When it comes to designing any security document, the design, specification and integration sit at the very heart of its success.
As substrate specialists, our knowledge goes beyond just paper, also encompassing polymer, polycarbonate and a whole host of other miscellaneous materials and mediums.
We have specialist designers, with over 20 years of experience, on hand ready to interpret customer artwork or requests for watermark concepts into workable, functional watermarks.
The design team works hand in glove with our manufacturing colleagues to interpret and deliver the very best possible designs for our clients.
Inclusions refer to threads, fibres and planchettes – additional security features embedded into the sheet itself during the papermaking process.
Expertly layering the features that are built into the design of a security document – whether it is the furnish or the feature
The best way to explain and bring this process to life is to showcase it with a real-life example
When it comes to designing any security document, the design, specification and integration sit at the very heart of its success. That is why, here at Portals, we take a completely holistic approach to every project we undertake.
Successful design and realisation of the finished security document is of the highest importance. We look at a document’s requirements as a whole, and not just the substrate in isolation, working collaboratively with our partners and clients to define the optimal solution.
We strive to integrate and layer every element so that the final piece works harmoniously to deliver a document that is not only highly secure and engineered for performance but is also aesthetically beautiful too.
Our team of highly experienced designers are experts in all aspects of substrate design – but it is the combined and collective knowledge of all parties working together that ensures the very best of results.
As substrate specialists, our knowledge goes beyond just paper, also encompassing polymer, polycarbonate and a whole host of other miscellaneous materials and mediums.
Regarding paper though – our very favourite of all the substrates – our team will focus their specific attentions on the following;
– The paper furnish and technical specification are always informed by the requirements of the end product. This includes technical design, functionality, security, printability and durability aspects.
– The selection of required security features comes next; what threats need to be countered? What features do we want to include in the substrate such as watermarks or inclusions? What print and finishing techniques will be applied or incorporated in the final documents – and how will that affect the paper design?
– Last, but by no means least, comes the design aesthetics phase; the storytelling and the narrative that binds the document together.
We have specialist designers, with over 20 years of experience, on hand ready to interpret customer artwork or requests for watermark concepts into workable, functional watermarks.
Good design makes a watermark an even more powerful security feature and should be used as an integral part of the overall design to complement the print and other security features.
Watermark designs have typically depicted portraits, national crests or emblems, but there is also an opportunity to expand beyond the boundaries of this traditional approach to incorporate watermark designs that are more integral to the format of the document: truly harmonising with the other design elements, limited only by the imagination.
At Portals, we seamlessly combine cylinder mould and electrotype watermarking capabilities, incorporating Textmark™, Skylight™, Edgestone™ and Cornerstone® features into the mix as required – by enhancing the complexity of the watermark you also significantly increase its security.
The design team works hand in glove with our manufacturing colleagues to interpret and deliver the very best possible designs for our clients. Once a design concept is agreed, visuals are selected and converted into high-definition tonal drawings before we develop them into complex 3D digital designs suitable for the watermarking process.
At this point, in constant communication still with our designers, the process is handed over to the Mould Office who will then physically turn the design into the engraved embossing plates and embossed mesh sections used to create the actual watermark on the paper machine.
Inclusions refer to threads, fibres and planchettes – additional security features embedded into the sheet itself during the papermaking process.
We can design custom elements in a variety of designs, formats, and visible / invisible UV colours. Inclusions are used to best effect when their positioning within the sheet is coordinated with other design and feature elements to deliver an overall and integrated effect.
Expertly layering the features that are built into the design of a security document – whether it is the furnish or the features, the print or the personalisation – ensures the document’s security, integrity and trust.
From the watermark artwork to invisible UV pattern-work or latent print, the integration of security features is deliberately complex, so it always remains ahead of the counterfeiters.
As a part of this solution layering, the team at Portals is driven by a desire to explore, develop and innovate; to push the boundaries of conventional design to create something new and exciting.
Specialising in hybrid and combination features, we actively and intentionally fuse together the traditional with the latest of technologies, the functional with the aesthetic and security with the easiest of features to verify and authenticate.
It is certainly fair to say that we love the role we play in delivering overall Solution Design!
The best way to explain and bring this process to life is to showcase it with a real-life example …. Take a look at the process we went through to design and develop the new “Portals Space Book”;
Step 1 - Concept development
Concept development incorporates a series of creative investigations and development of ideas and feasibility studies including mood boards, rough sketches and themes. Our design team will also be collaborating at high level with print and security feature partners to connect thoughts and ideas.
Step 2 - Mock-up & simulation
At the next stage of the process, Mock-up & simulation, we start to refine the design details and build in complexity. This includes the early development of security features and design artwork integration, alongside an understanding of where the feature will be placed in the final document. The output of this phase is a comprehensive exploded product view diagram that explains the features, layering and positioning of all elements of design.
Step 3 - Manufacturing design & origination
Step 3 takes us to Manufacturing design & origination. Here we will be working closely alongside our partners to finalise the integration, alignment and coordination of functions and features so that they all work in perfect harmony together. This stage may also include transmission views, uv registration and print overlays. We will then trial the designs before production.
The Role of Furnish in a Secure Passport
The Fundamentals of a Trusted Identity
The Foundations of a Passport
Working in Perfect Partnership
Focused on a Sustainable Future
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