Printing is a valuable and versatile platform that provides methods of communication, identification, even interaction. However, what happens when you need your printing secure or validated? For centuries, validation was a function of the watermarking of papers at a very basic level. When you take it to a more functional level like securing financial documents, the actual paper can be manufactured for identification. In the case of some types of documents, that would be through the use of specific fibers and threads included in the slurry of the paper manufacturing.

In the case of U.S. currency, its security has evolved over the years to combat continuing attempts at counterfeiting. As a result, the U.S. Government has resorted to layers of security utilizing many different methods combined. It starts with a specially designed and manufactured paper. U.S. currency paper, which has been manufactured by Crane & Co. since 1879, starts as a special blend of cotton and linen, but that is just the beginning.

While most print service providers are not producing currency—or shouldn’t be since it is a federal offense—there is a lot to be learned from the techniques used by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. While the layered security approach is probably not practical for most general secure print applications, many of the individual methods can be. Since keeping ahead of those who would try to break your secure print is an ongoing issue, it is important to look at the various methods available.