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| API’s demetalliser and its supporting production line is one of the most advanced in the world |
Security specialist API Holographics has installed a new state-of-the-art demetallisation line to enhance its capabilities for security applications.
Custom built to API’s specification, the demetalliser and its supporting production line is one of the most advanced in the world. While almost all existing demetallisers are separate units retrofitted to existing production lines, this is a fully integrated, purpose-built machine which increases the company’s capacity for high tech, high spec demetallisation.
The demetallisation process offers a significant additional layer of security to bank notes, tax stamps and other security applications. Because of the high cost and extreme specialisation of the machinery, demetallisation is not something the counterfeiter can readily access. In addition, the effect of demetallisation cannot be convincingly copied by other more readily available means so it is a technique that counterfeiters are unable to duplicate or imitate.
As with other holographic features, demetallisation offers sophisticated and visually appealing creative opportunities. The process, which sees areas of metallised holograms ‘etched away’, can be registered to the holographic design to give additional security. The new demetalliser can reproduce text and numbers down to the very finest detail reflecting the increasingly high quality of API’s design and origination capabilities.
The new production line forms part of a £3million investment into API’s high security site in Salford which, along with the upgrade and recalibration of existing machinery to maximise production efficiency, serves to highlight further the commitment API is placing in its future business.
Speaking on these current investments, API Holographics’ Managing Director, Heath Thomas, said: “We are working in a highly specialised area where the market constantly demands that we evaluate and evolve our technology. This major investment in the new demetallisation line, designed and purpose-built to API’s specification, keeps API Holographics at the forefront of the security world.
“With the capacity for end-to-end manufacturing, from design and origination of holograms to manufacturing of the holographic materials, we are able to work closely with customers, creating bespoke fit-for-purpose products.”
