TECHNOLOGY
What is a NanoTag?
An octagonal nickel microdot, 6–10 microns thin, carrying a physically etched Security Identification Code and an Optically Variable Device surface — virtually invisible, virtually indestructible.
NanoTags are made of nickel, octagon-shaped, 6–10 microns thin and 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm across. One side features a hologram-like nano image — technically an Optically Variable Device (OVD) — displaying changes of colour under different viewing angles. Unlike a real hologram, which appears as a meaningless grey mass under a microscope, NanoTags reveal fine branding detail and brilliant colour at 100× magnification.
The Security Identification Code (SIC) is etched physically through the body of the nickel tag. The same SIC repeats through thousands of NanoTags in each personalised batch, mixed with a proprietary UV-trace adhesive. Once dry, the encased NanoTags become resistant to water, most chemicals, and environments.
NanoTag's nickel substrate supersedes earlier plastic-based microdot technology. Plastic microdots begin deteriorating above 150°C and burn completely at 350°C. NanoTags withstand temperatures over 1,000°C without oxidising — even when adhesive burns away, the tags remain adhered to the surface with all information intact.
The Micro-STR microdot verification system uses breakthrough Scene Text Recognition technology to decipher microdots as small as 0.5 mm — reading up to 22 characters on a 1 mm dot — and instantly checking the code against an ownership database to verify the owner of the asset.
Until now, identifying NanoTag codes required a handheld microscope magnifier and manual recording of the visible data. The Micro-STR Reader and App makes this process entirely electronic, enabling real-time data extraction anywhere — in the field, in difficult environments, without specialist laboratory equipment.
Deployable by law enforcement agencies, insurance and warranty claims investigators, and microdot manufacturers and their distributors worldwide. Available as a SaaS subscription for rapid integration into existing workflows.
NanoTag's nickel substrate supersedes all earlier microdot technology. Plastic-substrate microdots begin to deteriorate at temperatures above 150°C, leading to gradual loss of information, and burn completely at 350°C.
NanoTags withstand over 1,000°C without oxidising. Even when the adhesive burns away, the nickel tags remain adhered to the surface, retaining all information. Nickel's melting point is 1,453°C.
In a fire test heated to 1,000°C, tags remained clean, adhered, and fully legible — with all SIC data intact. Additionally, NanoTag High Security Fusion Tape embedded in woven labels withstands over 50 washing and drying cycles at temperatures up to 650°C.
