Selective metal removal process for metallized retro-reflective and holographic films and radio frequency devices made therewith

A method of forming a pattern in a metallized region, the method comprising:

• transferring a metal etching solution to portions of an exposed surface of the metallized region using a printing process;
• allowing the etching solution to react with the metallized region to selectively demetallize the surface;
• and
• washing the selectively demetallized surface.

A method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and a plurality of metallized regions disposed thereon, the method comprising:

• forming an antenna in a first metallized region;
• and
• forming a holographic image in a second metallized region;
• wherein the antenna is formed by a method comprising:
• transferring a metal etching solution to portions of an exposed surface of the metallized layer using a printing process;
• allowing the etching solution to react with the metal to selectively demetallize the surface;
• and
• washing the selectively demetallized surface.

A method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and at least one metal region disposed thereon, the method comprising:

• selectively demetallizing a first metal region of the device;
• forming a holographic image in the first metal region;
• forming an antenna on the base layer;
• and
• mounting an radio frequency (RF) chip on the base layer in electrical communication with the antenna to form an RF transponder;
• wherein the selective demetallization of the first metal region allows the RF transponder to transmit and receive information.

A method of making an identification device comprising a base layer and a metallized retro-reflective layer, the method comprising:

• forming a selectively demetallized retro-reflective layer.on the base layer;
• forming an antenna on the base layer;
• and
• mounting a radio frequency (RF) chip on the base layer;
• wherein the chip the and the antenna are in electrical communication to form an RF transponder and wherein the selective demetallization of the retro-reflective layer retains the retro-reflective properties of the retro-reflective layer while allowing the RF transponder to transmit and receive information.