SFERA

Sub-surface Fast internal Engraving and Reading system for Anticounterfeiting applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The goal of the SFERA project is to deliver a complete innovative solution by developing a new Subsurface, Fast internal Engraving and Reading system suitable for Anticounterfeiting applications needed by the pharmaceutical industry. Counterfeiting is a major global problem, with important societal and economic consequences, including the expansion of organised crime, loss of jobs and tax revenues, as well as serious health and safety risks, for which the pharmaceutical sector is particularly vulnerable. Thanks to a successful project supported by the European Commission “Naginels” (COOP 512931), an innovative process allowing to engrave inside of the transparent materials without any damages for the material has been developed. Direct engraving of the products with this technology linked with diffractive designs, coding and vision systems provides a full Track and Trace solution. The current process speed is well suited to luxury applications, but does not yet meet the requirement of the pharmaceutical industry. No suitable on-line high speed reader is available today for the invisible engraved codes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to improve the current technologies used by Naginels. Main technology breakthroughs have to be made. No other technology than Naginels is suitable for such anticounterfeiting applications for pharmaceutical industries. Developing and validating a new technology and system as defined in SFERA project will led to a direct answer for an urgent request of this industry, as shown by all the letters of interest received from the main players in this field. In addition, the new process speeds will open new glass applications, as innovative decoration. The SFERA project will benefit from an experienced, market oriented industrial consortium to make the necessary technology breakthroughs for the laser and for the beam system. The targeted very high rates will also imply innovations on process/control, mechanical handling and vision.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

New anticounterfeiting technology will ensure safe delivery of original beverages, cosmetics, medicines, electronics and much more.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In times of economic difficulties, counterfeit products in many fields from food and medicine to perfume and electronics are seeping into the market. Advanced technological solutions are needed to identify counterfeit products and keep consumers informed. Counterfeiting is also a major global problem with important societal and economic consequences. It encourages organised crime, loss of jobs, evasion of tax revenues, and poses serious health and safety risks.

An EU-funded project called 'Sub-surface fast internal engraving and reading system for anticounterfeiting applications' (SFERA) is taking up the challenge with marked success. SFERA has successfully developed a new laser-making system that addresses all issues related to the marking of containers. The system addresses product flow through production processes, effective traceability, and application of anti-counterfeit measures. It also involves marking containers without causing cracks or contamination and applying readable marks for proper and rapid redirection of containers in production. It can effectively identify products throughout the supply chain and authenticate products to reduce the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.

The engraving system developed during the SFERA project has built on cutting-edge technology to provide marking speeds suitable for the pharmaceutical industry and applications requiring large-area processing. SFERA built on an earlier EU-funded project called 'Non aggressive internal engraving laser system' (Naginels). As a result, SFERA managed to develop a new high-average power ultrafast laser and a high-speed portable reading system. It also developed a high-speed beam delivery system and handling system, plus a specific process control and encryption model.

These components have been integrated in an industrial workstation, compatible with the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry among others. Many European countries from Belgium, France, Italy and the UK, in conjunction with industrial experts, have contributed to the project.

Another fringe benefit of packaging in cosmetics and any packaging that requires decor embellishment was the patented 'diffractive effect'. This combines anti-counterfeiting, traceability and a surprising rainbow pattern in the markings. The project also developed an option of marking readable codes in reflection, easing the integration of the process on production lines and expanding market opportunities.

The SFERA technology is much better than existing anticounterfeiting techniques for packaging such as inkjet technology, RFID tags and classic laser techniques. It has been recognised as 'best practice for anti-counterfeiting issues' and holds outstanding promise for many industries. Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumes, luxury goods, beverages, automotive parts and photovoltaic modules are a few sectors that are set to benefit tremendously.