What it is?
Optical Variable Inks are special inks changing their aspect depending on the viewers position and lightning conditions.
How do you detect it?
OVI detection is performed with the naked eye and by following a certain process. The user has to be properly trained to draw a reliable conclusion.
How does it work?
Optical Variable Inks contain special pigments which displays multiple, distinct colors depending on the viewing angle.
What do we think about this technology?
OVI is a special case of OVD. However, it has the huge advantage over hologram to minimize production costs since it is printed. However, they are often silk-screen printed which is a slow and expensive technology. Printing with cheaper technologies, like offset or flexography, may lead to a less visible effect, since the deposited ink thickness is lower. It also has all the other drawbacks of OVD (visibility, low security, etc) and has therefore few useful applications in brand protection. This technology adds substantial cost to the manufacturing and replacing it with a Cryptoglyph® (or AlpVision Fingerprint® if the OVI is on the product) will provide both higher security and user friendliness when inspected.
Field of application
Banknotes, certificates, permits, deeds, cosmetics, packaging and car.
