Hologram technology has a wide range of uses, including applications in law enforcement, medical industries, and entertainment. Here, learn about the different types of holograms used for identity cards.
Did you ever wonder how holograms are used in identity cards? Holograms are a crucial part of an identity card’s security features. In this article, we will explain the types of holograms used in ID cards and how they can be applied.
Today, identity cards are one of the methods used to prove one’s identity. That is why holograms have been introduced in identity cards as they make it difficult to forge them or duplicate them.
Types of Holograms Used in ID cards
Holography is a method for encoding information that employs the propagation of light for storing, sharing, and transferring data. Holographic security features are commonly used in ID cards to provide a 3-dimensional image on the surface of your card. A hologram can be one color or multi-colored, can contain text and graphics and can be used to store information.
Holographic ID card security features are used on both government and privately issued cards. Government agencies require holograms to deter counterfeiting and fraud, while private companies use them to add an extra layer of protection against identity theft. Every ID card has a hologram on the surface that is used to make it more secure.
There are 3 types of holograms that are used to make ID cards:
– A plastic embossed hologram
– A metalized plastic embossed hologram (HoloGrip)
– An over laminated (gloss) hologram
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A Plastic Embossed Hologram
This is the most common type of hologram. This is where the image or logo is embossed into the plastic. The image cannot be seen from one angle, but when it moves, the image appears. This type of hologram is clear and will look the same on both sides of your ID card. It is often used in conjunction with other security features like micro printing and UV printing to make the ID even more secure.
An embossed hologram is a type that is made from a hot foil stamping process, creating a more three-dimensional and textured look compared to a glossier over laminated version. The embossed heats up the plastic giving it depth and dimension.
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Metalized Plastic Embossed Hologram (Hologrip)
This type of hologram has a layer of metal embedded into it making it more durable than a traditional plastic embossed hologram. It can also be made reflective which allows you to see some of the images from different angles which gives the illusion that there is 3D text or graphics on your ID card. This type of holographic security feature is usually used in conjunction with UV printing and micro printing to create a very secure ID card design.
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Over Laminated (Gloss) Hologram
An over laminated (gloss) hologram is two-layer laser-cut transparency pressed over a clear laminate with a reflective, metallic foil covering the entire surface. This type of holographic security feature uses three layers: The first layer adds stiffness and strength to the card while allowing light through to be reflected off of it at a specific angle.
Understanding how holograms are made can help you decipher between the different types of holograms. You should also learn about the characteristics of each type in order to ensure that your background check includes it. At this point in time, IDs with over laminated (gloss) holograms are required to be on any identification documents by the state they are being issued in.
When purchasing an ID card, it is important to know what kind you need to verify an identity and experience authenticity. Get the holographic ID cards here: https://heyfcc.org/shop/
