Semi-conductor

A semi-conducting material has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor, such as metal, and an insulator, such as glass. Semi-conductive inks can be used to create printed antennae.

Security thread

Polyester threads that are either fully or partially embedded down the length of paper during the paper-forming process. Fully embedded threads – typically less than 1.8mm wide – can only be viewed when the document is held up to the light. Partially embedded threads...

Screen (silkscreen) printing

A process that uses a fine mesh with an impermeable coating, selected areas of which have been removed to allow the ink to pass through. Screen printing produces a thick ink layer that is ideal for printing optical effect security features.

Security paper

Paper typically manufactured from wood pulp or cotton containing security features such as watermarks and security fibres that are difficult to reproduce.

Security fibre

Inclusions added to security paper during manufacture comprising randomly distributed short thin fibres with specific optical or spectroscopic properties.