Security element and method for producing the same

1. A method for producing a security element for a security document having at least one plastic layer on which at least two metal layers of different color are disposed side by side, the metal layers having gaps in the form of alphanumeric characters, patterns, or logos characterized by the following steps:

a) providing the plastic layer in the form of a self-supporting plastic foil or a carrier material on which the plastic layer is disposed;

b) printing the plastic layer with alphanumeric characters, patterns, or logos;

c) using a printing ink with a high pigment content;

d) drying the printing ink to form a pored, raised inking;

e) applying the metal layers of different color to the printed plastic layer;

f) removing the inking and the metal layers thereabove or penetrating the inking by washing out with a fluid, possibly combined with mechanical action;

g) drying and optionally cutting the plastic foil or carrier material to size.

2. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the metal layers are applied by vapor-depositing with the aid of masks.

3. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that before step b) a further metal layer and/or printed image is applied.

4. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the plastic foil or carrier material is provided in the form of an endless band and the method is performed continuously.

5. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the printing ink is water-soluble and water is used for washing out.

6. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the printing of the plastic layer is done by intaglio printing.

7. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the plastic layer is provided in step a) in the form of an endless plastic foil and cut in step g) into security threads of predetermined width.

8. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the plastic layer is disposed in step a) on a specially prepared carrier material to form a transfer material that is cut in step g) into strips of predetermined width.

9. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that a dif-fraction structure is embossed into the plastic layer before step b).

10. A method for producing a security paper for producing documents of value, characterized in that during the production of the security paper a security thread produced according to claim 1 is embedded.

11. A method for producing a security paper for documents of value, characterized in that a security element produced according to claim 1 is applied to the surface of the finished security paper.

12. A method according to claim 11 , characterized in that an opening is formed in the security paper during papermaking, which is then closed with the security element at least on one side.