Cards

Smart cards are secure, versatile plastic cards embedded with microchips that store and process data. They’re widely used for identity verification, access control, payments, and secure authentication. Let’s break them down by type and material:

---

🧠 What Is a Smart Card?

A smart card is a plastic card—typically made of PVC—that contains an embedded integrated circuit (IC). This chip can store data, perform cryptographic operations, and interact with external systems via contact or contactless interfaces.

---

🧾 1. PVC Smart Cards

• Material: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the same plastic used in credit cards.
• Printability: Compatible with dye-sublimation and retransfer printers.
• Durability: Suitable for most indoor applications; for higher durability, composite materials (PVC/PET) are used.
• Use Cases: Employee badges, student IDs, loyalty cards, transit passes.

---

🔌 2. Contact Smart Cards

• Interface: Require physical contact with a reader via a gold-plated chip.
• Standards: ISO/IEC 7816.
• Functionality: The chip stores data and performs secure operations when inserted into a reader.
• Use Cases:
  • Banking: EMV credit/debit cards.
  • Government: National ID cards, digital signature tokens.
  • Enterprise: Secure login and authentication.

---

📡 3. Contactless Smart Cards

• Interface: Use RFID or NFC technology to communicate wirelessly with a reader.
• Standards: ISO/IEC 14443 (proximity) or ISO/IEC 15693 (vicinity).
• Range: Typically 2–10 cm.
• Use Cases:
  • Access control: Building entry, time attendance.
  • Public transport: Tap-and-go fare systems.
  • Events: Wristbands or badges for fast check-in.

---

🧬 Hybrid & Dual-Interface Cards

• Hybrid: Contain both contact and contactless chips (separate).
• Dual-interface: One chip with both contact and contactless capabilities.
• Use Cases: Multi-application cards (e.g., ID + payment + access).

---

🛡️ Security Features

• Encryption & authentication: Protect sensitive data and prevent cloning.
• Tamper resistance: Hardware and software safeguards.
• Custom printing: Photos, barcodes, holograms, UV ink for visual security.

All cards can be ordered blank or offset preprinted (4c+4c or pantone), signature panel, magnetic stripe (Hi-CO/LoCO), barcode printing or serial number for more info please click here

---