Printed security element comprising a rainbow feature and method of producing the same

Abstract

There is described a printed security element () comprising a rainbow feature () exhibiting, at least in part, a gradual transition from a first colour (C) to a second colour (C) distinct from the first colour (C), wherein the rainbow feature () extends over a colour-gradient area (A) of the printed security element () where first and second printed patterns (P, P) are partly superimposed or juxtaposed, each of the first and second printed patterns (P, P) comprising a first, respectively second set of linear or curvilinear elements (), the first and second printed patterns (P, P) being printed in register one with the other by means of two distinct printing plates (PP, PP) so that the first and second sets of linear or curvilinear elements () are partly superimposed or juxtaposed in the colour-gradient area (A) and thereby generate the rainbow feature (), the first printed pattern (P) exhibiting the first colour (C) and being printed by means of a first printing plate (PP) and the second printed pattern (P) exhibiting the second colour (C) and being printed by means of a second printing plate (PP), where at least the first or second printed pattern (P; P) exhibits, in the colour-gradient area (A), a modulation of line width or line structure such as to cause, when superimposed or juxtaposed with the other printed pattern (P; P), a gradual transition from the first colour (C) to the second colour (C), wherein, in the colour-gradient area (A), the second printed pattern (P) is printed on top of the first printed pattern (P) and wherein the second colour (C) is darker than the first colour (C). Also described is a method of producing the aforementioned printed security element.