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A magnetic stripe card is a type of card capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the card. The magnetic stripe, sometimes called a magstripe, is read by physical contact and swiping past a reading head.

A number of International Organization for Standardization standards, ISO/IEC 7810, ISO/IEC 7811, ISO/IEC 7812, ISO/IEC 7813, ISO 8583, and ISO/IEC 4909, define the physical properties of the card, including size, flexibility, location of the magstripe, magnetic characteristics, and data formats. They also provide the standards for financial cards, including the allocation of card number ranges to different card issuing institutions.

The magnetic stripe

The process of attaching a magnetic stripe to a plastic card was invented by IBM under a contract with the US government for a security system. Forrest Parry, an IBM Engineer, had the idea of securing a piece of magnetic tape, the predominant storage medium at the time, to a plastic card base. He became frustrated because every adhesive he tried produced unacceptable results. The tape strip either warped or its characteristics were affected by the adhesive, rendering the tape strip unusable. After a frustrating day in the laboratory, trying to get the right adhesive, he came home with several pieces of magnetic tape and several plastic cards. As he walked in the door at home, his wife was ironing and watching TV. She immediately saw the frustration on his face and asked what was wrong. He explained the source of his frustration: inability to get the tape to “stick” to the plastic in a way that would work. She said, “Here, let me try the iron.” She did and the problem was solved. The heat of the iron was just high enough to bond the tape to the card.[1]

There were a number of steps required to convert the magnetic striped media into an industry acceptable device. These steps included: 1) Creating the international standards for stripe record content, including which information, in what format, and using which defining codes. 2) Field testing the proposed device and standards for market acceptance. 3) Developing the manufacturing steps needed to mass produce the large number of cards required. 4) Adding stripe issue and acceptance capabilities to available equipment. These steps were initially managed by Jerome Svigals of the Advanced Systems Division of IBM, Los Gatos, California from 1966 to 1975.

In most magnetic stripe cards, the magnetic stripe is contained in a plastic-like film. The magnetic stripe is located 0.223 inches (5.56 mm) from the edge of the card, and is 0.375 inches (9.52 mm) wide. The magnetic stripe contains three tracks, each 0.110 inches (2.79 mm) wide. Tracks one and three are typically recorded at 210 bits per inch (8.27 bits per mm), while track two typically has a recording density of 75 bits per inch (2.95 bits per mm). Each track can either contain 7-bit alphanumeric characters, or 5-bit numeric characters. Track 1 standards were created by the airlines industry (IATA). Track 2 standards were created by the banking industry (ABA). Track 3 standards were created by the Thrift-Savings industry.

Magstripes following these specifications can typically be read by most point-of-sale hardware, which are simply general-purpose computers that can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Examples of cards adhering to these standards include ATM cards, bank cards (credit and debit cards including VISA and MasterCard), gift cards, loyalty cards, driver’s licenses, telephone cards, membership cards, electronic benefit transfer cards (e.g. food stamps), and nearly any application in which value or secure information is not stored on the card itself. Many video game and amusement centers now use debit card systems based on magnetic stripe cards.

Magnetic stripe cloning can be detected by the implementation of magnetic card reader heads and firmware that can read a signature embedded in all magnetic stripes during the card production process. This signature known as a MagnePrint® or BluPrint can be used in conjunction with common two factor authentication schemes utilized in ATM, debit/retail point-of-sale and prepaid card applications.[2][3]

Counterexamples of cards which intentionally ignore ISO standards include hotel key cards, most subway and bus cards, and some national prepaid calling cards (such as for the country of Cyprus) in which the balance is stored and maintained directly on the stripe and not retrieved from a remote database.
[edit] Magnetic stripe coercivity

Magstripes come in two main varieties: high-coercivity (HiCo) at 4000 Oe and low-coercivity (LoCo) at 300 Oe but it is not infrequent to have intermediate values at 2750 Oe. High-coercivity magstripes are harder to erase, and therefore are appropriate for cards that are frequently used or that need to have a long life. Low-coercivity magstripes require a lower amount of magnetic energy to record, and hence the card writers are much cheaper than machines which are capable of recording high-coercivity magstripes. A card reader can read either type of magstripe, and a high-coercivity card writer may write both high and low-coercivity cards (most have two settings, but writing a LoCo card in HiCo may sometimes work), while a low-coercivity card writer may write only low-coercivity cards.

