Microprint
An image (figure / symbol / text) being 0,15–0,3 mm high which is performed by means of printing, blind embossing, demetallization, holography and etc. Microprinting is widely used in security documents where it comes as a background, forms patterns and images, enhances protection of holograms, security threads, etc.
Types of microprinting:
- positive — dark letters or figures on a light background;
- negative — light letters on a dark background (so-called "reverse printing", demetallization).
a
b
c
Fig. 1. USA. Permanent residence permit issued in 2010:
a — back side. Polymer substrate; b — the same. Microprint. Stripe with micro images of the U.S. presidents; c — the same. Zoomed fragment. Portrait of Barack Obama
a
b
Fig. 2. Ukraine. Passport card issued in 2016:
a — front side. Polymer substrate; b — the same. Negative and positive microprinting. Offset printing
a
b
Fig. 3. Greece. Passport issued in 2006:
a — page spread (pages 16-17). Background pattern. Paper substrate; b — the same. The background pattern is formed by microprints. Offset printing