Introduction
IR excitation ink (infrared security ink, up-conversion ink) is a high-covertness security ink that emits visible fluorescence when excited by infrared light. Completely invisible to the naked eye under normal conditions, it requires dedicated infrared detection equipment, making it one of the highest-level anti-counterfeit solutions for IDs, banknotes and documents.
Features
- Extreme covertness: invisible under normal light
- High security: verified only with IR source + viewing device
- Can be combined with UV invisible ink for a dual-channel security system
- Custom excitation wavelengths and multi-level security options
Applications
- High-security IDs, passports and credentials
- Banknotes, securities and invoices
- Tobacco, liquor and premium brand protection
Verification
An IR excitation light source with a viewing device reveals the fluorescence instantly and accurately.
Customization & Printed Proofs
Excitation wavelength and fluorescent color customizable; combined UV+IR solutions available. Free printed proofs. Tel: 13510998453.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selection, detection, printing and ordering — answered.
How is IR excitation ink different from ordinary UV fluorescent ink?
They sit at different security levels. UV fluorescent ink is excited by a UV lamp, widely available and easy to check; IR excitation ink only emits visible fluorescence under 980nm infrared light and is completely invisible in daylight, requiring dedicated IR equipment. Both covertness and the counterfeiting barrier are higher, suiting high-security applications.
What equipment is needed to verify IR excitation ink?
The 980nm excitation type needs a 980nm IR source (IR laser pointer or dedicated detector) to reveal the visible fluorescence; 850/940nm absorbing invisible codes need an IR camera or reader in the matching band. We can help select equipment.
Where is IR excitation ink typically used?
High-security documents, banknotes and negotiable instruments, premium tobacco and liquor packaging, important certificates and contracts, and anti-counterfeit labels for high-value goods — often overprinted on top of ordinary four-color work as a covert security layer.
Which emission colors are available?
The 980nm excitation type can emit green, red or blue (customizable); 850/940nm absorbing invisible codes are also available, printed as an invisible pattern that only appears under an IR device in the matching band — suitable for machine-readable one-code-one-item marking.
Is it compatible with our printing process? Do we need a proof first?
Offset, screen, flexo and gravure are all compatible, and it can be overprinted with conventional inks. Because dedicated detection equipment is involved, we recommend requesting free printed proofs, running a press trial, and confirming with your own detector before mass production.
