A Complete Guide to Laser Holograms (Including Tips on Setting Parameters)

This book provides a detailed explanation of the entire process, from design to finished product, of making holographic security labels. It covers the selection of materials, techniques for setting parameters, and actual applications.The company also offers practical solutions to common problems such as "the hologram manufacturing process" and "setting parameters for anti-counterfeiting labels," helping users to quickly grasp the core points of using holographic anti-counterfeiting technology.

Why are laser anti-counterfeiting labels needed?

Counterfeits are especially common in high-priced goods such as cosmetics and electronics.The unique holographic effect and the difficulty of copying them make laser anti-counterfeiting labels the ideal tool for protecting brands.But many people who are just getting into this field may feel that the technical barriers are high and the process is complicated. In fact, if you understand the key steps, you can get started on your own!

The process of making a holographic anti-counterfeiting label.

Step one: Design the anti-counterfeiting pattern.

The design is the core of the process. The design has to reflect the brand's character, and also contain hidden information (such as microtext or dynamic effects).It is recommended to use professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, and to keep lines as simple as possible, to avoid blurring in the laser cutting process.If you are a beginner, you can just contact a supplier to provide a library of templates, which is time-saving and safe.

Step 2: Choose the right materials.

The two most commonly used materials are PET aluminum-coated film and OPP holographic film.PET is strong and durable, and is suitable for long-term use in product packaging, while OPP is cheap, but easily scratched, and is suitable for short-term promotional labels.One little trick: When you select material, test the heat and humidity resistance. Don't wait until mass production to discover that the material peels off!

Step three: Parameter setting and equipment adjustment.

The laser power, frequency, and scanning speed are the three parameters that directly determine the quality of the finished product.For example, when carving fine patterns, the power is set at 25-30W, the frequency at 20kHz, and the scanning speed at about 800mm / s.However, there are differences in the results depending on the model of machine, so it is suggested that you first make 5-10 samples, compare the results, and then mass-produce.

Avoiding pitfalls in parameter settings.

The balance between resolution and clarity.

The higher the number of lines per millimeter, the more delicate the pattern. However, once the number exceeds 300 lines per millimeter, the human eye has difficulty distinguishing the differences, and the added cost is not worth it.For everyday use, 200-250 lines / mm will be enough to guarantee clarity and control costs.

The angle and the diffraction grating parameters.

Dynamic effects from multiple angles are a highlight of laser hologram anti-counterfeiting, but if the angles are set improperly, the image will be broken into fragments.The main view usually uses 30 ° to 45 °, and the auxiliary view uses 60 °, with the grating period controlled between 0.5 and 1.2 μm.If you're not sure, just let the equipment supplier set up the base parameters and you'll save a lot of time and effort.

Suggested application scenarios.

If the label is for the cap of a bottle of alcohol, the priority is to select a material that can withstand friction (PET), and the parameters should be set for a high power output (35 W and above) to ensure that the engraving is deep enough. When engraving labels for electronics, thickness is important to ensure that the device can be shut properly.Finally, a reminder: Anti-counterfeiting markings must be paired with a verification system (such as a QR code and hologram) to be effective.