Holograms are used for variety of purposes like security, anti counterfeiting, promotion etc. Holography is a process by which three-dimensional images are reproduced and stored using laser light or electronic beam. The hologram or the image thus formed is nothing but an exposed, developed, fine-grained piece of photographic film having depth. The difference between a hologram and a photograph is that unlike a photograph which records an image as viewed from one particular viewpoint, a hologram is a record of an image or an object as viewed from different viewpoints. Invented in 1947 by Dennis Gabor, the word hologram was formed from the Greek words, holos, meaning "whole" and gramma meaning "message". Indeed a hologram thus record the the "whole message" of an object. True to their name, holograms today are used to carry a various messages in a vast array of shapes, sizes & forms across a wide range of objects & products.

Promotional Hologram Products

There are various promotional hologram products, such as follows:

• Hologram Labels
• Hologram Stickers
• Hologram Card
• Holographic Paper
• Holographic Paper Bags
• Hologram Poster

Benefits of Hologram

Holograms add value to the product not only by branding but also by restricting adulteration and duplication. Being three dimensional, they have depth, movement /parallax and different colors seem to pass through them when viewed from different angles. The three main benefits of holograms are as follows:

• Security: Since holograms are impossible to duplicate, they have become an essential part of the security programs of many governments, organizations and commercial establishments in their quest for full-proof safeguards against counterfeiters. Holograms are unique and extremely effective as security devices. They are applied to a variety of media in various forms which allow their marking & identification.
  
  
• Anti-Counterfeiting: There is no doubt about the fact that the volume of fake or counterfeit goods on the market are ever increasing worldwide . Holograms cannot be scanned/photocopied/duplicated and hence are used extensively as anti-counterfeit devices on various products like documents, certificates, credit cards, license, tags, passports and even currencies.
  
  
• Commercial: Since holograms represent attractive graphic mediums and are difficult to replicate, they provide rather convincing proof of the authenticity of products. Holograms, sold in the market in a variety of forms, provide an effective way of communicating & protecting brand identity.

A Basic Idea About Promotional Hologram

Since holograms depict images with an added dimension of depth, they are used not only for security purposes but also for promotional purposes. Promotional holograms are widely used to give your company logo, product or special promotion a distinctive and an unique look, which will enhance your image and create eye-catching self appeal. Hologram products are used as promotional products since a long period of time. Various products make excellent corporate promotional products through holography imprinting and other customizations. The manufacturing processes used in the making of promotional holograms are not as complex, secure or proprietary as those used in making security holograms.

Process of Making Promotional Hologram Products

Promotional holographic products are usually made from laser express holography Laser express holography has two main technologies:

• Photo polymer technology
• Embossed technology

Both technologies have their own merits and demerits, and there are situations when one technology is more favorable than the other. However both the technologies offer exciting and high-impact holographic imagery, which enhance your promotional product.

Types of Promotional Hologram

• 3d Holograms: 3D holograms are manufactured by interlacing the layered graphics of one complete master image. The observed image is a three dimensional image which changes corresponding to the direction of view.
  
  
• 2-channel Flip Holograms: The 2-channel holograms are formed by interlacing the graphics from two separate images. Both the images are available in one layer. In its final form, the first image appears and when there is a slight change in the viewing angle, the second image appears instead.
  
  
• Animation Hologram: An animation hologram is formed by interlacing the graphics from more than two separate images. The process is somewhat similar to the two-channel process. The only difference is that changing the viewing angle causes the images to appear in a sequential order thereby simulating the animation.
  
  
• Flip Flop Hologram: In flip flop hologram promotional products, the image changes from one to another, as the viewing angle changes.

Applications of Promotional Holograms

Promotional holograms are widely used in

Trade shows Award ceremonies Corporate functions Industries

Organizations Gift items Consumer goods Advertising etc.

Promotional Holograms are Used for

• For advertising and sales.
• For brand promotion
• As give-away in trade fairs.
• Used on magazine, books, brochure cover, greeting cards etc.
• Used as mementos, keepsakes or tokens.
• Several 3-dimensional multicolored images of deities, places of worship, monuments, palaces, structures, buildings of historical or archaeological importance.
• Full-color holograms can be considered as exquisite exhibition pieces and presentation plaques.