What is a Laser Holographic Label?
Laser holographic labels, due to their unique production process, possess a high level of anti-counterfeiting capability. In the field of printing and packaging, my company has attempted to combine these labels with screen printing processes on cardboard boxes and integrate digital association functions. This approach not only enhances the anti-counterfeiting level but also meets customer-specific requirements and elevates the packaging quality.

In this article, I will share a real-life case of how a label was upgraded in terms of anti-counterfeiting after its formation. By starting with this case, I will introduce the main process combinations and the precautions during the production process.

Process Details

1. Main Materials and Equipment
•  Holographic Hot-Stamping Label: This label includes QR codes and digital information, with the two being interlinked.
•  Other Materials: UV screen printing varnish, screen printing ink, film, screen printing plate material, etc.
•  Main Equipment: Screen printing machine, etc.

2. Main Processes

•  Hot-Stamping Process: Generally, after the product has completed the previous process such as offset printing, the label is attached to the designated position on the cardboard box through hot-stamping.
•  Screen Printing Process: The upgrade of anti-counterfeiting through screen printing is mainly achieved through the screen printing process. On the digital information area, three layers are overlaid: a UV varnish layer, a scratch-off ink layer, and a UV black text layer. The dimensions and positions of these layers are determined based on the label and digital information. The main functions of these three layers are as follows:
•  UV Varnish Layer: Adding a varnish layer to the specified position on the label surface facilitates the combination of the scratch-off ink layer with the label and enhances the scratch-off effect.
•  Scratch-Off Ink Layer: This is the main part of the anti-counterfeiting upgrade. This layer covers the digital information and part of the QR code on the label. Consumers can scratch off the layer to reveal the covered digital information for anti-counterfeiting queries.
•  UV Black Text Layer: This layer adds black text such as "Scratch to Check Authenticity" on the scratch-off ink layer to guide consumers to perform anti-counterfeiting queries by scratching off the layer.

3. Functions Achieved by the Process

The combination of the label and screen printing process on the cardboard box allows consumers to scratch off the ink layer as prompted, use handheld devices to read the QR code, and compare the information with the covered digital code to verify the product's authenticity. This effectively protects the product's digital information and raises the anti-counterfeiting level compared to simply reading the QR code.

Production Process Precautions

1. Main Equipment Production Parameters
The main equipment production parameters include drying temperature, screen mesh count, and machine speed.
•  Drying Temperature: This directly affects the drying degree of the varnish and scratch-off ink. Too high or too low a temperature will impact the scratch-off effect.
•  Screen Mesh Count: This affects the thickness of the ink layer. A lower mesh count results in a thicker ink layer, which can affect the scratch-off effect; a higher mesh count results in a thinner ink layer, which can affect the coverage and adhesion of the scratch-off ink.
•  Machine Speed: This is crucial for production quality and efficiency.

2. Material Model Matching

Material model matching mainly refers to the compatibility of the UV varnish model, scratch-off ink model, and black ink model. The degree of compatibility among these three will directly affect the adhesion and ease of scratching off the scratch-off ink layer. In our actual production process, we match different types of varnish and ink according to the label and cardboard box types to ensure the quality of the scratch-off process.

3. Production Quality Requirements

•  UV Varnish and Scratch-Off Ink: The layers should be printed solidly, with neat edges, correct dimensions, and no ink leakage in other areas.
•  Scratch-Off Ink Testing: The first printed piece should be tested for adhesion and ease of scratching. The scratch-off effect should be good, with the information code being complete and clear after scratching.
•  UV Black Text Printing: The text should be clearly visible to the naked eye, with no missing strokes or blurring, and the font size should meet the requirements. There should be no ink leakage in other areas.
•  Focus on Registration Deviation: The registration deviation should meet the requirements. It is recommended to add a die-cut reference line on the film before platemaking and strictly print according to the die-cut line during screen printing.

4. Other Precautions

•  Deformation Rate of Semi-Finished Products: In our actual production process, we do not make screen film in advance. The deformation rate of semi-finished products can also affect the registration deviation. Before the process, the deformation rate of the semi-finished products should be accurately measured, and the screen film should be made according to the deformation to ensure the quality of the finished product.
•  Packaging of Finished Products: After the screen printing process, necessary protective measures should be taken for the finished products to prevent the effects of environmental changes or long storage times.
•  Follow-Up with Customer Usage: If necessary, follow up on the customer's usage situation.