Security Ink

SMI Security Inks delivers advanced authentication solutions to enable global corporations to protect their products from brand compromise such as counterfeiting, diversion and adulteration, and recover a significant percentage of the company’s lost revenue. It is estimated that more than $1 trillion is lost annually to brand compromise.

SMI develops overt and covert security ink technology for brand protection and the prevention of product counterfeiting. The company specializes in multi-tiered solutions that can be combined with standard or secure proprietary symbology. The solutions can be adapted for use with machine reading systems, vision systems, and database-linked barcode systems.

SMI has been researching and developing new technology and concepts in the fields of anti-counterfeit and anti-diversion, as well as pioneering the multi-tiered-product-security-system or “security in layers” – the union of overt or semi-covert features with one or more covert features with machine readability.

SMI currently holds a number of patents and trade secrets in the form of inks, coatings, materials and processes many years ahead of emerging technology.

• A unique layering of a nearly unlimited number covert, machine readable features into an extremely hard to replicate overt feature
• Security levels based on a “need to know” basis
• Using secure proprietary technologies, patents and trade secrets
• Seamless integration into an existing printing process
• Manufactured and shipped with an elaborate series of checks and balances

Overt security technologies allow for validation by the naked eye without complex instrumentation

Semi-Covert security technologies are normally invisible but may react to heat, special pens, abrasion or ultraviolet lighting.

• Thermochromic
• Pen Reactive
• Heat Reactive
• Coin Reactive
• UV Fluorescent
• IR-Invisible
• UV Absorbing

Covert security technologies

Covert security technologies are only detectable with the use of sophisticated devices.

IR Absorbing security technology allow a normally invisible ink to absorb particular wavelengths of light, creating a sharp contrast with the background.
IR Reflecting security technologies are invisible with normal means, but allow the printed image to brightly fluoresce upon exposure to specific infrared light wavelengths.
IR Fluorescent security technology are invisible with normal means, but brightly fluoresce upon exposure to specific infrared light wavelengths.

Radio frequency security technology reacts to exposure of particular bandwidths of radio frequencies, validating the product with sophisticated security devices…

Magnetic security technology can easily differentiate as well as validate products. Time proven technology, implemented in common bank checks as well as currency. Infrared Invisible inks are often used with infrared fluorescent marking inks for machine readability.

Phosphorescents collect and store light, then release it only when exposed to a very particular light wavelength. Extremely high level of protection.