Technology
CSAT Features Encrypted Coding
One company invests in microprinting to encrypt against cloning.
By David Vaczek
Senior Editor
CSAT America (Louisville, CO)
has launched encrypted data
coding as an anticounterfeiting
feature with its printing solutions. The
encryption solution is provided as a
module in the TASC desktop publishing Windows-based software. CSAT is
also featuring microtext printing capability, with its DTS 1200 blister printing machine.
“Up to 20 unique codes per package
can be encrypted in real time, using
cryptographic math functions,” says
Joseph Buono, sales manager, CSAT
America.
The encryption system prevents an
end-user from cloning codes for counterfeiting purposes. Variable input
data encompass the expiry date, drug
identification number, and a secret
key code. The data are scrambled,
or hashed, to create a new code that
appears random to the end-user. The
user cannot trace back to the original
The user cannot trace
back to the original
input values without
knowledge of the
encryption key.
CSAT printing solutions feature encrypted data coding and microtext printing. Up to 20 unique
codes can be encrypted in real time.
input values without knowledge of the
encryption key.
“CSAT printer software using the
secret key generates a unique identity
code for the package, which is comparable to a random number,” Buono
adds. “The hash function continuously
scrambles the data into random patterns. When the end-user scans the
Data Matrix code, the output value is
the encrypted code [along with] the
other variable data.”
CSAT printers use electrophotographic printing in which images are
created with a dry toner on a photoconductive drum, then transferred via
electrical charge to the substrate. The
flash fusing of the dry powder toner
avoids downtime required for curing
print.
The DTS 1200 prints microtext with
character heights of 0.3 mm at 1200
dpi. Printed in the lid stock over each
blister cavity, the text remains clearly
readable after blister sealing, CSAT
says. ■
