No.1. How to realize the ‘magic’ of Optical Variable Ink?
Optical variable ink is a high-tech materials based on optical interference effect, through the multi-layer film structure (such as silicon dioxide, magnesium fluoride,
etc.) of the precise stacking, using light wave reflection and transmission of the phase difference between the color with the view angle or the changes effect in lighting conditions. For example, certain light-change inks can appear green when viewed directly and change to purple when tilted at a certain angle.
In addition, Optical Variable Ink is also divided into two categories: -thermal-sensitive and light-sensitive:
Thermal: triggering color change through temperature change, commonly used in temperature control marking;
Light-sensitive: rely on specific light wavelengths (such as ultraviolet) to stimulate color change, widely used in the field of anti-counterfeiting.
No.2. the vacuum coating equipment -Optical Variable Ink manufacturing ‘pushing hands‘
The production of Optical Variable Ink is inseparable from the core technology of vacuum coating equipment support. Its role is mainly reflected in:
1.Precise film formation
Through physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology, nano level films are coated layer by layer in a vacuum environment to ensure that the each layer material refractive index and thickness are precisely controlled.
2. Uniformity and Stability
The vacuum environment isolates the interference of impurities and avoids oxidization or contamination, which guarantees the stability of the optical properties of the film.
3.Scale production
Applicable to consumer electronics, optical components and other industrial scenarios to meet the demand for high-precision, high-volume coating.
No3. The technical advantages of Optical Variable Ink – why become the anti-counterfeiting field of the ‘invisible shield’?
1. Excellent anti-counterfeiting performance
Difficult to copy: Multi-layer film structure requires complex technology and special materials, high imitation cost;
Instant identification: the color change is visible to the naked eye, no need for professional equipment to quickly identify the authenticity.
2. Durability and environmental protection
Wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, can maintain the effect for a long time;
Vacuum coating process is pollution-free, in line with the trend of green manufacturing.
3. Design Flexibility
Support silkscreen, gravure printing and other printing methods, can be customized dynamic patterns, both functional and aesthetic value.
No.4. The application range of Optical Variable Ink
1. High-end cosmetic packaging: used for makeup, nail art, logo, customized packaging, etc., which makes the products show unique color-changing effect under the light and enhances the brand texture.
2. Anti-counterfeiting printing: widely used in banknotes, anti-counterfeiting documents, credit cards, etc., to ensure that the products are not easy to be forged.
3. High-end auto parts decoration: some high-end car companies began to use optical variable ink to decorate the interior parts, adding unique visual effects to the automobile dashboard, logos, etc.
Along With the vacuum coating technology iteration (e.g., roll to roll coating, flexible substrate coating), optical variable ink will further expand the application boundary:
New energy field – efficiency coating of photovoltaic film;
Intelligent wearable field – color-changing materials combined with flexible electronics;
Meta-universe interaction field – virtual and reality fusion of dynamic visual effects.
Zhenhua vacuum Optical Variable Ink coating solution–GX2350A electron beam evaporation coating equipment
The equipment adopts electron beam evaporation coating technology, electrons are emitted from the filament, focused into a certain beam current, accelerated by the potential between the electron gun and the crucible, so that the coating material melts and evaporates, featuring high energy density, which can make the coating material whose melting point is up to more than 3,000 degrees C evaporate, and the film layer is of high purity and high thermal efficiency.
The equipment is equipped with electron beam evaporation source, ion source, film thickness monitoring system, film thickness correction structure, stable umbrella-shaped workpiece rotation system; through the ion source assisted coating, increase the film layer denseness, stabilize the refractive index, to avoid the phenomenon of wavelength moisture shift; through the full-automatic real-time monitoring system of the film thickness to ensure the process reproducibility and stability ; equipped with the function of the self-melting material to reduce the dependence on the operators skills.
The equipment is suitable for all kinds of oxide and metal coating materials; it can be coated with multi-layer precision optical films, such as AR film, long wavelength pass, short wavelength pass, brightness enhancement film, AS/AF film, IRCUT, color film system, gradient film system, etc.; it has been widely used in anti-counterfeit materials, color cosmetic products, cell phone glass cover, camera, eyeglasses lenses, optical lenses, swimming goggles, skiing protective goggles, PET film/composite plate, PMMA, Light-variable magnetic film, etc.
— This article is released by electron beam evaporation coating machine manufacturer Zhenhua Vacuum
Post time: Feb-26-2025