Device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles and machine for generating optically variable image elements

A device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P) contained in a coating agent (06), comprising a cylinder (26), which comprises a number of n×m (in words:

• n times m, where n, m 0 ┐) elements (24) providing magnetic fields, magnetic elements (24) for short, in the region of its outer circumference in a matrix-like manner, which are arranged one behind the other in m columns extending in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (26) and next to one another in n rows extending in an axially parallel manner, in several of the columns of magnetic elements (24) arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction in each case the magnetic elements (24) of these columns being mounted as a group at or on a shared carrier element (31) and being variable with respect to their axial position in or at the cylinder (26) by way of the carrier element (31), collectively as a group and independently of the magnetic elements (24) of an adjoining column, and, in these columns, in each case at least one of the magnetic elements (24) being arranged and/or mounted on the carrier element (31) of a multi-piece cylinder body (29) of the cylinder (26) so as to be adjustable in the axial direction, by way of mechanical adjusting means (42, 43, 44) comprising a gearbox, independently of at least one further magnetic element (24) of the same column which is mounted on the same carrier element (31).