What is a Kinematic Hologram? Animation Effect
A kinematic hologram (also called a kinegram or animated DOVID) is a type of diffractive optically variable device (DOVID) that displays clear, continuous animation or motion when the viewing angle is changed. Unlike a simple rainbow hologram (static rainbow colours) or a flip‑flop image (two‑state switch), a kinematic hologram creates the illusion of a moving object – for example, a star that rotates, a bar that rolls up and down, a wave that flows, or a pattern that expands and contracts. This is achieved by dividing the hologram’s surface into hundreds or thousands of tiny, adjacent diffractive “pixels,” each engineered to reflect light to the viewer at a slightly different tilt angle. As you tilt the label, successive pixels light up in sequence, creating smooth, eye‑catching motion. Kinematic holograms are among the most secure overt features because the complex, pixel‑level grating design requires advanced dot matrix or e‑beam origination, which is extremely difficult to counterfeit. They are widely used on banknotes, passports, ID cards, tax stamps, and high‑security brand protection labels.
At Holoseal – a trusted hologram supplier with 15+ years of experience – we supply custom kinematic hologram labels, strips, and foils. Our kinematic effects (rolling bars, rotating logos, animated borders) are produced by certified manufacturers using high‑resolution dot matrix and e‑beam technology. We serve clients across India and worldwide for pharmaceutical authentication, auto parts, excise stamps, and government documents.
🔍 How a Kinematic Hologram Creates Animation
The animation effect relies on a technique called sequential grating activation. The surface is divided into many fine, parallel or concentric zones (pixels). Each zone has a diffraction grating with a slightly different orientation or spacing, designed to diffract light toward the viewer at a specific tilt angle. As you tilt the label smoothly, different zones become bright in sequence, and your eye interprets this as motion.
- Rolling bar – A series of narrow, parallel strips. When tilted, the bright zone moves from one strip to the next, creating the illusion of a bar rolling up or down.
- Rotating star – Radial zones around a centre. As you tilt, the bright sector rotates, making the star appear to spin.
- Flowing pattern / wave – Zones arranged in a wavy line; the bright spot moves along the curve, simulating flow.
- Morphing shape – The grating pattern gradually changes from one shape to another as tilt increases (e.g., a circle becomes a square).
⚙️ How Kinematic Holograms Are Made
- Digital design – The animation sequence is programmed using specialised software. The desired motion (e.g., a 360° rotation over 30° tilt) is converted into a pixel map where each pixel is assigned a specific grating orientation.
- Master writing (dot matrix or e‑beam) – A laser or electron beam writes each pixel individually into a photoresist plate. This can take hours or days depending on the resolution and size.
- Electroforming & embossing – A nickel shim is electroformed from the master, then used to emboss the pattern into metalized PET film.
- Finishing – The film is slit, die‑cut, and optionally overprinted with serial numbers or UV features.
🛡️ Types of Kinematic Effects
- Rolling bar / stripe – A bright bar moves across the hologram. Common on banknotes (e.g., Euro, Swiss franc).
- Rotating star / gear – A star or gear spins continuously as you tilt.
- Globe rotation – A map or globe appears to rotate.
- Flowing ripple / wave – An undulating line that moves like water.
- Zooming (expanding/contracting) ring – A circle that grows or shrinks.
- Multi‑direction animation – Motion occurs both horizontally and vertically with different tilts.
🔐 Kinematic vs. Other Kinetic Features
- Flip‑flop (image switching) – Two static images; abrupt change.
- Latent image – Single hidden image appears/disappears.
- Kinematic hologram – Continuous, smooth animation (rolling, spinning).
📦 Kinematic Hologram Products We Supply
- Rolling bar hologram labels – Ideal for tax stamps and high‑volume product authentication. The bar moves as you tilt.
- Rotating logo / star labels – Your brand logo or icon that spins, adding a memorable security feature.
- Custom animated DOVID patches – For passports, ID cards, and certificates.
- Kinematic security threads – Narrow strips with rolling bar animation for banknotes and visa stickers.
- Combination kinematic + flip‑flop – An area that both animates and switches images, offering very high security.
🏭 Industries Using Kinematic Holograms
- Banknotes & currency – The rolling bar is a standard anti‑counterfeit feature on many notes.
- Passports & e‑passports – Kinematic DOVIDs on the data page.
- Tax stamps (alcohol, tobacco) – Rolling bar or rotating star helps customs officers quickly verify excise stamps.
- Pharmaceuticals (high‑risk drugs) – Kinematic labels on expensive medicines to deter fakes.
- Luxury goods & electronics – Animated brand logos provide an instant, memorable authentication check.
🕵️ How to Verify a Kinematic Hologram
- Hold the label under a point light source (sun, desk lamp, flashlight).
- Slowly tilt the label left‑right or up‑down (depending on the design).
- Watch for continuous movement – a bar that rolls, a star that spins, or a wave that flows.
- If the motion is jerky, non‑existent, or static, the label may be counterfeit.
🌍 Holoseal’s Kinematic Hologram Capabilities
We supply kinematic hologram with high‑precision dot matrix and e‑beam systems. For clients in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Indore, Vadodara, Ludhiana, Patna, Guwahati, Chandigarh and worldwide, we provide custom kinematic hologram labels, strips, and foils. With 15+ years of experience, we help you design the right animation (rolling bar, rotating logo, etc.) to meet your security needs and budget.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kinematic Holograms
Are kinematic holograms more expensive than standard rainbow holograms?
Yes – the master origination is significantly more complex (pixel‑level design, dot matrix or e‑beam writing). Expect master costs to be 2–5× higher than a simple 2D/3D rainbow hologram. Per‑label cost is also moderately higher due to the need for precise embossing.
Can I see the animation in normal office light?
Yes – any directional light works. The effect may be less intense under diffuse light, but you will still see the motion. Sunlight or a flashlight gives the best result.
What is the difference between a kinegram and a kinematic hologram?
“Kinegram” is a brand name (from OVD Kinegram AG) for their specific kinematic DOVID technology. “Kinematic hologram” is the generic term for any hologram with continuous animation effect.
How durable are kinematic hologram labels?
They are physically embossed into the film, so they last as long as the label (5–10 years indoors). A clear top coat can be added for extra scratch resistance.
Can kinematic effects be combined with microtext?
Absolutely – we can embed microtext or UV features within the same kinematic design. Many high‑security DOVIDs combine a rolling bar with hidden text readable only under magnification.
How to order a kinematic hologram from Holoseal?
Describe the animation you want (e.g., “a gold bar that rolls vertically across a 30mm label” or “my brand logo rotates 360° over 20° tilt”). Provide artwork and quantity. We will design the pixel map, produce a sample for animation verification, then mass supply. Contact us for a consultation.
