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Magnetic recording of information was developed in the 1950s. And in the 1960s, work began on creating a secure way to store information on a plastic card. This development has been very popular for approximately 60 years and continues to be widely used on the market.
What is a magnetic stripe, how does it work, and where to use it? Read about it in our article.
There are two types of magnetic stripe on plastic cards:
Magnetic tape cards can store small amounts of data. The tapes have 3 tracks for recording them. Usually 2, central, is selected for encoding. And all because it is the easiest to read.
Each track has its own encoding conditions:
After this, layer-by-layer assembly begins: 2 layers of printed plastic - the front and back sides, as well as layers of laminate, including a magnetic strip. All this is sintered at a certain temperature in an oven. Then the cards are cut out of a sheet of plastic and sent for encoding.
After which the finished products are checked by the quality control department . Not only its appearance, but also its performance is carefully monitored.
Such plastic cards have found wide application in loyalty systems: bonus, discount, gift, etc. They are convenient to use, and they are inexpensive. They also withstand quite a long period of use. Most often, these advantages influence the fact that companies have chosen this option.
Another area is the hotel business. Most hotels today offer their guests magnetic cards instead of regular metal keys. They are much more convenient to use. You just need to swipe it over the reader and the number will be opened. Inside the room they are needed to connect electricity, and in the hotel restaurant - to confirm prepayment for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Magnetic passes also remain popular. Some companies continue to use them as passes to the workplace. Employees approach the reader, apply the card - and get access. Everything is easy and simple. Information is processed in a couple of seconds, which practically does not create queues at the entrance. By the way, such identifiers often include the owner's full name and even a signature sample in a special field. This turns such a magnetic card for ACS into a personal one.
Cards with a magnetic stripe are also used as a means of payment. In parking lots, gas stations and entertainment centers. As a rule, they are prepaid. This means that the client first deposits money, and then receives a card of a certain denomination and can pay with it. But only in the same place where you purchased it, or in the network of this company.
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What is a magnetic stripe, how does it work, and where to use it? Read about it in our article.
Why are magnetic stripes on cards so popular?
Cards with a magnetic strip are considered to be among the most budget-friendly . At the same time, the information recorded on them is sufficiently protected , because it is impossible to see it. In order to read the data, a reader is required.There are two types of magnetic stripe on plastic cards:
- HiCo - black, suitable for products that are used frequently: these are various types of passes, electronic key cards, etc., it is more durable, but it is more expensive.
- LoCo - brown, cheaper, but not as wear-resistant and less reliable, a great option for occasional use: a discount card with a magnetic strip, etc.
How to encode magnetic stripe cards?
All stages of production , including coding, are carried out at our own factory in Russia . Therefore, you just need to tell us the information that needs to be recorded, and we will enter this information.Magnetic tape cards can store small amounts of data. The tapes have 3 tracks for recording them. Usually 2, central, is selected for encoding. And all because it is the easiest to read.
Each track has its own encoding conditions:
- The first one allows you to record up to 76 characters: capital Latin letters, as well as special characters.
- Second: stores up to 37 characters, these are numbers and “=”.
- Third: the most voluminous - up to 104 characters, but it only records numbers and the “=” sign.
How are magnetic stripe cards made?
At our factory there is a special machine that automatically winds magnetic tape onto the laminate. At the same time, they are cut into sheets of the required size.After this, layer-by-layer assembly begins: 2 layers of printed plastic - the front and back sides, as well as layers of laminate, including a magnetic strip. All this is sintered at a certain temperature in an oven. Then the cards are cut out of a sheet of plastic and sent for encoding.
After which the finished products are checked by the quality control department . Not only its appearance, but also its performance is carefully monitored.
Where to use plastic cards with a magnetic stripe?
This identifier format is perfect for almost any field.Such plastic cards have found wide application in loyalty systems: bonus, discount, gift, etc. They are convenient to use, and they are inexpensive. They also withstand quite a long period of use. Most often, these advantages influence the fact that companies have chosen this option.
Another area is the hotel business. Most hotels today offer their guests magnetic cards instead of regular metal keys. They are much more convenient to use. You just need to swipe it over the reader and the number will be opened. Inside the room they are needed to connect electricity, and in the hotel restaurant - to confirm prepayment for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Magnetic passes also remain popular. Some companies continue to use them as passes to the workplace. Employees approach the reader, apply the card - and get access. Everything is easy and simple. Information is processed in a couple of seconds, which practically does not create queues at the entrance. By the way, such identifiers often include the owner's full name and even a signature sample in a special field. This turns such a magnetic card for ACS into a personal one.
Cards with a magnetic stripe are also used as a means of payment. In parking lots, gas stations and entertainment centers. As a rule, they are prepaid. This means that the client first deposits money, and then receives a card of a certain denomination and can pay with it. But only in the same place where you purchased it, or in the network of this company.
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