Understanding Plastic Card Encoding

What is Magnetic Stripe Encoding?

Magnetic stripe encoding is the process of storing digital data on a plastic card by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based particles on a magnetic stripe. This allows machines to quickly and accurately read information when the card is swiped.

HiCo (High Coercivity)

HiCo stripes are highly durable and resistant to accidental erasure from common magnetic fields. They are the standard for long-term use cards.

  • Color: Black
  • Durability: High
  • Common Use: Credit cards, debit cards, employee IDs

LoCo (Low Coercivity)

LoCo stripes are less expensive but also less durable. They are best for short-term or temporary-use cards where long-term data retention is not critical.

  • Color: Light Brown
  • Durability: Low
  • Common Use: Hotel key cards, gift cards, loyalty cards

Magnetic Stripe Tracks & Data Format

The magnetic stripe is divided into up to three tracks. The data on these tracks is structured with special characters so the card reader can understand it.

  • Start/End Sentinels: Characters like %, ;, and ? that signal the beginning and end of the data.
  • Separators: Characters like ^ and = that separate distinct pieces of information, like an account number and a name.

Track 1

Developed by the airline industry (IATA), this is the only track that stores alphanumeric data (A-Z, 0-9). It’s ideal for storing names and account numbers.
Example: %B123456^DOE/JOHN^2512?

Track 2

Developed by the banking industry (ABA), this track stores numeric data only (0-9). It is the most common track used for payment processing.
Example: ;123456=2512?

Track 3

Developed by the thrift-savings industry, this track is rarely used by major networks. It can store numeric data and has read/write capabilities.

Understanding Barcode Options

Barcodes visually represent data using parallel lines (bars) and spaces of varying widths. A scanner reads this pattern by reflecting light off it, which a decoder then translates into usable data. This allows for rapid, error-free data entry.

Barcode 39

Widely used in many industries, including government and medical. It can encode letters, numbers, and some symbols.

  • Set: Alphanumeric
  • Length: Variable
  • Category: Industrial, Postal

Barcode 128

A universal barcode with excellent data density, making it ideal for shipping and packaging applications.

  • Set: ASCII
  • Length: Variable
  • Category: Shipping, Tracking

Barcode UPC-A

The standard retail barcode. It encodes a producer and individual article number in a fixed-length format.

  • Set: Numeric
  • Length: Fixed (12)
  • Category: Retail, Warehousing

Capabilities

Barcodes are excellent for quickly identifying items, tracking inventory, and speeding up checkout processes, which significantly reduces human error.

Limitations

Standard barcodes can’t hold large amounts of data; they link to a database record. They also require a clear line of sight and can fail if smudged or damaged.

Supported Encoding Systems

We can encode magnetic stripes for a wide variety of Point of Sale (POS), time clock, and access control systems. Below is a general guide.

Systems We Can Encode For

  • Toast
  • Lightspeed
  • Future
  • Focus
  • Meevo
  • Mindbody
  • Mangomint
  • Cash Register Express
  • Planning Center
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Ready Theatre Systems

Systems We Cannot Encode For

  • Clover
  • Square
  • Breadcrumb
  • Aloha (multi-unit)
  • Business Solutions Software
  • First Data
  • Global eTelecom
  • Gyft
  • Harbour Touch
  • Heartland Payment Systems
  • Intuit (Quickbooks)
  • Prodigy Payments
  • Shopkeep
  • Valuetech

Key Design Principles for Printing

To ensure your cards print perfectly, it’s important to prepare your artwork correctly. Here are the most critical design concepts to keep in mind.

Bleed Area

Extend your background design 1/8″ (0.125″) beyond the final card size. This prevents white edges if the card shifts slightly during cutting.

Safe Zone

Keep all important text and logos at least 1/8″ (0.125″) inside the card edges. This guarantees nothing critical gets trimmed off.

CMYK Color Mode

Set your design file’s color mode to CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). This is the standard for professional printing and ensures color accuracy.

Vector Artwork

Use vector formats (.AI, .EPS, .PDF) whenever possible, especially for logos and text. They provide infinite scalability with no loss of quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard size and thickness of a plastic card?

The standard size, often called CR80, is 3.375” x 2.125”, the same as a typical credit card. The standard thickness is 30 mil, which is durable and rigid.

What is the difference between Litho and Digital printing?

Lithographic (Litho) printing is best for large quantity orders, offering the highest quality and a lower per-card cost. Digital printing is ideal for smaller runs and is excellent for printing variable data like names or numbers on each card.

What are variable data and personalization?

This refers to printing unique information on each individual card in a print run. Common examples include names, membership numbers, photos, or barcodes.

What is a key tag or combo card?

A key tag is a smaller card, typically one-third the size of a standard card, designed to be attached to a keychain. A combo card is a standard-sized card that has one or more break-away key tags attached.

Do you offer cards made from recycled materials?

Yes, cards can be manufactured using recycled PVC materials. This is an excellent option for environmentally conscious organizations.