Lyla Lindsey
Australia's banknotes are printed by Note Printing Australia Limited (NPA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). NPA has been printing Australia's distinctive and durable banknotes from its location in Craigieburn, Victoria, 25 kilometres north of Melbourne since 1998. The process of making Australian money involves several intricate steps, from the initial concept design to the final print run, incorporating advanced security features and unique printing techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Craigieburn, Victoria, 25 kilometres north of Melbourne |
| Building | A purpose-built four-storey, reinforced concrete structure |
| Security | High-security perimeter fencing, armed guards, electronic security and surveillance devices |
| Materials | Plastic pellets, polymer substrate, special inks |
| Printing Process | Simultaneous printing on both sides, intaglio print, application of tactile features |
| Quality Control | Inspection, shrink-wrapping, packing, storage in a strong room |
| Serial Numbering | Year-Dated System with a different letter prefix for each sheet |
| Security Features | Advanced technology, clear windows, raised printing, watermarks, metal threads, OVDs (optically variable devices) |
| Durability | Tough, damage-resistant, tear-resistant, waterproof |
| Export | NPA has printed for 18-19 countries, with export orders in Asia, South America, and the Pacific |
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What You'll Learn
Australian money is made in Craigieburn, Melbourne
The process of making Australian money starts with plastic pellets, which are melted and blown into a three-storey bubble. This creates a plastic film or polypropylene, which is then stretched and squashed back down to form a banknote substrate sheet. On top of this clear film, white coatings are applied to both sides, leaving out the bits where a window is desired. This produces a banknote substrate sheet that can be put through the rest of the printing processes.
The next step is to apply strong colours on both sides of the note, done in very fine detailed print. Special inks are then applied to make the film opaque, except for certain areas left free of ink to create clear windows. Different-sized sheets are used for each denomination, and the number of banknotes printed on a sheet varies. For example, a sheet of the new $5 banknotes has 54 polymer banknotes, while the new $10, $20, $50, and $100 banknotes have 45 banknotes on a sheet.
The first printing process involves printing the background colours and patterns onto both sides of the polymer sheets simultaneously using simultan printing machines. These machines can print at least 8,000 sheets per hour. The new series of banknotes has two security features not previously used on Australian banknotes, which are applied at this stage. One of these is a tactile feature to help the vision-impaired community identify different denominations, made up of different numbers of raised bumps on the long edges of the banknote next to the top-to-bottom window.
After printing, the sheets are guillotined into individual banknotes and inspected to ensure they meet the required quality standards. The finished banknotes are then shrink-wrapped, packed into containers, and stored in a strong room prior to distribution around the country.
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The process involves pellets, pallets, and sheets
Australian banknotes are made from a type of plastic, or polymer, which makes them tough and durable. The process of creating these banknotes begins with plastic pellets, which are melted and blown into a three-storey bubble. This bubble is then flattened into a thin roll of clear plastic film, which is cut into sheets.
These sheets are then printed with a white ink, which helps other inks adhere to the plastic. The clear window in the banknote is also formed at this stage. The sheets are then fed into a press that prints both sides simultaneously, ensuring that the images on each side align perfectly.
Next, the sheets are printed with raised ink, which is one of the security features of Australian polymer banknotes. The background colours and patterns are printed onto both sides of the sheets at the same time using simultan printing machines. These machines are capable of printing at least 8,000 sheets per hour.
The new series of banknotes also incorporates two new security features not previously used on Australian banknotes. The multiple security features in the top-to-bottom window are applied as a continuous strip, followed by a rolling colour effect using an optically variable ink. Major design elements, such as portraits and narrative elements, are then printed using intaglio printing machines. This process involves transferring ink to the sheets under high pressure using engraved metal plates.
Finally, the printed sheets are guillotined into individual banknotes and inspected for quality. The finished banknotes are then shrink-wrapped, packed into containers, and stored in a strong room for distribution.
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Polymer substrate is used for printing
Australian banknotes are printed by Note Printing Australia Limited (NPA), which is located on a 26-hectare site at Craigieburn, Victoria, 25 kilometres north of Melbourne. NPA has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia since July 1998.
The NPA site is highly secure, with features such as high-security perimeter fencing, armed guards, and sophisticated electronic security and surveillance systems.
Australian banknotes are printed on sheets of polymer substrate using various printing plates, processes, machines, and inks. The process starts with plastic pellets, which are melted and blown into a three-storey bubble. This bubble is then squashed back down to create a clear film, which forms the substrate for printing.
