Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for the production of a partially metallised film element and a partially metallised film element produced by means of the process. A digital data set (332) which defines the graphical shape of the partial metallisation is produced. A tool path and control data for actuation of a tool (38) are calculated from the digital data set (332). The tool (38) and a single-layer or multi-layer film body (30) are moved relative to each other in accordance with the tool path. The tool (38), controlled by the control data, produces partial digital demetallisation of a metal layer (31), in particular by applying an etching agent or an etching resist or by erosion of the metal layer (31).

Abstract: The invention concerns an optically variable element, in particular an optically variable safeguard element for safeguarding banknotes, credit cards and the like, and a security product and a foil, in particular an embossing foil or a laminating foil, with such an optically variable element. The optically variable element has a thin film layer (54, 55, 58) for producing color change by means of interference and a further layer (51, 52, 53, 59). The thin film is in the form of a partial thin film element which covers the surface region of the further layer only in region-wise and pattern-shaped manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically variable element, in particular an optically variable safeguard element for safeguarding banknotes, credit cards and the like. The invention also relates to a security product and a foil, in particular an embossing foil or a laminating foil, having such an optically variable element. The optically variable element has a thin film for producing color shifts by means of an interference and/or a reflective layer. The optically variable element further has a transparent window. The interference film and/or the reflective layer include a partial element, namely a partial thin film element or a partial reflective element, respectively. The partial element or elements surround the surface region of the transparent window.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optically variable element and a security product having such an optically variable element, a foil, in particular an embossing foil or a laminating foil having such an optically variable element, and a process for producing such an optically variable element. The optically variable element has a thin film layer succession with at least one spacer layer for producing color shifts by means of interference. In a first region of the thin film layer succession the spacer layer is of a different layer thickness from in a second region of the thin film layer succession. In that case the layer thicknesses of the spacer layer in the first and second regions are so selected that in the first region of the thin film layer succession a first color shift is produced by means of interference and in the second region of the thin film layer succession a second color shift which is different from the first color shift is produced.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optically variable element, in particular an optically variable safeguard element for safeguarding banknotes, credit cards and the like, and a security product and a foil, in particular an embossing foil or a laminating foil, with such an optically variable element. The optically variable element has a thin film layer (54, 55, 58) for producing color change by means of interference and a further layer (51, 52, 53, 59). The thin film is in the form of a partial thin film element which covers the surface region of the further layer only in region-wise and pattern-shaped manner.

Abstract: A decoration foil for the decoration of three-dimensional substrate surfaces with heating comprises a carrier film which is a substantially amorphous, unstretched polyester, polyamide or polyamide-copolymer film on which is arranged a decorative layer which is formed by at least one lacquer layer printed thereon, with the formation of a decoration in accurate register relationship.

Abstract: In a method of three-dimensionally patterning the surface of a printing or embossing cylinder the surface of the cylinder is irradiated with exposure beams in accordance with the desired pattern and then the surface is patterned in accordance with the exposure. To achieve particularly fine structuring of the cylinder surface, the radiation dots serving to expose the surface are produced by means of beams which, before impinging on the surface of the cylinder, to form fine structures, are modified in accordance with the desired pattern by means of a beam-forming element. The pattern of the respective radiation dot which is impinged on to the cylinder surface is moved synchronously with respect to the movement of the cylinder surface in accordance with the rotary movement thereof.