Q&T Expands Optical Security Capability with BOBST VISION K5 HS Investment
The investment in a 1.3-metre web vacuum metallizer supports Q&T’s development of high-precision metallized films and optical security technologies.
Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer is expanding its in-house optical security capability through investment in new metallising, demetallising and embossing technologies.
The programme includes a BOBST VISION K5 HS vacuum metalliser with a 1.3-metre web width, supporting the production and development of high-precision metallised films for optical security applications.
Building More Optical-Security Capability In-House
Optical security development involves multiple specialised manufacturing processes, from metallisation and controlled demetallisation to the formation of microstructured optical effects.
Q&T’s current investment programme is intended to bring more of these capabilities within its own development and manufacturing environment.
Alongside the vacuum metalliser, Q&T is also developing demetallising and embossing capability as part of its optical-security R&D programme.
The BOBST VISION K5 HS is being introduced into Q&T’s optical-security manufacturing roadmap to support high-precision metallised film production.
For Q&T, this expands the process capability available for developing optical security components before their integration into polymer substrate applications.
Supporting Embedded-Security Development
The investment also supports Q&T’s continuing development of PolyShielded, its embedded-security polymer substrate architecture.
PolyShielded is designed to integrate selected optical security elements within the polymer substrate structure rather than relying only on surface application.
Developing additional metallising, demetallising and embossing capability gives Q&T a broader technical platform for exploring future embedded optical-security configurations.
From External Integration to Internal Development Capability
Q&T has already demonstrated optical-security integration through work with specialist technology partners, including KURZ and Crane Currency.
The expansion of in-house processing capability complements these collaborations by allowing more development work to be carried out directly within Q&T’s own manufacturing environment.
The objective is not to replace specialist security-technology partners, but to strengthen Q&T’s ability to develop, integrate and industrialise optical-security applications within its polymer substrate platforms.
Continuing Investment in Polymer Security Technology
The equipment programme forms part of Q&T’s continued investment in polymer substrate manufacturing and security-feature integration.
By expanding both production infrastructure and R&D capability, Q&T is building a broader technical base for future PolySecure® and PolyShielded applications.