Insights
Today’s Trends, Tomorrow’s Cash: Real Security Begins Virtually
In today’s fast paced world of currency design, innovation and creativity are key to staying ahead of counterfeiters and meeting the public’s need for secure banknotes. Crane Currency, a global leader in banknote design and security is at the forefront of this evolution, blending cutting-edge technology with human expertise to create banknotes that are as secure as they are beautiful.
Designing for Authentication
Public security is at the top of our agenda. And, effective security is driven by an authentication process that occurs within fractions of a second.
Crane Currency has developed its own micro-optic design software to enable the fast creation and iteration of accurate central bank designs. Two examples of this were presented during the Webinar; the first being from Banco de México, the Jalisco House Note; and the other The Beauty of Life, House Note from Crane Currency.
Banco de México: The Jalisco House Note
To commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Jalisco printing works, Banco de México partnered with Crane Currency to create the Jalisco House Note – a testament to innovation and collaboration. The central bank rigorously evaluated over 100 security features and eventually selected CCL Secure’s Vivid™ Level 2 UV feature and Crane’s MOTION SURFACE®.
The design process became a friendly competition between two Banco de México design teams. Crane’s micro-optic designer, Jason Van Gumster, played a pivotal role using proprietary design software to create and animate MOTION SURFACE visual effects in real time for both teams. The process hastened the finalization of the chosen overall design delivering a fully customised, production ready MOTION SURFACE design.
The Jalisco House Note is a perfect example of the kind of collaboration Crane Currency’s process brings to working with central banks in realizing their vision of a customized feature. Tod Niedeck took the moment to honor Linda Rodriguez, Banco de México’s senior manager, who played an instrumental role in the project.
“Linda was a force for innovation, a great manager and an industry expert,” Tod said. “Her vision and leadership were pivotal in bringing the Jalisco House note to life, it’s a legacy that continues to inspire us.”
The Beauty of Life: Crane’s Ode to Ecosystem Preservation
Inspired by the ecosystems surrounding the paper manufacturing facilities in Sweden and the U.S., Crane Currency unveiled its Beauty of Life house note at the Global Currency Forum. This vibrant design uses Crane’s micro-optics to showcase the unsung heroes of healthy ecosystems, like ladybugs, snails, frogs and salamanders, brought to life with bold three dimensionality.The MOTION SURFACE visual effects mesh with printed elements all of which reside below, above and on the surface of the house note. For example:
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3D Topo Effects – a snail’s shell and salamander provide bold 3D visual cues, seeming to rise out of the note, and contrast with a red intaglio printed ladybug
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Deep Effects – kicking frogs, create dynamic motion below the surface of the note.
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Nanometer Precision microtext underscore the complexity and the security of the technology.
Merging Virtual and Real Worlds: Tools and Talent
At the heart of these designs is Crane Currency’s micro-optic technology – a revolutionary system that allows designers to create seamless, interactive patterns, fluid movements and effects. However, as advanced as the technology is, it is the human expertise that truly makes these ground-breaking innovations possible. Their work bridges the gap between the virtual world of digital design and the demands of real world security.
Reflecting on the positive reactions the Beauty of Life House Note received at the Global Currency Forum, VP of Global Design Yadira Sierra reminded us that “Behind every secure design are real people, who continue to develop both the tools and their talents for us to meet our customers’ requirements and turn their vision into a reality.”
Watch Crane Currency's Section from the Webinar here
