Bayer MaterialScience’s Makrofol® ID Superlaser™ Film Saves Time and Money, Reduces Laser-Induced Bubbling

Pittsburgh, PA, July 12, 2013 --(PR.com)-- A new high-tech polycarbonate film for security cards that saves production time and money and reduces the chances of laser-induced bubbling sounds like a futuristic dream. But Bayer MaterialScience has developed just such a film, and in doing so, has won the 2013 Élan Best Supplier/Vendor New Product, Service or Innovation Award.

Bayer MaterialScience was recently presented an Élan Award for its new Makrofol® ID Superlaser film at the International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) Expo Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

This new grade of polycarbonate film offers several unique advantages to manufacturers and issuers of secure identity documents. One key advantage of Makrofol ID Superlaser film over existing laser-engravable films is its ability to increase laser personalization speeds while maintaining excellent high contrast and image quality. For example, cards utilizing Makrofol ID Superlaser film can be engraved about 20 percent faster than other cards with comparable construction and contrast levels, which saves considerable time and money.

Also, Makrofol ID Superlaser film significantly reduces the chance of laser-induced bubbling versus other commonly used films, thereby reducing quality defects and further increasing throughput. Certain secure document designs, such as those with high ink coverage, have proven prone to bubbling. Card manufacturers had to carefully design their card layers to avoid such defects—often making trade-offs that sacrificed performance or price. Because of its anti-bubbling properties, Makrofol ID Superlaser film allows card manufacturers greater design flexibility in both print design and the types of printed features they can use, as well as in layer configuration.

In addition, Makrofol ID Superlaser film includes a unique forensic security feature that is imparted to cards constructed from it. This covert feature is readily identifiable to assist law enforcement with establishing validity of a document.
Every year, the prestigious ICMA Élan Awards cast a spotlight on the best of the best in the global card industry, honoring world-class achievements in both card design and technological innovation. Widely acknowledged as the most renowned award showcase for card excellence, the coveted Élan Awards distinguish the winners as industry leaders.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,500 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2012 sales of 11.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, social responsibility and respect for the environment.