Zora4Note®
Polish Security Printing Works (Poland)
Type
3D effect — multi-direction intaglio-printed latent image producing an embossed, multi-coloured hidden image visible at specific viewing angles, developed by PWPW as an evolution of the classic intaglio latent image technique.
Overview
Zora4Note® is a multicolour latent image security feature developed by Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (PWPW), the Polish state security printer. It represents PWPW's evolution of the classic intaglio latent image — the type of feature pioneered as KIPP (Goznak) and LIFT (De La Rue) in the 1980s — extending the technique to deliver a multi-colour rather than monochrome hidden image. When the banknote is viewed flat, the feature appears as part of the printed design; when tilted to a specific viewing angle, an embossed image emerges, accompanied by a multi-colour underlying motif. The feature relies entirely on intaglio printing precision and proprietary line-pattern construction, requiring no specialist inks, foils or substrates beyond what is standard in high-security banknote production. Zora4Note® sits within PWPW's broader portfolio of "4Note" branded features alongside Mir4Note® (iridescent stripe with selective IR absorption), Iris4Note® (iridescent inks), Coat4Note® (gloss varnish) and Mirage4Note® (transparent latent image).
Technology & Effects
The feature is built on the optical principle of the intaglio latent image: parallel lines of defined thickness and spacing form a hidden image against a background of perpendicular lines. When viewed at an acute angle, the convexity of the perpendicular-to-line-of-sight engraving optically masks the gaps between line patterns, while parallel-to-line-of-sight engraving forms a contrasting bright plane — revealing a "hidden" image only at specific tilt angles. PWPW's Zora4Note® extends this technique by combining multiple line directions and applying logical operations (negation of implication, simultaneous negation, reverse implication) on superimposed image patterns to produce a convex structure defined by the resultant latent image — described in PWPW's EP3880488A1 patent filing. The result is an embossed, multi-colour latent image rather than the monochrome two-state image typical of conventional intaglio latents. Effect types: 3D effect (primary, embossed appearance at viewing angle), Embossing (intaglio relief).
Form Factors & Application
Zora4Note® is applied as part of the standard intaglio printing stage during banknote production, integrated into the design rather than added as a discrete component. As an intaglio-only feature, it requires the intaglio plate engraving precision available at high-security printing works such as PWPW's own Warsaw facility — but does not require specialised inks, foils, threads or substrates. The motif and surrounding artwork can be freely composed by the designer, with the latent image appearing at a chosen viewing angle determined by the line-pattern geometry. The feature is suitable for banknotes, passports and other intaglio-printed security documents, and PWPW has demonstrated it on both circulating banknotes (within its production for the National Bank of Poland) and promotional house notes.
Security Levels
- Level 1 (public): Embossed image revealed when the document is tilted to a specific viewing angle, accompanied by a multi-colour underlying motif. Easy for the public to verify with no equipment beyond the eye.
- Level 2 (cash handler): The intaglio relief is tactile, providing a touch-verifiable secondary cue; the multi-direction line pattern resists reproduction by photolithographic and digital copying processes, which cannot reproduce the engraved relief depth and direction-dependent optical behaviour.
Notable Deployments
- PWPW "Meadow 100" House Note (issued 30 September 2024 as a promotional/concept note): Zora4Note® appears on the front of the note, revealing an embossed honey bee from a specific viewing angle, accompanied by a multi-colour flower beneath. The Meadow 100 was first introduced at the Global Currency Forum 2024 in Muscat, Oman, won the 2025 Golden Griffin in the "Special Effects Product" category from the Polish Chamber of Printing, and was nominated for the IACA "Best New House Note" award at Currency Awards 2026.
- PWPW promotional passport specimen: Zora4Note® documented as a multicolour latent image element within the specimen's security feature suite.
- Name
- Zora4Note®
- Category
- Security Feature
- Effect Types
- Latent image
- Company
- Product Page
- View on Supplier Site
- Linked Features
- 1 security feature