Objective
The goal of the SFERA project is to deliver a complete innovative solution by developing a new Subsurface, Fast internal Engraving and Reading system suitable for Anticounterfeiting applications needed by the pharmaceutical industry. Counterfeiting is a major global problem, with important societal and economic consequences, including the expansion of organised crime, loss of jobs and tax revenues, as well as serious health and safety risks, for which the pharmaceutical sector is particularly vulnerable. Thanks to a successful project supported by the European Commission “Naginels” (COOP 512931), an innovative process allowing to engrave inside of the transparent materials without any damages for the material has been developed. Direct engraving of the products with this technology linked with diffractive designs, coding and vision systems provides a full Track and Trace solution. The current process speed is well suited to luxury applications, but does not yet meet the requirement of the pharmaceutical industry. No suitable on-line high speed reader is available today for the invisible engraved codes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to improve the current technologies used by Naginels. Main technology breakthroughs have to be made. No other technology than Naginels is suitable for such anticounterfeiting applications for pharmaceutical industries. Developing and validating a new technology and system as defined in SFERA project will led to a direct answer for an urgent request of this industry, as shown by all the letters of interest received from the main players in this field. In addition, the new process speeds will open new glass applications, as innovative decoration. The SFERA project will benefit from an experienced, market oriented industrial consortium to make the necessary technology breakthroughs for the laser and for the beam system. The targeted very high rates will also imply innovations on process/control, mechanical handling and vision.
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Call for proposal
FP7-SME-2007-1
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Funding Scheme
BSG-SME - Research for SMEsCoordinator
33600 Pessac
France