Microtrace LLC, the leading provider of traceable anti-counterfeit technologies, has announced a partnership with Photoscribe Technologies, a leading manufacturer of laser systems, to offer these systems to Microtrace customers involved in brand protection, covert tracking and tracing applications. 

Photoscribe laser systems are capable of covertly marking products and packaging at and beyond production line speeds.  These laser systems provide a high level of flexibility and the ability to create extremely small covert marks unique to the individual package.  The laser systems in combination with the Microtrace Microtaggant technology form a robust multi-layered approach to brand protection and covert identification. 
The small markings made by the Photoscribe laser systems cannot be seen or located by the unaided human eye; high magnification is needed for clear, detailed viewing.  The laser technology is capable of marking information in a variety of different formats including intricate logos, photo images, alphanumeric, serial numbers and 2D barcodes all down to a minimum size of approximately 30 microns.  For high-security applications, 2D barcodes may be encrypted to allow only specific software to decode the barcode. 
“We are receiving increasing feedback from customers who understand the best approach to brand protection is a multi-layered approach.  The Microtrace Microtaggant technology provides multiple levels of security within a single encoded particle for batch identification and authentication.” commented Brian Brogger, vice president of Microtrace.  “The addition of laser marking to a brand protection programme allows unique and covert identification at the item level. By combining the two industry leading technologies, our customers are able to construct a comprehensive brand protection programme from a single technology provider with the expertise that only Microtrace is able to offer.”   
Microtrace is also able to deliver laser-markable compounded plastic resins.  A colour change occurs where the laser beam images these compounds.  For the highest level of security, the Microtaggant identification particles can be compounded into the laser-markable resins and both capabilities can be delivered in a single master batch for plastics applications. 
Founded in 1985, Microtrace is located in Minneapolis, US.   The company offers a variety of identification and authentication solutions in the form of compounded plastic resins, films, adhesives, paper, security labels and security inks.  Microtrace provides identification, authentication and security solutions to companies and organisations worldwide, including foreign and domestic government agencies.
Photoscribe Technologies, located in New York, develops and manufactures small laser marking and micro-machining systems for a vast range of materials; diamonds, ceramics, polymers, and metals. Photoscribe is a prime manufacturer of Excimer lasers, specialising in tabletop turnkey systems with easy, intuitive software that mark text, logos, graphics and data-matrix with feature sizes from 1 micron up.  The company is a pioneer in the field of diamond marking systems and has several of the largest diamond laboratories and manufacturers in the world as their customers.