Variable data

QR and Serial Metal RFID Cards

A QR or serial zone gives gate staff, service teams, and systems a clear fallback beside RFID or NFC. On metal it arrives by two routes — lasered data marks or printed white-ink panels — and the mark, data file, encoding record, and packaging label all reconcile from one approved source.

Production detail views

Four qr and serial references for planning the finished metal card.

Laser data marks, dark-surface contrast zones, a finish comparison pair, and a sharp data-matrix — variable data on metal.

Brushed steel card with a discrete data-matrix mark

Matte black card with a small traceability zone

Silver and brass cards with traceability marks

Sharp white data-matrix mark on black metal

Reflective metal is the enemy of scan reliability.

Variable data reaches metal by two routes: lasered data-matrix or serial marks cut into the surface, and printed white-ink QR panels for dark or reflective faces. Reflection defeats scanners, so codes sit on a contrast panel with a clear quiet zone — and every payload is scan-verified against the production file before dispatch.

Prove visual and technical performance together.

Approve QR size, contrast, scan distance, variable data sample, and production-file reconciliation.

Best uses

UID matching, QR fallback, serials, member IDs, access references, packaging labels, and audit trails.
Premium metal card programs where the finish, data zones, and RF construction need coordinated approval
Projects with a defined artwork file, variable-data need, and reader or scan validation route

Frequently asked questions

Can each metal card carry a unique QR code and serial?

Yes. Unique payloads, serials, and IDs are generated from one approved data file, matched to the encoding and packaging, and scan-verified before dispatch.

How do QR codes stay scannable on metal?

By respecting the surface: codes sit on a printed contrast panel or as a lasered data mark, with a clear quiet zone, and the scan is tested at real working distance on the finished card — reflection is what kills codes on metal.

Why do QR, chip data, and box labels come from one file?

Because the marking method never causes mismatches — separate files do. The QR, serial, encoded record, and box label are reconciled from one approved source and verified line by line before dispatch.

Specification

Format	CR80 85.6 x 54 mm by default; custom outlines after RF review
Thickness	0.3 mm to 0.8 mm depending on construction
Minimum order	None — single samples to production runs
Production time	About one week after artwork and sample approval
RF construction	Antenna, ferrite or hybrid shielding, chip, metal faces, and edge stack specified together
Chip routes	NFC tag, standard HF, high-security AES HF, LF compatibility, and selected UHF by reader test
Marking options	Laser etch, deep engraving, UV print, white ink, enamel fill, QR, serial, and controlled cut-through
Approval flow	Finish sample, encoded working sample, reader check, pre-production approval
Primary route	QR and serial
Best use	UID matching, QR fallback, serials, member IDs, access references, packaging labels, and audit trails.
Approval check	Approve QR size, contrast, scan distance, variable data sample, and production-file reconciliation.