An alternative to “ink based printing” has been developed by researchers which could be used to improve security labels.
Science News reported that the development of the new technique “carving nanostructures with a laser” creates longer lasting colours than ink based printing. The laser technique was developed in Denmark by Anders Kristensen and his team at the Technical University of Denmark.
According to the report only three materials are required “plastic, germanium and a protective coating” to make the objects in specific colours with the new printer which can make images at “resolutions of up to 127,000 dots per inch” as opposed to traditional laser printers which have a resolution of 20,000 dpi and inkjets only reach 4,800dpi.
Researcher say that the “encrypted information could improve security seals” and watermarks and that the new technique could lead to “new displays including 3D”.