Laser Colour Inkjet (LCI) Security Feature for Polycarbonate Passports & ID Cards
A high-quality full-colour photograph is an essential element for the new generation of Identity documents.
-
The LCI security feature
A full colour image in polycarbonate datapage for passports and ID cards. LCI is a holder’s photo enhancing feature that contributes to a higher level of security.
LCI is designed for polycarbonate materials and provides a bright fullcolour image by combining two technologies: a black laser engraved image in combination with an inkjet printed image.
The LCI process comprises three steps: first, a black laser engraved image is applied into the document body (making it impossible to remove without physical damage to the document). Secondly, a colour image is printed in cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) colours on top of the engraved image. After this is done, the ink is completely cured with a high power UV light in a single move with high-speed.
Thirdly and optionally a translucent varnish ink is applied on top of the colour image to increase surface abrasion resistance, which is also completely cured with a high power UV light.
-
LCI Family
The Laser Colour Inkjet Family is a family of security features that combine laser and inkjet to enhance the security of the document by adding complexity to the multi layered structure. Each variety holds a combination of different technologies to safeguard the ID document through high-quality full-colour portraits that are built from laser engraving (K) inside the polycarbonate and inkjet printing (CMY) on top. Special inks are used for high durability on polycarbonate and the family is ISO-certified for 10 years durability. Through the different variants, flexibility in document design is maintained at all time and its technologies are combinable with third parties' features.
LCI Protect
The LCI Protect is recommended for security documents and is built by combining a laser‑engraved black (K) image inside the polycarbonate with a high‑quality CMY inkjet‑printed image on top, finished with (an optional) matt varnish layer. This varnish improves the durability of the colour image and enhances tamper resistance, delivering long‑lasting performance for polycarbonate ID cards and data pages.
LCI Reveal
The LCI Reveal is recommended for high-security documents and integrates a Level 2 security feature within the main portrait. It includes a personalised protective layer that overlaps the portrait image with other biometric data, making it extremely hard to reproduce. The structure consists of multiple layers: layer 1 with varnish and UV ink, layer 2 with CMY printing, and layer 3 featuring a laser-engraved element inside the polycarbonate. The varnish layer maintains a matt finish, and ensures durability and enhances document integrity.
LCI UV Tactile
The LCI UV Tactile is recommended for security documents and builds on the LCI architecture by combining a laser‑engraved black (K) image inside polycarbonate with a CMY inkjet‑printed image protected by a matt varnish layer. The varnish is personalised with UV‑fluorescent tactile alphanumeric data placed over the portrait, detectable by touch and visible only under specific lighting while maintaining readability. This layered design improves durability and raises resistance to forgery.
-
Video
-
Downloads
More information about our systems, technologies and features is available in our brochures. You can download our brochures here. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require even more information.
