G-Switch™

CCL Secure (Australia)

Overview AI Generated

G-Switch™ is a dynamic optical security feature used on polymer banknotes that causes specific images or ink areas to change colour when the note is tilted or viewed from different angles. Developed by CCL Secure, it is classified as a "Level 1" security feature, meaning it is designed for easy and fast authentication by the general public without specialized equipment.

How G-Switch Works

Multilayer Structure: The colour-shifting effect is achieved through a complex multilayer coating applied to the polymer substrate.
Angle-Dependent Appearance: As the observer changes the viewing angle, the light interacts with these layers to produce a distinct shift in hue.
Visibility Modes: The effect is visible in both reflection (light bouncing off the surface) and transmission (light passing through the note).
Integration: G-Switch inks can be printed within transparent windows or on opacified (non-transparent) areas of the banknote.

Notable Implementations

G-Switch technology is used by several central banks to secure high-value or high-circulation denominations:

Mexico: The 50-peso polymer note uses G-Switch ink that shifts from blue to gold within a large transparent window.
South Africa: Part of the 2023 upgraded series, it is often paired with a "spinning circle" effect in the animal motifs on the bottom right of the notes.
Brunei: Used on multiple denominations (BND1, BND5, BND10), where it typically alternates between gold and blue.
Saudi Arabia: Featured in the half-window of the 5 Riyal polymer banknote.
United Kingdom: CCL Secure supplied G-Switch technology for the £5 and £10 polymer banknotes.
Papua New Guinea: Utilized on the K50 banknote as a dynamic optical feature.

Key Variants and Features

AURORA™: A related feature that combines two different G-Switch inks to create even more complex dynamic effects.
Effect™ Cameo: Combines G-Switch inks with multi-tonal portraits in a window, making the portrait appear to "come to life" with changing colours.
Colour Switch Stripe: A continuous stripe formed by one or more G-Switch inks that appears as a solid line when held up to the light.

Security Features Using This Technology 1

Security Feature	Banknotes
41 \| Print \| Colour shift \| G-Switch	73
Total Unique Banknotes	73

Details

Name: G-Switch™
Category: Security Feature
Effect Types: Colour shift
Company: CCL Secure
Company Website
Product Page: View on Supplier Site
Linked Features: 1 security feature

Countries Using This Technology

Angola Angola Angola Angola Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam Chile Chile Chile Chile Chile Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica Fiji Fiji Fiji Fiji Fiji United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom Guatemala Mexico Mexico Mexico Mexico Malaysia Mozambique Mozambique Mozambique Namibia Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Paraguay Paraguay Romania Saudi Arabia Solomon Islands Thailand Thailand Thailand Vanuatu Vanuatu Vanuatu Vanuatu Vanuatu Vanuatu

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