Plastic Card Parameters: ISO Standards in Payment Card Production
Payment card production requires strict adherence to international standards that define precise physical parameters. Understanding these specifications is essential for manufacturers and financial institutions seeking to produce reliable bank cards that function seamlessly in global payment systems.
Standard Card Dimensions in Payment Card Production
International standards establish exact dimensions for payment cards to ensure compatibility with ATMs, POS terminals, and card readers worldwide. The ISO 7810 standard defines the ID-1 format used for most payment cards.
Precise Measurements
- Length: 85.6 mm (+/- 0.13 mm tolerance)
- Width: 53.98 mm (+/- 0.06 mm tolerance)
- Corner radius: 3.18 mm (+/- 0.08 mm tolerance)
- Standard thickness: 0.76 mm (+/- 0.08 mm tolerance)
These tight tolerances ensure that every card produced fits perfectly in card readers and processing equipment globally.
Card Thickness Variations in Production
While standard payment cards measure 0.76 mm thick, modern production technologies allow for various thickness options:
- Thin cards: 0.35-0.50 mm for specific applications
- Standard cards: 0.76 mm for most payment cards
- Thick cards: Up to 1.5 mm for special requirements
- Chip card minimum: 0.46 mm for cards with Mifare or EM-Marine inlays
Premium materials like those used in metal cards may require different thickness specifications while maintaining ISO compliance.
Material Specifications for Card Manufacturing
The primary material for payment card production is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chosen for its durability, printability, and cost-effectiveness.
PVC Layer Structure
Modern payment cards consist of multiple laminated layers:
- Core layer: Main PVC substrate providing structural integrity
- Overlay layers: 0.08-0.30 mm PVC protective film on each side
- Print layer: High-resolution graphics and security elements
- Protective coating: Applied during press-lamination process
For environmentally conscious solutions, eco-friendly card materials offer sustainable alternatives to traditional PVC.
ISO Standards for Payment Card Production
Professional card manufacturing follows multiple ISO standards ensuring global interoperability:
Physical Characteristics (ISO 7810)
Defines dimensions, tolerances, and physical properties for identification cards, including payment cards, ensuring they fit standard readers worldwide.
Recording Methods (ISO 7811)
Specifies embossing and encoding standards for magnetic stripe cards, including character placement and stripe positioning.
Numbering Systems (ISO 7812)
Establishes the card number structure, including issuer identification numbers (IIN) used by payment networks.
Financial Transaction Cards (ISO 7813)
Defines additional requirements specific to cards used in financial transactions, including track data formats.
Magnetic Stripe Content (ISO 4909)
Specifies the data content and format for magnetic stripes on financial transaction cards.
Contact Chip Cards (ISO 7816)
Comprehensive standard for smart cards with integrated circuits, covering physical characteristics, electrical interface, and communication protocols.
Special Card Parameters
Different card types may have unique parameter requirements:
- Biometric cards: Additional thickness for fingerprint sensors
- Glow cards: Special layers for luminescent effects
- Wooden cards: Adapted dimensions for natural materials
Quality Control in Card Production
Maintaining precise parameters requires rigorous quality control:
- Dimensional verification: Every production batch tested against ISO specifications
- Thickness measurement: Digital micrometers ensure consistency
- Corner radius inspection: Template matching for precise curvature
- Surface quality: Visual and automated inspection for defects
Professional Card Manufacturing Standards
At ASMO, our payment card production follows all ISO standards to ensure cards function reliably in any payment system worldwide. Our manufacturing processes incorporate precise dimensional control and quality verification at every stage.
Learn more about our payment standards compliance and card production capabilities.