Nanomaterial-based Tamper-proof Anti-counterfeit Packaging Labels

The risk of counterfeit parts insertion into the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain can happen at multiple stages during the product/part/component/subcomponent manufacturing or distribution. Original component manufacturers typically reside in the lowest risk category whereas unverified sources/unidentified suppliers account for the maximum number of counterfeit issues. In addition, older legacy systems, which typically need to be supported by maintenance/repair parts produced by aftermarket manufacturers and supplied by unverified sources such as military surplus distributors, are more susceptible to counterfeit part insertion compared to newer systems and equipment. Tamper-proof packaging and labels constitute the first and in a majority of cases, the most essential step in avoiding counterfeiting. To improve the security of packaging labels, ADA Technologies, Inc. proposes the development of an anti-tamper quick response codes, enabled by our proprietary inks/toners, which can be read only under certain wavelengths of illumination. Added security will be embedded in the form of taggants, which will generate unique spectroscopic fingerprints for added validation of anti-counterfeit prints. ADAs existing algorithm will be extended to generate unique multi-spectral fingerprints, which will be verified by a simple, inexpensive hand-held device for Pass/Fail notification.