Hologram Stickers

Specifications and Application Tips:
- Holo-Guard & Ultra-Guard

The specifications and application tips on this page pertain only to the Holo-Guard and Ultra-Guard Hologram security labels.

A) Typical Applications

  • Electronic equipment complying with FIPS 140-1, FIPS 140-2, & FIPS 140-3
  • Extreme temperature environments ranging from -85F to +300F
  • Low energy surfaces (plastics, etc) where conventional adhesives do not bond
  • Other High Security Applications

B) Registry of hologram images and custom imprints:

Designated stock hologram labels must be custom imprinted with unique text, a logo or unique serial number. For added security, we maintain a register of all custom imprints on stock labels to prevent more than one customer from using the same custom imprint. For security reasons, we do no sell the designated stock labels without a custom imprint. For security labels with pre-assigned serial number, our numbering convention assures no duplicates.

C) Specifications & Intended Use:

1. Labels are constructed of durable polyester film (.002 inches thick).

2. Labels are die cut to size for easy removal, and provided on rolls with “peel and stick” adhesive backing.

3. The adhesive is a solvent permanent acrylic, which is compatible with most bare metal, painted metal, fiberglass, PVC, and some other plastic surfaces.

For low energy surfaces (plastic, powder-coated paint, etc), request free samples to test before ordering. We recommend Ultra-Guard labels for these applications.

The adhesive is compatible for exterior applications; minimum thickness is .001 inch thick.

4. Tamper evident polyester labels have a printed silicon release under the hologram image. Holo-Guard labels have a dot pattern. Ultra-Guard labels have a VOID OPENED pattern.

When removed, the release will self destruct the hologram image, leaving a pattern of dots (or OPENED VOID) in the film and a “high residue” being left on the surface. Over 90% of the label area is covered with release, which produces the “high residue” adhesive and enhances the tamper evident security feature.

5. Background colors and imprint inks are colorfast for exposure to sunlight. Black will not fade for at least 5 years. Colors will not fade for at least one year, typically two years or more.

• Resolution of custom imprint is 200 to 300 dpi.

• Imprint Color Specifications for Hologram Labels: Green = PMS Green C; Dark blue = PMS 286 C; Red = PMS 192 C

6. Stock labels are designed for manual application. Labels may be supplied on paper or film liner. If auto-affixing, please let us know so we can confirm the labels are compatible with your affixing equipment.

7. Each roll of labels is on a 3 inch ID core is provided with a dispenser carton.

8. Typical labels/roll is 1000. However, this may vary with the label size. Please consult your sales rep for details.

9. To apply labels the minimum application temperature is +5F and application surface must be clean and dry. After application, the service temperature range is -50F to +250F for painted metal, bare metal, and glass.

10. Holo-Guard and Ultra-Guard labels are suitable for indoor (minimum 5 year life) and outdoor (maximum 2 year life) applications.

11. Holo-Guard and Ultr-Guard labels are NOT FDA-rated for DIRECT or INDIRECT contact with food.

12. If printing ID cards with an ID card printer, the label should be applied after the card is printed. Applying the label before printing may interfere with the printing quality and may damage the print head.

13. Labels are compatible with heat seal applications, such as heat laminating ID cards. For best security when using a lamination pouch, apply the hologram label to the core insert before heat sealing. However, labels can also be applied on the finished card after heat sealing.

D) General Description of Use

Holo-Guard and Ultr-Gurad labels have a release pattern to show tampering.

The adhesive is compatible with most surfaces, including bare metal, painted metal, glass, finished wood, and many plastics.

For optimum adhesion, surfaces require cleaning with isopropyl alcohol to remove surface contaminants. NovaVision offers alcohol cleaning pads as an optional accessory.

Supplemental heat can be used to apply labels in cold climates; supplemental heat can also “set” the adhesion quickly.

After the label has been applied and the adhesive “sets”, the release pattern will self-destruct the hologram image when the label is removed.

E) Tips for Applying Holo-Guard & Ultra-Guard Labels

1. The surface must be clean and dry.
 
2. For optimum adhesion, wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol (99%) to remove surface contaminants. Then, using a clean paper towel or cotton cloth, completely dry the surface of any excess alcohol liquid to fully remove any residual contaminants. Rubbing alcohol is not acceptable because it may contain oils to minimize the drying effect on skin; these oils can interfere with the adhesion.

3. The minimum application temperature is +5F.

For colder ambient temperatures (less than +5F), apply the label first, the apply supplelemental heat on top of the labels. Supplemental heat can be applied with a hot water bottle (filled with hot water), a portable hand warmer, or a hand-held electric heat gun. The supplemental heat is only required for 30 seconds and is intended to increase the surface temperature to above the minimum application temperature.. Be sure to confirm that the supplemental heat level you select will not damage the surface where the label is to be applied.

WARNING: Do not use an electric heat gun or any power tools in an area that contains flammable vapors. Sparks from the power tool can ignite vapors causing serious injury or death.

4. Apply the label — just peel and stick.

5. After applying the label, the adhesive will “set” within 1 minute on many surfaces at 70F. However, some surfaces (especially low energy surface such as plastics, powder coated metal, etc or anytextured surfaces) may take up to 4 hours for the tamper evident feature to become fully functional. For some special surfaces, a different specialty adhesive may be required.

F) Trouble Shooting Guide

Apply a test label to confirm it will show signs of tamper evidence. When tampered, a major portion of the hologram will be self destructed. Holo-Guard labels have a dots pattern. Ultra-Guard labels have a VOID OPENED pattern.

If there is no sign of tamper evidence, confirm the following:

— The surface must be cleaned with 99% isopropyl alcohol before applying the label.

— The other installation tips in Section E (above) were followed.

— If you are unsuccessfully using Holo-Guard labels and the surface is plastic or powder coated metal or the surface is textured, please contact us for samples of Ultra-Guard.  

— If your testing is unsuccessful, please contact us for next steps. If you send us samples of the intended surface, we will test and confirm if a specialty adhesive is required (this testing is free).

— If an Independent Testing Lab is unsuccessful in testing the label, please have them contact NovaVision.  We will request a copy of the test protocol and we will replicate the test at our testing facility (NovaVision's testing is free) to determine if our labels are suitable for your application.



Click Here to Return to FIPS 140-2 Compliant Hologram Labels

To Order, or for additional Information, Quotes, Pricing, & Products, Contact:

Brian Cramer
NovaVision/Sales & Customer Service
419-354-1427 ext 4211
Fax: 419 -353 -7908
email: bcramer@novavisioninc.com



Last Update: January 4, 2010