In practical terms, usually low coercivity magnetic stripes are a light brown color, and high coercivity stripes are nearly black; exceptions include a proprietary silver-colored formulation on transparent American Express cards. High coercivity stripes are resistant to damage from most magnets likely to be owned by consumers. Low coercivity stripes are easily damaged by even a brief contact with a magnetic purse strap or fastener. Because of this, virtually all bank cards today are encoded on high coercivity stripes despite a slightly higher per-unit cost.

Magnetic stripe cards are used in very high volumes in the mass transit sector, replacing paper based tickets with either a directly applied magnetic slurry or hot foil stripe. Slurry applied stripes are generally less expensive to produce and are less resilient but are suitable for cards meant to be disposed after a few uses.
[edit] Financial cards
Main article: ISO/IEC 7813

There are up to three tracks on magnetic cards used for financial transactions, known as tracks 1, 2, and 3. Track 3 is virtually unused by the major worldwide networks such as VISA, and often isn’t even physically present on the card by virtue of a narrower magnetic stripe. Point-of-sale card readers almost always read track 1, or track 2, and sometimes both, in case one track is unreadable. The minimum cardholder account information needed to complete a transaction is present on both tracks. Track 1 has a higher bit density (210 bits per inch vs. 75), is the only track that may contain alphabetic text, and hence is the only track that contains the cardholder’s name.

Track 1 is written with code known as DEC SIXBIT plus odd parity. The information on track 1 on financial cards is contained in several formats: A, which is reserved for proprietary use of the card issuer, B, which is described below, C-M, which are reserved for use by ANSI Subcommittee X3B10 and N-Z, which are available for use by individual card issuers:

Track 1, Format B:

* Start sentinel — one character (generally ‘%’)
* Format code=”B” — one character (alpha only)
* Primary account number (PAN) — up to 19 characters. Usually, but not always, matches the credit card number printed on the front of the card.
* Field Separator — one character (generally ‘^’)
* Name — two to 26 characters
* Field Separator — one character (generally ‘^’)
* Expiration date — four characters in the form YYMM.
* Service code — three characters
* Discretionary data — may include Pin Verification Key Indicator (PVKI, 1 character), PIN Verification Value (PVV, 4 characters), Card Verification Value or Card Verification Code (CVV or CVK, 3 characters)
* End sentinel — one character (generally ‘?’)
* Longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) — it is one character and a validity character calculated from other data on the track. Most reader devices do not return this value when the card is swiped to the presentation layer, and use it only to verify the input internally to the reader.

Track 2: This format was developed by the banking industry (ABA). This track is written with a 5-bit scheme (4 data bits + 1 parity), which allows for sixteen possible characters, which are the numbers 0-9, plus the six characters  : ; < = > ? . The selection of six punctuation symbols may seem odd, but in fact the sixteen codes simply map to the ASCII range 0x30 through 0x3f, which defines ten digit characters plus those six symbols. The data format is as follows:

* Start sentinel — one character (generally ‘;’)
* Primary account number (PAN) — up to 19 characters. Usually, but not always, matches the credit card number printed on the front of the card.
* Separator — one char (generally ‘=’)
* Expiration date — four characters in the form YYMM.
* Service code — three digits. The first digit specifies the interchange rules, the second specifies authorisation processing and the third specifies the range of services
* Discretionary data — as in track one
* End sentinel — one character (generally ‘?’)
* Longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) — it is one character and a validity character calculated from other data on the track. Most reader devices do not return this value when the card is swiped to the presentation layer, and use it only to verify the input internally to the reader.

Service code values common in financial cards:

First digit

1: International interchange OK
2: International interchange, use IC (chip) where feasible
5: National interchange only except under bilateral agreement
6: National interchange only except under bilateral agreement, use IC (chip) where feasible
7: No interchange except under bilateral agreement (closed loop)
9: Test

Second digit

0: Normal
2: Contact issuer via online means
4: Contact issuer via online means except under bilateral agreement

Third digit

0: No restrictions, PIN required
1: No restrictions
2: Goods and services only (no cash)
3: ATM only, PIN required
4: Cash only
5: Goods and services only (no cash), PIN required
6: No restrictions, use PIN where feasible
7: Goods and services only (no cash), use PIN where feasible

All values not explicitly mentioned above are reserved for future use

Notes:

* It is possible for these strips to be completely erased if brought close to high strength Neodymium magnets
* Commercial encoders might use ‘~’ for Start sentinel, ‘;’ for separator.
* Example Code: ‘~#;data?’
Other card types

Smart cards are a newer generation of card containing an integrated circuit chip. The card may have metal contacts connecting the card physically to the reader, while contactless cards use a magnetic field or radio frequency (RFID) for proximity reading.

