Abstract: There is described a method for varnishing security documents, especially intaglio-printed security documents such as banknotes, wherein both sides of the security documents are covered by a protective varnish. The method comprises the step of applying a thicker layer of protective varnish on a side of the security documents which exhibits a greater surface roughness, especially the side which is opposite to the side of the security documents which was last printed by intaglio printing. Also described in a varnishing machine for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: There is described a method for varnishing security documents, especially intaglio-printed security documents such as banknotes, wherein both sides of the security documents are covered by a protective varnish. The method comprises the step of applying a thicker layer of protective varnish on a side of the security documents which exhibits a greater surface roughness, especially the side which is opposite to the side of the security documents which was last printed by intaglio printing. Also described in a varnishing machine for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: A composite identity marking comprising first and second identity markings is provided on a substrate (1) of a security document. The first identity marking is provided by a first marking station (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) by bringing a first side of said substrate (1) into marking relationship with said first marking station (5, 5?, 5?, 5??). The second identity marking is provided by a second marking station on a portion of the second side of said substrate (1) provided with a layer of material (60) capable of absorbing a substantial amount of radiation emitted by a laser beam. Said laser beam is produced by a laser marking station (6, 6?) included in said second marking station and directed onto said layer of absorbing material (60) through the first side of the substrate and across said substrate to form said second identity marking only on said second side of the substrate (1).

Abstract: Described is a process for the production of a multi-layer body comprising a first layer which is formed from micro-optical structures and which at least partially covers over one or more further layers having image regions and/or effect regions which produce an optical effect, wherein the micro-optical structures are arranged in register relationship with the image regions and/or effect regions. The micro-optical structures (6a, 6b) as well as the image regions and/or effect regions are applied by means of intaglio printing. There are also described a multi-layer body produced with that process and a security document having that multi-layer body.

Abstract: Processing unit 8 is programmed to send control signals to all the members 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, 63 of two or more marking stations functioning with different printing technologies. Station 5 for instance functions with a mechanical typography system and station 6 is a laser marking station, the laser beam of which interacts with a light absorbing material applied on the rear side of the sheet 1, without substantially interacting with the front side of sheet 1 and the substrate of sheet 1.