Absolutely Secure

The next time you hold a 100 or 200 euro note in your hand and wonder whether it’s really genuine, try the following: hold the note against the light and look at the silver hologram strip imprinted on the right-hand side of the front of the note. Does the face of a young lady appear there? Congratulations, that’s the mythical figure of Europa (after whom the
continent is named) and proof that your note is not a forgery. Behind the security feature of the second generation 20, 50, 100 and 200 euro banknotes is a sophisticated process implemented originally by a family-owned company based in the Basque town of Tolosa. Pasaban S.A. is a specialty manufacturer of paper and cardboard processing lines, and can look back on nearly 100 years of company history. Today, it is a market leader in the paper converting industry, supplying more than 500 customers worldwide.

National and international standards are of particular concern for Antonio: “In order to be able to meet customer requirements in over 45 countries at all times, we need cables and wires with certifications for both the American and European markets.” Because each machine is individually adapted to the needs of the customer, the Spanish company appreciates HELUKABEL’s fast delivery times and high product availability. “After a precise analysis of the individual requirements, we develop a customised solution for every customer. Delivery delays must not be allowed to jeopardise the often tight time schedule,” says Antonio.

Pasaban uses HELUKABEL products in its SPF1000 foil stamping line, among other things. This high-tech machine stamps the “portrait window” security feature onto the notes as part of the process chain for the new euro banknotes. The line first perforates the special paper to the shape of the window and then applies a hologram strip bearing a portrait of Europa and the value of the banknote onto it. Several kilometres of flexible and highly flexible data, control and SENSORFLEX cables from HELUKABEL have been installed in the machine to ensure efficient and faultless operation. “The cables withstand the mechanical stresses of production and support optimum operating cycles,” says Antonio. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) also plays an important role: “Our machines contain high-precision electronics. To avoid the risk of a system outage, effective screening must be guaranteed,” explains the technical manager. For Pasaban, the major challenge of the future is the integration of newer and more sophisticated technologies into its machines in order to guarantee the counterfeit-resistance of banknotes and other security documents. Antonio adds: “We not only want our equipment to be up-to-date with current trends, we also want to stay at the forefront of the global security technology sector – with the help of HELUKABEL.”