Hybrid smart cards include a magnetic stripe in addition to the chip — this is most commonly found in a payment card, so that the cards are also compatible with payment terminals that do not include a smart card reader.

Cards with all three features: magnetic stripe, smart card chip, and RFID chip are also becoming common as more activities require the use of such cards.

At one point in the past, it took word of a person to prove who they were. But that has all changed. Now everybody wants proof. You must show an identity card on a daily basis. Of course, you must have a license to drive. You need some kind of identity card to a bank or when applying for a job. There are many reasons why you need an ID card in our world today. So how do you get one of these cards? You get these cards to companies that manufacture printers with card.

The company makes these cards with card printers every day all day. They are the driving license and identity cards. These cards will have your picture on them, your address and basic information. These cards are accepted as proper identification is. They can be represented wherever you go as legal ID. You will need to obtain an identity card for the state or country you live in.

Another company that uses the card printers are the retail stores. They use these printers for all different types of reasons. One reason they use is to make cards like gift cards. These are cards that people can be responsible with money and can give them as gifts. The receiver can present the card at the store and spend them like cash. Retail stores also use these printers to make membership cards. They can be used to allow customers the right to come to their store or they can be used to analyze and allow customers to obtain lower prices on items.

These printers are also used by credit card companies to credit cards. They can make thousands of these cards every day. Then, customers can use them to pay almost anything and make monthly payments to the credit card company.

A major reason that these printers are used by all kinds of companies is now used for the cards. These cards can either have a magnetic card or a barcode on them. This allows the employee is to scan the card using a scanner or drag the map by a simple reading. These are usually clocks. It is an easy way for employees to clock in and out of work. This also makes it easy for the employer too. The information is put on the clock is sent directly to a computer. All employers should do is check the computer to check the hours of an employee.

They can also use these cards to allow or deny access to certain rooms. They are generally used for high security facilities. They are ideal for hospitals, banks and chambers of money in retail stores.

As you can see these companies use these printers for plastic cards for various reasons. Printers cards are a useful tool for all types of businesses. They make life much easier.

In the U.S., the landfill was 251 million tonnes of waste are disposed of by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There is a lot of plastic buried in landfills around the world in general. Its durable plastic degradation for hundreds of years to follow very slowly. Plastics, in almost all credit cards are used to bottle water for its durability and flexibility properties, they are consumed very large, almost all manufacturing industries. Unfortunately, they are discarded every day in large quantities.

Bank credit card, gift cards, polyvinyl chloride in general, or PVC, and sweet, the heat of fusion is made. VCP is on fire, toxic gases harmful to the ozone. Biodegradable membership card Robir Consequently, businesses and environmental groups, credit cards, gift cards work, replace the conventional type.

Here are three reasons, business or organization, and why customers should begin using membeship the ecological distribution of varieties.

576400000 507000000 bankcard U.S. Bureau of the Census to create a healthier environment for future generations, the United States was distributed in 2009, the record does not include other types of production quantity. PVC is a huge amount of cards have been destroyed discharge exists in the earth for hundreds of years before the deterioration. In contrast, biodegradable, when in contact with the microbes, leaving the destruction of harmful effects on the environment. They are a fertile environment in contact with the lake, ground soil, rivers, compost. The collapse took place between nine months and 5 years. , A hazardous waste by reducing the use of PVC cards are minimized to create a healthy environment for future generations in this way.

The sustainability of members biodegradable biodegradable, and credit, gifts, insurance, rewards cards, and durability of the finished product. They can be stored in your portfolio, tear and use to survive the daily wear. As most documents valid and up to three years, biodegradable PVC alternative varieties, after casting, they are back to sustainable environmental harm does not occur.

Good selection biodegradable biodegradable membership card, please see frequently as you can see the finished product. Biodegradable cards will be printed by laser technology and good flexibility. It is, they can have a fancy and colorful. The custom table, attractive design, particularly the members may carry a card to be used as gifts and items.

