At a glance
What a NanoTag is
- Each NanoTag provides a unique and permanent identity to any item and its components.
- Each batch with as few as 500 and as many as thousands of NanoTags have chemically etched, a unique Security Identification Code (SIC) of up to 7 alpha-numeric digits.
- The Optically Variable Device (holographic) nickel substrate of the NanoTag can display any brand image or logo.
- NanoTags are suspended in a UV sensitive security adhesive and are applied by various patented applications.
- NanoTags are virtually indestructible and available in sizes from 0.3 to 5 millimeters depending upon application.
- Location of the tags is identified with a portable black light and the SIC code is readable with a handheld microscope.
- NanoTags provide invisible security and identification for each industry.
- NanoTags are made of nickel, in the shape of Octagons, 6-10 microns thin, mostly in sizes 0.3mm, 0.5mm and 1.0mm in diameter.
OVD nano-image
A brand image you can only see at 100×
One side of the NanoTags features the micro image of a personalised brand, created to order. This is a hologram-like nano image displaying changes of colour under different viewing angles. Technically not a hologram, it is known as an “optically variable device” or OVD. A real hologram viewed under a microscope is seen as a meaningless grey mass of micro-particles, but the images on a NanoTag under a microscope reveals the branding in fine detail and brilliant colours.
The Security Identification Code (SIC) is etched physically through the body of the nickel tag. The same SIC is repeated through the thousands of NanoTags contained in each personalised set of NanoTag products and they are mixed with a special proprietary adhesive. Once dry, the NanoTags are encased in a crystal-clear coat, resistant to water, most chemicals and environments.
The tags are extremely robust and chemically resistant. They can withstand temperatures of over 1000⁰C without oxidizing and have a melting point of 1453⁰C.
Specifications
Technical data
- Material
- Nickel (Ni)
- Shape
- Octagonal
- Thickness
- 6–10 microns
- Diameter
- 0.3 – 5 mm
- SIC length
- Up to 7 alpha-numeric
- Surface
- Optically Variable Device
- Adhesive
- UV-sensitive security adhesive
- Max temperature
- >1,000°C
- Melting point
- 1,453°C
- Detection
- UV black light + microscope
- Batch size
- 500 – thousands
- IP protection
- Patents & trade secrets
Detection
Shine a UV torch — the adhesive glows
NanoTags are supplied suspended in a variety of adhesives, each tailored for various applications, and all of which contain UV trace elements. Once any of the adhesives have dried they become transparent and virtually invisible. Finding the areas where NanoTag products have been applied is easy; one simply needs to shine a UV torch and the UV trace elements in the dried adhesive glow in this light. Once the adhesive is located you know there are NanoTags contained within that area.
Once NanoTags have been detected it is easy to see the brand logo and SIC number on tags through a portable or digital microscope or a microscope-camera.
