Coercivity
Magnetic Stripe Identification Cards
Magnetic stripe ID cards, also known as magstripe cards,
are PVC ID cards containing a band of magnetic material embedded in the resin
on the back of the card. Magnetic stripe ID cards store updatable information
on a magstripe, which is read when the card is swiped through a magnetic
stripe card reader.
There are two 2 types of magnetic stripe ID cards:
High coercivity
(HiCo): High Coercivity or “HiCo” cards are recommended for a
majority of applications. HiCo magnetic stripe cards are typically black
in color and they are encoded with a stronger magnetic field (2750 Oersted).
The stronger magnetic field makes HiCo cards more durable
because the data encoded on the stripes are less likely to unintentionally be
erased when exposed to an outside magnetic field.
HiCo cards are common in applications where they require
a longer card life and are swiped often. Credit cards, bank cards, library
cards, access control cards, time and attendance cards and employee ID cards
frequently use HiCo technology.
For example, high coercivity magnetic stripes are
commonly used in credit cards, bank cards, library cards, access control cards,
time and attendance cards, and employee ID cards. For these many applications,
ISO/IEC 7811-6:2018 – Identification cards – Recording technique – Part 6:
Magnetic stripe: High coercivity defines the characteristics of the
identification cards.
ISO/IEC 7811-6:2018 specifies guidance for a high coercivity
magnetic stripe (including any protective overlay) on an identification card,
the encoding technique, and coded character sets. It outlines the physical
characteristics of the magnetic stripe, surface roughness, adhesion of stripe
to card, resistance to chemicals, performance characteristics, and related
information.
ISO/IEC 7811-6:2018 revises and replaces the fourth
edition of the standard for high coercivity magnetic stripes. Its primary
changes include better alignment with ISO/IEC 7811-2:2018 (through usage of the
same definitions, criteria, and test methods across both standard documents),
the adjustment of the supplier of secondary reference cards from
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) to Q-Card, and the alteration that
the primary standard cards held by Q-Card are used to calibrate the manufacture
of secondary reference cards.
Low coercivity
(LoCo): The less common Low Coercivity or “LoCo” cards are good
for short-term applications. LoCo magnetic stripe cards are generally
brown in color and they are encoded at a low-intensity magnetic field (300
Oersted).
LoCo cards are typically used for short-term applications
including hotel room keys and season passes for theme parks, amusement
parks, and water parks.
When selecting a magnetic stripe card for your business,
ask yourself how long you want your cards to last. Many of us have experienced
a situation where a hotel room key stopped working. Magnetic stripe cards can
be reprogrammed, but it can be inconvenient.
ISO/IEC 7811-2:2018 – Identification cards – Recording
technique – Part 2: Magnetic stripe: Low coercivity specifies guidelines for a
low coercivity magnetic stripe (including any protective overlay) on an
identification card, the encoding technique, and coded character sets. It takes
into human and machine considerations and outlines the physical characteristics
of the magnetic stripe, surface roughness, adhesion of stripe to card,
resistance to chemicals, performance characteristics, and related information.
ISO/IEC 7811-2:2018 replaces and supersedes the fourth
edition of the low coercivity magnetic stripe standard from 2014. Its primary
changes include better alignment with ISO/IEC 7811-6:2018 (through usage of the
same definitions, criteria, and test methods across both standard documents),
the adjustment of the supplier of secondary reference cards from
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) to Q-Card, and the alteration that
the primary standard cards held by Q-Card are used to calibrate the manufacture
of secondary reference cards.
Magnetic stripe ID Cards as a popular low cost solution
for secure access control systems and are often used for credit and
identification cards as well as transportation tickets, ATM cards, bank cards,
gift cards, loyalty cards, driver’s licenses, telephone calling cards,
membership cards, and electronic benefit transfer cards such as food stamps.
Various ID card solutions featuring magnetic
stripe encoding capabilities:
- HID Global Fargo DTC4250e: Easy and flexible way to print and encode plastic ID cards.
- HID Global Fargo DTC4500e: For versatile, reliable card production delivers speed, power and versatility all in one.
- Zebra ZXP Series 3: Features high speed printing, brilliant image quality, enterprise networking features and full encoding capabilities.
- Zebra ZXP Series 8: Delivers best-in-class throughput & unparalleled print speed for vivid color plastic ID card printing on-demand and fast.
- Magicard Enduro+: Single or dual-sided card printing with ISO magnetic encoding.
- Magicard Rio Pro: The preferred printer for secure access control single-sided cards with magnetic stripe encoding.
- Evolis Zenius: Features USB and Ethernet TCP-IP ports and multiple encoding options that can be combined in the same printer. Certified ENERGY STAR compliant.
- Evolis Primacy: For easy, flexible and fast ID card printing of personalized transportation passes, payment cards, ID badges, as well as multi-feature ID cards.
- Nisca PR5350: For high speed, low cost dual-sided printing with magnetic encoding.