Patent ID: 8336361

Claim:
A method for applying a diffraction-active structure to a metal object comprising the steps of: a) providing a metal object (M) and introducing the metal object into a micro-stamping station ( 2 ), b) performing a micro-stamping step for forming a diffraction-active structure ( 16 ) on the metal object (M), c) applying a protective medium layer ( 22 ) at least to the diffraction-active structure ( 16 ) formed on the metal object (M) during the micro-stamping step, d) transferring the metal object (M) to relief stamping station ( 4 ), and e) performing a macro relief pattern stamping step for generating a macroscopic relief stamping pattern ( 23 ) overlaying the diffraction-active structure ( 16 ) applied to the metal object in the micro-stamping station.