Both sides printing PVC sheet is made from two original sheets A and B. top and bottom sheet is a sheet that is transparent and printable.The sheet is half the base sheet B is sticky. It has three colors: white, gold, or the side of the sheet silver.One A has a protective layer (film), just the other side without layer can be printed. Both sides of the sheet B has a protective coating that must be reduced before passing through the hot images laminator.Print designed by computer to a sheet with a color printer ink – Card Embosser. print production. card output format must be larger than the letters, which can make the paper break down easier.Output sheet.Peel transparent protective layer on both sides of the paper before rolling B PVC sheet. Put the base sheet between two sheets A and B are well written. Ana printed sheets must be addressed core sheet. Adjust the temperature of the hot laminating machine 130 ℃ -150 ℃. Let’s go through three sheets of hot rolling when the temperature reaches 130 ℃ -150 ℃ (temperature hot laminator can be adjusted according to practical needs) Peel the protective layer on both sides of the sheet required. Using manual cutter PVC sheet cut into two parts required. Manual or automatic paper cutter PVC sheet cut required by the standard – PVC Card Embossing Machine. Care: Epson Photo R210, a printer, R230, R800, the sensors of paper are different from other models. When printing on transparent PVC sheet, these printers can not detect the card that can cause the collapse of repression. A sheet of copy paper lining the back of the PVC can solve the problem and make it smooth printing process. Other printer models do not require such operation. Well printed cards – PVC folding card is easy to get when you plastic bubbles are mounted in a humid environment. Before passing through the laminator heat, using hair dryer to dry paper wet area A and B can avoid the phenomenon of chalk. (The two sides of the protective layer of the core sheet B has peeled down.) This is especially important for gold and silver PVC cards because they are easier to obtain plastic bubbles. Temperature for laminating machine can be set based on various models and sheets.You PVC can have a test before you try and really work. A high fever can cause deformation of PVC cards. A very low temperature can cause the sheets required. When printing PVC cards in full leaf, it is better for the size of the production of PVC sheet by 1-2mm larger than standard cards. It ‘s easier to cut and can avoid exposing the white board. To avoid color image disappears card is best for a piece of PVC laminated to three minutes later, after production of the printer.

The advantage of this technology: 1. Easy to use – double card. 2. There is no need for special printers and special inks. 3. A printer and a general guarantee of hot rolling of high quality paper with a clear image 4. Suitable for small quantities of paper to process quickly – Card Embosser Illustration papermaking course: three types of materials including material1: A material pinting (translucent) Material2: PVC core material B (White) Material3: Back on the publication of C (translucent) image print (print the image on the opaque surface of the print media rather than the smooth surface with a film) the printed image to dry for 4-5 minutes. (Make sure the surface moisture.) Battery together, from top to bottom: In the press material, PVC core material B, the later printing of C. (Note: the smooth surfaces with a film of material to print and C again media should be exposed outside.) Temperature at 150-180 degrees (just choose a core temperature). Put the leaves piled through the hot mill press together – relief card machine. Cut the PVC laminated sheets of cut, a beautiful card is made. Warning: there is protective film on both sides of the leaves of all measures rolled over. You can get rid of them or not according to the needs of customers. Without spending thousands of dollars in expensive cars, you can perform the same high quality paper. A printer and a hot mill is investing enough.Small. Great deals back! Cut sheets laminated with PVC cutter, a beautiful card is made. Warning: there is protective film on both sides of laminated sheets, when all steps are finished. You can get rid of them or not according to the needs of customers. Cut sheets laminated with PVC cutter, a beautiful card is made. Warning: there is protective film on both sides of the leaves of all measures rolled over. You can get rid of them or not according to the needs of customers.

Magicard ID card printer is that flexibility and protection of acquaintances. Your identity is your identity to a particular group, enter the number you or your organization.

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Beautiful card printing card machine is a high efficiency and good speed. A full-color cards can be printed in less than 30 seconds, is not the time of printing. If there is additional functionality required pressures, they also need a few seconds at the time of printing. Clear display perfect images and perfect for your needs. The identification card printer can vary from a simple personal identification card to the organization, membership cards, library cards and so on. Therefore, the printer Magicard ID card personalized identity that the most sensible option.