Printed film provides novel security solution

IQ Sec, a manufacturer of intelligent systems for cash-in-transit companies, has worked closely with Velleman Switch to develop a unique security solution using a screen-printed polyester film.

IQ Sec, a manufacturer of intelligent systems for cash-in-transit companies, has worked closely with Velleman Switch to develop a unique security solution using a screen-printed polyester film.

The relationship between the companies was consolidated when Velleman developed a violation-sensitive film for the Belgium-based firm.

As IQ Sec produces tailor-made solutions for security firms that specialise in the secure transportation of cash, it is constantly striving to improve methods of protecting precious materials, such as money and documentation.

Thomas Vanhoutte, Customer Systems Manager, says IQ Sec's determination to use only the finest materials is a reflection of the company's aspirations.

Vanhoutte says: "We demand the highest quality levels from our suppliers".

Vanhoutte says that IQ Sec contacted Velleman Switch because of its reputation and proven track record of providing specialist screen-printing solutions.

The firms then worked together to produce a security film onto which a silver-ink circuit was printed.

The highly sensitive film is constructed of a two-component, polyester material that forms a protective closed-loop circuit around the security box.

Vanhoutte says the film was specifically developed to detect attempted security box violations.

Although the box and the film are housed within a polyurethane outer casing, any attempted violations will result in an open-circuit contact that triggers a destructive sequence using a high-intensity pyrotechnics.

Vanhoutte explains that the resulting temperature increase within the box will destroy the contents in seconds.

"It's a fine balancing act to ensure that the outer casing protects the film but allows circuit contact when the box is being breached".

Vanhoutte says his company also incorporates safety mechanisms that launch the devaluation sequence if any of the security box's components fail.

This provision means that component failures have massive cost and insurance implications and, as such, need to be avoided.

Consequently, Vanhoutte says IQ Sec demands only the highest-quality materials to agreed technical specifications.

This means that component properties must remain consistent from batch to batch.

In the case of Velleman Switch, the value of the circuit's resistance, for example, must be unwavering to avoid unprovoked "contents devaluation".

Vanhoutte says the development process focused as much on security matters as on quality assurance.

Because IQ Sec exports its products to countries throughout the world, Vanhoutte says the boxes are tested to ensure that the security features operate correctly in all climatic conditions.

As a result, the boxes are subjected to extreme weather testing including high/low temperature and humidity tests.

As the Velleman Switch film offers stable operation in temperatures of -10 to +65C, Vanhoutte says it is ideal for the demands that are placed on the boxes.

Vanhoutte explains that IQ Sec initially produced two box sizes, but customer demand dictated that a standard box size of 50 x 40 x 30cm was more practical.

Once standardisation had been achieved, the screen-printed film was easily incorporated into the box design.

Vanhoutte says the film has presented no production problems since the first security box was introduced in 1997.

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