Magnetic strip
Our Data option includes the addition of HiCo (High Coercivity) or LoCo (Low Coercivity) magnetic strips. This option allows you to add an access or identification function to your card. Magnetic stripes are used on credit cards, identification cards and access cards. They enable magnetic data to be stored and read.
The HiCo magnetic stripe is made from a strong magnetic material, requiring a higher magnetic field to write or erase the data recorded on it. It is generally more durable and offers greater resistance to unintentional deletion of data. HiCo magnetic stripe cards are commonly used in applications requiring greater durability or long-term use. LoCo magnetic stripe, on the other hand, is made from a softer magnetic material, requiring a weaker magnetic field to write or erase data. It is less durable than HiCo tape and is more prone to accidental erasure of data. LoCo magnetic stripe cards are generally less expensive and are used in applications requiring short-term use or frequent card replacement.
Magnetic stripes on cards work by recording data in the form of magnetic signals. The data is encoded in the form of parallel magnetic tracks on the tape. These tracks are divided into several sections, each representing specific characters, such as numbers, letters or symbols. To write data on magnetic tape, a magnetic encoder applies a specific magnetic field to the track, changing the magnetic orientation of the magnetic particles. This change in orientation represents the numeric or alphanumeric data to be recorded.
To read the data, a magnetic tape reader uses a read head that detects changes in magnetic orientation on the track. The variations detected are converted into data that can be understood by the computer system, enabling access to the information stored on the card.
In summary, the HiCo and LoCo magnetic strips on cards are used to store and read magnetic data. HiCo tapes are more durable and require a higher magnetic field to write and erase data, whereas LoCo tapes are less durable and require a lower magnetic field. Data is recorded in parallel magnetic tracks and read using a magnetic tape reader. Following your order and depending on your requirements, we can supply you with an encoder and a magnetic stripe reader (access, identification).
TO FIND OUT MORE :
Variable data (DATA) is an ideal way of adding personalised information to each card. It can be applied either by spot colour or by laser engraving to make the information on each card unique. These options for marking data on a card enable relevant information to be stored and accessed for specific applications, whether for payments, identification, access or data tracking. It is regularly used by our business customers to personalise cards for their loyal or important customers, to equip employees to facilitate the acquisition of new prospects or to provide specific access.
Please note that this option is invoiced per type of personalisation. If you require several types of variable data, please contact us for a personalised quote.
⁃ Variable data is available in laser engraving or spot colours and cannot be applied with engraving.
⁃ Variable data cannot overlap with other non-variable finishes such as engraving or spot colour
⁃ If a specific font is required for file data, the font file must be supplied.
⁃ All file data content must be supplied in spreadsheet format (e.g. Excel).
For personalising your card using the data option, several options are available:
⁃ Direct tone or laser engraving: surname, first name, membership date, member number, serial number, etc.
⁃ QR code or barcode: membership card, loyalty card,
⁃ Magnetic strip (HiCo, LoCo): membership card, pass card, hotel pass, access badge,
⁃ NFC/RFID : Access badge, hotel pass, data, Vcard, url…
⁃ Chip: membership card, pass card, hotel pass, access badge (by quotation only).
