The invention relates to the field of the protection of security documents such as for example banknotes and identity documents against counterfeit and illegal reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides processes for optical effect layers (OEL) exhibiting two or more nested indicia using a magnetic assembly comprising i) a soft magnetic plate (x31) comprising a) one or more voids (V) and b) one or more indentations (I) and/or one or more protrusions (P), and ii) one or more dipole magnets (x32).

The invention relates to the field of the protection of security documents such as for example banknotes and identity documents against counterfeit and illegal reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides processes for optical effect layers (OEL) exhibiting two or more nested indicia using a magnetic assembly comprising i) a soft magnetic plate (x31) comprising a) one or more voids (V) and b) one or more indentations (I) and/or one or more protrusions (P), and ii) one or more dipole magnets (x32).

A semi-finished product method with a liquid crystal security feature includes unrolling and transporting a continuous film in a transporting direction and providing on the film a liquid crystal layer containing a substance whose absorption of polarized light depends on its orientation. The method includes at least one of (A) arranging a lacquer layer on the film and embossing it for a first alignment structure, and at least partly covering it with the liquid crystal layer, the first alignment structure able to cause liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to align only in a first direction in first regions and only in a second direction, in second regions, and (B) embossing the liquid crystal layer while the liquid crystal layer is uncured providing a second alignment structure to cause liquid crystal molecules to align only in a third direction in third regions and only in a fourth direction, in fourth regions.

A semi-finished product method with a liquid crystal security feature includes unrolling and transporting a continuous film in a transporting direction and providing on the film a liquid crystal layer containing a substance whose absorption of polarized light depends on its orientation. The method includes at least one of (A) arranging a lacquer layer on the film and embossing it for a first alignment structure, and at least partly covering it with the liquid crystal layer, the first alignment structure able to cause liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to align only in a first direction in first regions and only in a second direction, in second regions, and (B) embossing the liquid crystal layer while the liquid crystal layer is uncured providing a second alignment structure to cause liquid crystal molecules to align only in a third direction in third regions and only in a fourth direction, in fourth regions.

Provided is a phase difference film formed of a resin containing a polymer having crystallizability. The phase difference film has an NZ factor of less than 1 and an in-plane retardation Re that satisfies 125 nm≤Re≤345 nm. The polymer has a crystallization degree of 15% or more. Alternatively, the polymer is an alicyclic structure-containing polymer being a hydrogenated product of a ring-opening polymer of dicyclopentadiene.

Provided is a phase difference film formed of a resin containing a polymer having crystallizability. The phase difference film has an NZ factor of less than 1 and an in-plane retardation Re that satisfies 125 nm≤Re≤345 nm. The polymer has a crystallization degree of 15% or more. Alternatively, the polymer is an alicyclic structure-containing polymer being a hydrogenated product of a ring-opening polymer of dicyclopentadiene.

The present invention relates to the field of and processes and printing apparatuses for producing optical effect layers (OEL) comprising magnetically oriented platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles on a substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to processes using printing apparatuses comprising a first magnetic-field-generating device mounted on a transferring device (TD) and a static second magnetic-field-generating device for producing said OELs as anti-counterfeit means on security documents or security articles or for decorative purposes.

The present invention relates to the field of and processes and printing apparatuses for producing optical effect layers (OEL) comprising magnetically oriented platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles on a substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to processes using printing apparatuses comprising a first magnetic-field-generating device mounted on a transferring device (TD) and a static second magnetic-field-generating device for producing said OELs as anti-counterfeit means on security documents or security articles or for decorative purposes.

The present invention relates to the field of magnetic assemblies and processes for producing optical effect layers (OELs) comprising magnetically oriented non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles on a substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to magnetic assemblies processes for producing said OELs as anti-counterfeit means on security documents or security articles or for decorative purposes.

The present invention relates to a security device comprising a colloidal crystal which exhibits excellent visibility and is also easily manufactured. The security device, according to the present invention, comprises: a substrate; a groove part formed on the substrate; a colloidal crystal positioned in the groove part; and an aging film. The security device, according to the present invention, exhibits excellent security and visibility, and thus may be used for securities, credit cards, security cards, anti-forgery products, etc.