Every packaging is unique
The advancement by Fraunhofer IPM makes it possible to record and identify each individual package during the production process and to store the specially generated digital code in a database. Not an easy task, when one considers the high rates of production of e.g. modern offset printers: the printed sheets are conveyed forwards at a speed of up to ten metres per second and the fine paper structures are only fractions of millimetres in size. Nevertheless, the method achieves an impressively high standard of security in the application example “sheet offset printing” – and that, with costs which are considerably lower than methods that use security features applied subsequently. The method is currently being subjected to performance tests in the project O-PUR together with the printer manufacturer, manroland, and sponsored by the Federal Department of Education and Research (BMBF). “Since we are applying no additional materials, but simply exploiting the available offset printing, one could say that we are providing security at virtually no cost”, says Dr. Dominik Giel from the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM.

Security at zero cost
However, not just paper possesses an individual, unique surface structure. Also, metal surfaces, plastics and high quality natural products, such as leather and wood have structures which make it possible to trace each product that is given a unique code. “To recognize the uniqueness of each material and find a solution adapted to the specific production processes”, says Dr. Giel, “requires a great deal of know-how.”

O-PUR – Original Product Security and Traceability System:
The Original Product Security and Traceability System, O-PUR, is a method which can be broadly applied in industry. O-PUR allows ideal, economical product security that can only be falsified through enormous efforts and is based on matrix code and a fingerprint. The concept consists of exploiting the individual interdependencies which are associated with the printing, engraving or embossing processes. Partners of the O-PUR project are manroland AG, Epyxs, the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Omnitron AG, EINS GmbH; O-PUR is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)