Let us know more about holography and hologram products by the following list of FAQ's.

Q.1 What is a hologram?

A hologram is a three-dimensional image or photograph of light wave interference.

Q.2 What is the science behind a hologram ?

A light sensitive material, hologram is chemically similar to a photographic emulsion. The holographic process records a pattern of infinitesimal lines. These are called interference pattern as they are created due to the interaction of two beams of laser light. After processing, the hologram is illuminated at the same angle as the reference beam used during the original exposure. The hologram re-creates the second beam, that is the object beam, to form a virtual 3-D image.

Q.3 Of what materials are holograms manufactured?

Generally, one of the most common type hologram media is the sticker. The hologram sticker is made from polyester film. The film is a self-adhesive type, which is applicable to most surfaces. On the other hand, the hologram on a credit card is fused with the surface of the card and this is not a sticker. This type of hologram used on credit card is polymer coating based, made up of several micro layers.

Q.4 How can a hologram be effective against counterfeiting?

Holograms have been widely used to prevent counterfeiting. There are over 36 currencies, around the world, which have incorporated holograms. The hologram is the most secure form of marking developed today, if correctly and properly designed.

Q.5 Are the holograms tamper proof?

Almost all holograms have the feature of tamper proof or tamper evident, which make them very effective as a security device. Holograms cannot be scanned, photo copied or duplicated by any known printing technique or electronically transmitted. Hologram is unique, which of course cannot be said of any laser printing or ink jet printing or thermal printing.

Q.6 Why should holograms be used?

Holograms can be used on any product. A product is very much in demand in the market and you need a hologram if the market share of the product is rising, if the product is expensive to create, easy-to-copy, and susceptible to counterfeiting . Another reason to use hologram is when duplicates have been found in the market for that product. In case if hologram is not used, then soon the counterfeiter will spoil the manufacturer's name and he'll no longer be considered the pioneer of the product and he will only get complaints in exchange to his goodwill.

Q.7 What are the methods of application of security holograms?

There are two methods-manual and machine application. For manual application, the worker manually removes the holograms and these are affixed on the surface of application. This is most common method of application. On the other hand , for machine application, a machine removes the holograms, which are affixes onto the surface of application.

Q.8 What are the different types of Holograms?

There are different types of holograms, depending on the purpose they serve. The various types of holograms are Reflection Hologram, Transmission Hologram, Embossed holograms, Integral Hologram, Rainbow Holograms, Computer Generated Holograms, Multiplex Hologram, Stereogram, Volume Holograms, Plane Holograms etc.

Q.9 What are the applications of holograms?

The applications of holograms are in various fields like credit cards, license, passports, confidential documents, envelopes, bank cheques, draft, guarantees, bonds, share certificates, books, publications, copyright sales literature, hand tags, sporting goods, toys, chemicals, medicines, detergents, fertilizers, seeds, building material , hardware, jewelry, watches, aircraft, automotive, high technology, engineering spares & machine parts, electrical, electronic appliances, recording media, computer peripherals, stationery products, Visa, excise revenue stamps and many more.

Q.10 What are the benefits of hologram?

The use of holography and holograms provides the following benefits:

• Security: Holograms are just impossible to duplicate. They are effective anti-counterfeiting measures and have become an integral part of the security programs of many governments & commercial establishments.
  
  
• Commercial: Holograms are attractive and dazzling graphic mediums. They provide a convincing proof of the authenticity of products. Holograms are an effective way of communicating & protecting brand identity.
  
  
• Anti-Counterfeiting: Producing an original hologram is expensive and time consuming and hence holograms offer the best anti-counterfeiting solutions.
  
  
• Promotion: Holograms are ideal for promotional purpose. Whether as corporate gifts or individual consumer gifts or trade displays, holograms play the perfect role for promotion.