Technology’s Edge

Covert markers for brand security

GLEN ROCK, Pa.—ARmark Authentication Technologies, LLC, announced a partnership with Smiths Detection to launch IntelliMark, a system for verifying genuine brand and product authentication for consumer goods, secure documents, food, and apparel. The IntelliMark system features ARmark's microscopic ®mark covert markers that are integrated into products and then viewed and identified with Smiths Detection's IdentifyIR and IlluminatIR instruments. IntelliMark offers investigators a secondary level of verification through Smiths Touchback spectral reading and confirmation service.

The covert marker technology can contain multiple layers of information, including text and art. The markers are specifically designed for each customer and seamlessly integrated into existing manufacturing processes. Delivery methods include aerosols, inks, overprint varnishes, papers, adhesives, and films.

"ARmark is very pleased to announce this new partnership with Smiths," said Jeff Robertson, general manager of ARmark. "The IntelliMark system allows for an extension of detection capabilities beyond optical detection. Combined with the capability of Smiths Touchback system, IntelliMark now brings a complete information service to brand owners regarding their product supply chain."

DuPont explores mobile-enabled 
2D bar codes

WILMINGTON, Del.—DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers has engaged packaging providers around the use of mobile-enabled, two-dimensional bar code technology. A key element in this is mobile marketing solutions provider Scanbuy's globally interoperable ScanLife mobile-enabled 2D EZcode system that has features suited for packaging.

DuPont believes these efforts will help drive rapid adoptions of the right technology for applications in the packaging marketplace through collaboration, consolidation, and standardization.

New materials, 
printing processes 
drive printed electronics

HEIDELBERG, Germany—Researchers from BASF SE, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, and Darmstadt Technical University are working on printing technology with nanoparticulate functional materials and innovative printing processes. Organic electronic products, such as photovoltaic films or bendable light-emitting diodes head their list of achievements.

"The electronics of the future are flexible and bendable," says BASF project leader Dr. Bernd Sachweh. "Utilizing innovative processes and materials on which we are currently working, we are creating a new range of uses for printing technology in organic electronics."

RFID Product Operates in low temperatures

TAMPERE, Finland—UPM Raflatac has introduced a new Dogbone Freeze RFID product with highly reliable performance in frozen environment supply chain applications. It is specially designed for applications that operate in less than –40°C/°F.

Dogbone Freeze RFID offers up to 240-bit EPC memory; cost-efficient, extra-thin, non-sandwich type structure; and a printable, white synthetic surface. The product can be applied directly to items, cases, and pallets.

Blue Spark unveils battery-assisted RFID

CLEVELAND, Ohio—Blue Spark Technologies announced battery-powered passive RFID to the RFID market. It is set to power new and emerging applications in manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, asset management, security, and retail.

"Innovation to drive improved performance typically follows after technologies mature and become increasingly more commoditized," explains Gary Johnson, Blue Spark president and CEO. "For many high-value applications, battery-assisted passive effectively bridges the price/performance gap that exists between pure passive UHF and active RFID, and does so with far less complexity and expense." pP