Metal cards are widely used in financial services and membership programs to provide a distinctive physical experience and premium brand perception.
These cards are typically part of a broader production process that includes multiple stages such as chip embedding, personalization, and encoding.
Himgo focuses specifically on the manufacturing of metal card bodies, supporting financial institutions, card issuers, and program providers with precision fabrication and surface finishing.
Typical applications include:
- banking card programs
- premium membership cards
- corporate and VIP identification cards
Our role is to produce metal card bodies ready for further processing, ensuring dimensional accuracy, consistent surface finish, and suitability for downstream personalization.
Scope of Supply
Himgo provides metal card body manufacturing only, supporting the early-stage production of metal cards.
What We Provide
- stainless steel and aluminum card bodies
- surface finishing (brushed, mirror, PVD)
- laser engraving and etched graphics
- custom shapes, cut-outs, and thickness control
What Is Not Included
- chip embedding
- magnetic stripe encoding
- NFC integration
Financial Card Industry Challenges
Producing metal card bodies for financial applications involves both dimensional constraints and integration considerations.
1.ISO Size & Dimensional Constraints
Metal cards must comply with the standard format:
| Standard | Specification |
|---|---|
| ISO 7810 ID-1 | 85.60 × 53.98 mm |
Even small deviations can affect downstream processing and compatibility.
2.Integration with Card Systems
Metal materials introduce challenges in card functionality:
- signal interference for contactless systems
- structural limitations for chip embedding
- compatibility with personalization processes
Card body design must consider these requirements even if integration is handled later.
3.Weight & Thickness Balance
Metal cards must balance:
- perceived quality (weight)
- usability (too heavy affects handling)
Typical range
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.5–1.2 mm |
| Weight | 12g – 30g |
Depends on material and structure design
4.Depends on material and structure design
High-end finishes may introduce challenges:
- coating consistency across batches
- surface defects during handling
- process compatibility with engraving
Typical range
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.5–1.2 mm |
| Weight | 12g – 30g |
Depends on material and structure design
Common Failure Risks
Incorrect design or supplier selection can lead to issues during production or downstream processing.
Typical Failure Cases
- card bending due to improper thickness
- coating peeling after processing
- engraving inconsistency across batches
- dimensional deviation affecting personalization
Scope Misunderstanding
A common issue in metal card projects is misunderstanding the manufacturing scope.
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Expecting full card production | Metal card body suppliers typically do not handle chip or NFC |
| Integration failure | Poor coordination between suppliers |
| Delays | Incorrect production sequencing |
Clear separation of responsibilities is essential for project success
Our Engineering Approach
Metal card OEM programs are evaluated from a system-integration perspective, not as standalone components.
Typical Engineering Evaluation Process
- Define card structure and thickness requirements
- Evaluate material behavior under lamination and processing
- Select finishes compatible with personalization workflows
- Control tolerances across batch production
- Validate performance through pilot and pre-issuance runs
This approach reduces downstream failure risk during large-scale issuance.
Metal Card Body Solutions
Stainless Steel Card Bodies
Commonly used for:
- banking programs
- premium membership cards
Advantages
- strong structural stability
- suitable for premium finishes
- supports engraving and etching
Aluminum Card Bodies
Used for:
- lightweight card designs
- cost-sensitive programs
Advantages
- easier processing
- lower weight
- good surface finish options
Blank Metal Card Bodies
- base cards for personalization
- engraving or printing after production
Suitable for card issuers and personalization providers
Custom Engraved Metal Cards
Himgo supports:
- laser engraving
- etched graphics
- custom branding elements
Enables permanent and consistent branding on metal surfaces
Process & Manufacturing Capability
Manufacturing Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Cutting | precision stamping or laser cutting |
| Surface finishing | brushed, mirror, PVD coating |
| Engraving | laser engraving / chemical etching |
| Tolerance control | consistent dimensional accuracy |
Learn more>>
Material & Weight Control
Himgo provides metal card body manufacturing only, supporting the early-stage production of metal cards.
Material Comparison
| Material | Feature | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | heavier, premium feel | banking cards |
| Aluminum | lightweight, easier processing | general programs |
Weight Consideration
| Type | Typical Weight |
|---|---|
| Lightweight card | ~12–18g |
| Standard metal card | ~18–25g |
| Premium heavy card | ~25–30g |
Weight is adjusted based on thickness and material
Compliance & Dimensional Standards
Dimensional Standard
- ISO 7810 ID-1
- size: 85.60 × 53.98 mm
Manufacturing Considerations
- edge quality for processing compatibility
- surface flatness for personalization
- dimensional consistency across batches
Financial Card Case Example
Application
Premium membership card program
Requirement
metal card bodies for engraving and personalization
consistent brushed finish
Challenge
maintaining finish consistency across batches
controlling weight within specified range
Solution
stainless steel card bodies
controlled brushing process
weight maintained at ~22g
Result
stable batch production
consistent visual and tactile quality
FAQ
Do you provide complete metal cards with chip or NFC?
No. We manufacture metal card bodies only. Chip embedding, NFC integration, and encoding are handled by other providers.
What is the standard size of metal cards?
Metal cards follow ISO 7810 ID-1 standard (85.60 × 53.98 mm).
How heavy is a metal card?
Typical weight ranges from 12g to 30g depending on material and thickness.
Can metal cards be engraved?
Yes. Laser engraving and chemical etching are commonly used for permanent markings.
What is the typical production lead time?
Sample: 5–7 days
Mass production: 12–30 days
Discuss Your Metal Card Project
If you are developing a financial or membership card program and require metal card bodies for further processing, our team can review your requirements and recommend suitable manufacturing solutions.
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