A Peek into Crane Currency's Technical Design

Through proactive collaboration, the technical designers validate concepts, exploring new ways to convert designs into production-ready specifications. The approach has led to notable improvements –  enhancements in printability, an increase in production efficiency, and reductions in technical problems.

“The improvements are recorded during the Technical Design and Proofing phases where we evaluate the proof print result, improve where necessary and anticipate any possible issues that may arise in production. Central Banks benefit from being involved in this process providing feedback prior to the full print production phase. Expectations are set and clearly aligned, giving them an additional layer of assurance. The entire refinement and optimization process has been proven to improve production yields and contributes to on time delivery in line with customer quality expectations.”

Crane Currency’s Holistic Approach

Traditional banknote design typically progresses from an initial mood board to detailed design using specialized security software exclusive to the security printing industry. At Crane Currency, this critical phase, often referred to as ‘banknotization’, is managed in two processes Security Design and Technical Design. This ensures exceptional precision, supported by a rigorous quality control protocol known as the “4-Eye Principle”, a quality control process where two individuals review and approve printed materials before they are finalized. This ensures accuracy, consistency, and adherence to specifications.

“Our expertise in tolerances, distortions, and registration throughout the printing process is essential,” says Stefan. “Applying our knowledge broadly ensures high-quality outcomes."

The Art of Security – Innovation Meets Practicality

The team utilizes leading industry software, including Corvina and One Security, effectively handling intricate production challenges such as continuous design patterns, eliminating visual distortions like moiré effects, managing precise plate alignment using trapping, and achieving smooth transitions between printing techniques such as offset fade towards intaglio printing.

Technical designers confirm tolerances and produce precise specification documents guiding production, and create accurate digital simulations to detect potential conflicts between security features early in the process.

Stefan, who joined Crane Currency in 2018, became head of the Technical Design team in January 2023. Under his leadership, the team blends meticulous precision with creative problem-solving, proactively enhancing security features and anti-counterfeit measures.

“We are also a partner in ensuring that the visual effects of Crane micro-optics, the industry’s renowned security technology, are delivered with the desired security and beauty,” says Stefan. “Our proprietary layout editor enables our colleagues to design archetypes, visualize graphics, and streamline tooling and colorization processes.”