Embedded laminated cards are made by pressing several layers of material together using heat. Stainless steel lamination plates can emboss their surface with different images or patterns. Later, manufacturers add personal information through pre-printing or direct printing. In this way, every card can be customized for individual use.
As identity theft and document forgery increased, the industry developed optical embedded overlays. Manufacturers apply these overlays either before or after adding personal data. A large sheet of overlay is aligned with the card and heat-pressed into one piece. This process not only prevents scratches and tampering but also improves card security. Today, the technology is widely used with PVC, PETG, and PC substrates.
Types of Embedded Laminated Cards
1. By Application Field
- Financial cards: Credit and debit cards used for payments and overdraft services.
- Non-financial cards: Common in telecom, education, tourism, and transportation.
- Transportation cards: Metro and bus cards designed for fast transactions.
- Government cards: Social security cards, ID cards, and residence permits are used for identification and public services.
- Smart cards (IC cards): Contain chips for computing, access, and storage. They are widely used in authentication, finance, and ticketing.
2. By Data Exchange Interface
- Contact IC cards: Communicate with readers through physical contact under ISO7816 standards.
- Contactless IC cards: Use RFID or optical signals for fast interaction, ideal for transport and access.
- Dual-interface cards: Combine both methods for more flexibility.
3. By Chip Type
- Memory cards: Low-cost with limited storage, often used in catering and healthcare.
- Logic encryption cards: Include password verification, ideal for utility and canteen payments.
- CPU cards: Use a microprocessor for secure data management. They are common in finance and high-security fields.
- Super smart cards: Enhanced CPU cards with displays, keyboards, or biometric features. They provide higher security and interactivity.
Where Are They Used?
Embedded laminated cards are vital in government and public services. For example, they support:
- Identity documents: National ID cards, residence permits, temporary IDs, travel permits.
- Qualification documents: Transport permits, licenses, health certificates, tour guide IDs, and customs permits.
- Functional documents: Social security cards, health cards, youth cards, volunteer cards, and organization codes.
Therefore, these cards support identity checks, social management, healthcare, and public services. They have become indispensable in modern society.
IMAGE TECH’s Role in Card Security
IMAGE TECH has specialized in document security for decades. We offer a wide range of high-security laminated card solutions. Our anti-counterfeiting technologies already serve national-level ID projects. Moreover, we have partnered with governments in more than 10 international programs.
By combining advanced optical security design with reliable lamination, we deliver tailored solutions that meet diverse card security needs worldwide.
