Color is a critical property in banknote quality control, yet it is rarely included in lot inspections due to the challenges of precise measurement. Traditional spectrophotometers require a minimum aperture of 2–3 mm, making them unsuitable for small printing elements found on many banknotes.
Snowfish overcomes this limitation by measuring color on elements as small as 0.25 mm — simultaneously capturing all color data in a single scan. While its accuracy is not equivalent to a spectrophotometer, Snowfish is optimized to measure ΔE (color deviation) rather than absolute Lab* values. This ensures reliable detection of differences between reference and observed colors, with more than sufficient precision for quality assurance.
Snowfish delivers ultra-precise register measurements, with accuracy surpassing 0.05 mm when measuring between two nearby points. Unlike traditional glass ruler methods—which are slow and manual—Snowfish performs all required register checks instantly with a single button press.
By combining this precision with seamless integration into full quality inspections, Snowfish makes it practical to include register measurements in standard lot testing—saving time while enhancing consistency.
Intaglio offset
Kinegram – offset
Snowfish’s advanced scanning method generates a semi-3D image of the banknote, revealing height variations and structural details with exceptional clarity. Printed graphics fade into the background, while tactile elements, intaglio printing, and even the paper’s texture emerge distinctly—as if by magic. Every visible feature can then be measured with precision, ensuring comprehensive quality control of dimensional properties.
This enables rapid detection of flaws in raised ink or missing tactile features—critical for accessibility and anti-counterfeiting.
Presence and height of tactile and intaglio elements
