*Angela Bertuna, Tommaso Ceccatelli Martellini, Gerardo Coletta, Fabrizio Pitacco, Michele Tosti, Protec Surface Technologies, Brescia, Italy
PVD technology in the field of security printing was applied for the first time by Protec Surface Technologies. For over 10 years, innovations and improvements were achieved. The consolidated experience with PVD coatings for intaglio plates made Protec Surface Technologies a leading company in this area of expertise. Protec applied the High Power Pulsed (HPP) Magnetron Sputtering technology in the field of security printing, developing a specific thin film coating for intaglio plates. The basic characteristic of HPP technology is the distribution of current and voltage in short pulses. The duty cycle is ranging between 1% and 10% and peak power density ranging from 50 W/cm² to 104 W/cm². The as obtained coatings are characterized by high-quality, good corrosion resistance and low wearing rate. The film is also dense and smooth. Protec has developed a new PVD process based on HPP technology in the field of security printing setting a new milestone thanks to the achieved improvements.