What are NanoTags?
NanoTags are octagonal pieces of microscopic nickel – 6 to 10 microns thin and ranging from 0.3mm to 0.5mm wide. An individual NanoTag features a micro-image of a personalised brand, created to order. This is a hologram-like nano image displaying changes of colour under different viewing angles. Technically not a hologram, it is known as a Modulated Diffraction Grating (MDG). A real hologram viewed under a microscope becomes a meaningless grey mass of micro-particles, but by contrast, a NanoTag reveals the branding in fine detail and brilliant colour.
Samples of NanoTags front and reverse (actual size of tags – 0.5mm) viewed under x100 microscope
A Security Identification Code (SIC) is etched physically through the body of the nickel tag. The same SIC is repeated through the thousands of NanoTags contained in each personalised set or batch of NanoTag products, mixed with special proprietary adhesives or embedded into the body of plastics. Once the mixture of tags and adhesive/plastic becomes dry and solid, the NanoTags become fully resistant to water, most chemicals and environments. NanoTags are extremely robust, chemically resistant, able to withstand temperatures of over 1,000⁰C without oxidising and with a melting point of 1,453⁰C.
Test of NanoTags heated up to 1,000⁰C. Note the adhesive gradually burns out but the tags remain clean – adhered to the surface and retaining all information.
NanoTag supersedes competing microdot technology which is based on a plastic substrate – a technology hampered by its rapid deterioration of dots under heat and light.
How can NanoTags be found and how are codes read?
NanoTags are supplied suspended in a variety of adhesives, each tailored for various applications and all containing UV trace elements. Once the adhesive dries they become transparent and virtually invisible. Finding the areas where NanoTag products have been applied is a simple case of shining a UV torch, causing the UV trace elements in the dried adhesive to glow. Once the adhesive is located it is easy to see the branded logo and SIC number through a simple portable microscope, a microscope camera or smartphone.
Key ring UV torch detecting tagging areas
UV light detects tagging areas on motor vehicle brakes
Once NanoTags have been detected, the brand logo, SIC number and colour arrays are easily visible via portable scope or microscope‐camera.
Various types of portable scopes with LED and UV lights (x60 to x100), and VT 101 microscope camera
NanoTags viewed through any smartphone x60 scope attachment can be captured and transmitted
How secure are Nano Tags?
NanoTag Technology’s wide range of products boast an unsurpassed level of premium security features. The tags are virtually indestructible, impossible to replicate and adaptable to almost limitless applications. Our technology is the result of years of elaborate laboratory research, stringent testing and intricate manufacturing processes. NanoTag Technology products are protected by International and Australian Innovation and Provisional Patents, including PCT/AU2011/001558, PCT/AU2012/000399, 2010100976, 2012902673, 2012902728.
NanoTag® is a Registered Trademark of NanoTag Technology Pty Ltd (ACN 140 261 749) – No. 1439558 and 1442139.
Electronics protected by NanoTag
NanoTag Technology can tailor the perfect security solution to your commercial and industrial applications. Please contact us for more information.