The use of polymer substrate has placed Australia at the forefront of polymer note technology, with countries such as New Zealand, Romania, Vietnam, Brunei, and Papua New Guinea following suit in converting their denominations to polymer.
The process of printing on polymer substrate involves several steps. Firstly, the plastic film is treated with special inks to make it opaque, except for the areas where clear windows will be left out. The film is then cut into sheets, and the background colours and patterns are printed onto both sides simultaneously using simultaneous printing machines. These machines can print at least 8,000 sheets per hour.
After the initial printing, additional security features are applied, such as intaglio printing, which gives the notes texture and helps with authentication. Other features include tactile elements for the vision-impaired community and foil transfers. Finally, an overcoat is applied to the entire note before it is guillotined into individual banknotes, inspected for quality, and shrink-wrapped for distribution.
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The Reserve Bank of Australia is involved
The Reserve Bank of Australia also works closely with NPA and Securency in research and development, marketing, and customer support for international business. Securency is a joint venture between the Reserve Bank and Innovia Films, a global supplier of polypropylene films. Securency sells high-security polymer substrates to NPA and other currency note printers worldwide. The substrates are produced by applying unique coatings and security features to the specialised films supplied by Innovia.
In addition to its involvement with NPA and Securency, the Reserve Bank of Australia has played a significant role in the development of polymer banknotes. In 1966, the Reserve Bank issued enhanced paper bills with security features such as metal threads, watermarks, and raised printing. Despite these measures, forgers soon began producing high-quality counterfeits. As a result, the Reserve Bank and NPA commissioned the CSIRO to find better ways to secure Australian currency, leading to the development and introduction of the polymer banknote in 1988.
The Reserve Bank of Australia also undertakes programs to improve the quality of notes in circulation. For instance, the National Note Processing and Distribution Centre, operated by NPA under contract from the Reserve Bank, reissued or withdrew circulating Australian notes, processing a significantly higher volume of currency notes and achieving higher rates of productivity.
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The money has unique security features
Australian banknotes are made from a type of plastic called polymer, which makes them tough and durable. This material also allows for the inclusion of a range of security features that make counterfeiting difficult. The Reserve Bank of Australia is committed to ensuring that Australian banknotes are among the safest in the world.
The banknotes are printed by Note Printing Australia Limited (NPA), which is located on a 26-hectare site at Craigieburn, Victoria, 25 kilometres north of Melbourne. The NPA site is highly secure, with features such as high-security perimeter fencing, armed guards, and sophisticated electronic security and surveillance systems.
The security features of Australian banknotes are designed to be dynamic and innovative. One of the most distinctive features is the top-to-bottom window, which includes multiple security elements. For example, when the banknote is tilted, an image of a bird moving its wings and changing colour can be seen in the window. This image is created using a complicated process that involves transferring foil with heat and pressure, similar to ironing it onto the banknote. Additionally, the window should be an integral part of the banknote, and it should not appear stuck or joined on. It should also be clear rather than cloudy, and it should have a white image that cannot be easily rubbed off.
Another security feature is the use of intaglio print, which gives the banknote texture and a distinct feel. This raised dark printing can be felt by running a finger across the portraits and other major design elements. The banknotes also include micro-printing, which is very small text that is usually only readable with a magnifying glass. The serial numbers on the banknotes are also unique and should fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
Furthermore, when a genuine banknote is held up to the light, the Australian Coat of Arms should be visible as a 'shadow image' due to variations in the background printing. The background printing features multi-coloured and multi-directional fine-line patterns that should be very sharp. Additionally, the plastic substrate of the banknotes gives them a distinctive feel. A genuine banknote should feel sturdy and return to its original shape after being scrunched up.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian money is made by Note Printing Australia (NPA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). NPA is located on a 26-hectare site in Craigieburn, Melbourne, Victoria.
Australian banknotes are made from a type of plastic, or polymer, specifically polypropylene. This makes them tough, durable, and difficult to counterfeit.
The design process has two distinct parts: concept design and 'banknotisation' design. The concept design focuses on the artwork and general look, while 'banknotisation' design integrates security and functional features.
The process starts with a plastic film of polypropylene that is melted, stretched, blown into a bubble, and then squashed back down to create a clear film. White coatings are applied to both sides, leaving out areas for the see-through windows. Strong colours are then printed on both sides of the banknote substrate sheet using various printing plates, processes, machines, and inks.
Yes, NPA has printed banknotes for at least 18 other countries besides Australia, including New Zealand, Romania, Vietnam, Brunei, and Papua New Guinea. NPA has won awards for its printing capabilities, such as the 2020 Currency Services Award by Central Banking.
