parallax effect or 2D-3D holograms

3.      Kinetic effect

4.      90° viewable Images

5.      3D holograms from Solid models

6.      Flashing Images

7.      True color holograms

8.      Laser readable Holograms

9.      Animated images

10.  HOE Images

 
2. Dot Matrix Holograms

The Hologram image is recorded as very fine pixels of variable size, pitch, grating orientation and color by using a fully computerized system. It is possible to incorporate very dynamic optical effects and secure features by carefully controlling various parameters.  This type of holograms has a very wide viewing angle, as it is possible to assign different viewing angles and colors to adjacent pixels.  The secure features possible in this type are:

1.      Linear kinetic effect

2.      Pulsating effect

3.      Micro texts

4.      Moiré effect

5.      Animated parallax

6.      Machine-readable images

7.      True colour images

3. E-Beam Holograms

The Electron Lithography origination technology has been developed for producing very high secure images, which cannot be made by optical methods. This technology produces holograms with a resolution of up to 0.1 micron (254000dpi).

1.      High-resolution line patterns

2.      Kinetic images

3.      Computer synthesized 2D-3D and 3D images

4.      Concealed images

5.      Microtexts

6.      CLR images

7.      Multigrade images

8.      Nanotexts

9.      Nanostructures.

 

Hologram personification

Thermal  print: We can provide continuous thermal alphanumericals or separate codes like year of manufacturing etc. on each and every hologram to ensure 100% accountability of each and every hologram.  This method also allow us to print logos etc. All in White, black, red or blue colors.

Inkjet Numbering: We can provide continuous inkjet alpha numbering or separate codes like year of manufacturing etc. on each and every hologram to ensure 100% accountability of each and every hologram.

UV Numbering: We can provide continuous UV alpha numbering or separate codes like year of manufacturing etc. on each and every hologram which will not be visible to the naked eyes and can be seen using an Ultra Violet Light.

White Code Marking: We can provide codes, numbers or signature of any person on the hologram which will remain permanently visible on the hologram. These codes or signatures can be changed without effecting the holographic design from time to time.

Laser etching: We can also provide laser etching on the holograms which is permanent impression on the hologram. The laser etched portion in the hologram adapts the colour of the substrate on which it is pasted. Laser etching can include codes, alphanumeric continuous numbering, year, signature etc.

 

Products:

Hologram labels

Hot stamping foil

Printed paper and vinyl labels with holograms

Transparent holographic overlays and lamination pouches

Shrink sleeves with holograms

Holographic bags and pouches

Holographic lamination pouches

Holographic scratch off foil and labels

Other related holographic products