Blank ID Cards Aren’t All Created Equally.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Magnetic stripe blank ID cards? There are two types: High Coercivity, or “HiCo” and Low Coercivity, also known as “LoCo”. Both cards can store the same amount of data, the difference lies in how strong the magnetic stripe encoding is. This determines how difficult it is to encode or erase the information on the stripe.
Let’s take a deeper look into each type:
High Coervicity or “HiCo”
HiCo magnetic stripe blank ID cards are recommended for most applications, especially for cards that are swiped often, and are expected to last. These cards are coded with a black-colored magnetic stripe at 2750 oersted, this makes the card more durable when exposed to an outside magnetic field.
The higher the coercivity level of the stripe, the stronger the magnetic field has to be to change the data on the card. This means they’re less likely to be unintentionally erased or demagnetize when next to magnets such as a purse clasp. HiCo cards are ideal for credit cards, bank cards, campus library cards, access control cards, time & attendance cards, or employee ID cards all of which have their own industry requirements.
Low Coervicity or “LoCo”
LoCo magnetic stripe blank ID cards are best for short-term applications. These stripes are usually brown with a low-intensity magnetic field of 300 oersteds. The low-intensity magnetic field makes it easier to erase and change the card’s data, subsequently increasing the risk of damage if placed by another magnetic field.
LoCo cards are ideal for applications where data is changed often or the card isn’t used often, since it’s a lower durability card. Regular application is usually for hotel room keys, expiring visitor cards, theme park season passes, amusement parks, casino membership cards, and gift or loyalty cards, where the risk of lost data is replaceable, and meant to be temporary. When necessary, there are numerous ways to increase LoCo card durability.
The Key Question
“How long will these cards need to last?”
Ask yourself this key question before you order, so that you can understand the pricing difference between HiCo vs. LoCo blank ID cards. Because of their all-around application and long-term durability, HiCo cards come at a higher comparative price. But all card types have their place, and we recommend choosing LoCo cards if you’re planning to print high amounts of temporary cards with a low-risk use.
ADVANTIDGE offers a wide variety of products and services to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs.With more than 20 years of industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals.
ADVANTIDGE is committed to helping organizations implement secure access control systems for physical and digital credentials. Contact us today to learn more about impactful identity management solutions for your organization.
*We do not sell mag stripe or other secure technologies without verifying the organization they will be used for
