Table of contents:
What is RFID Matte Card?
What is Matte Card?
What is RFID Tech?
Surface Characteristics of Matte Cards
Process Compatibility of Matte Cards
Comparison with 3 Common Card Types:
Production Process of RFID Matte Cards
Application Scenarios of RFID Matte Cards
Optional Features
Conclusion
What is RFID Matte Card?
An RFID matte card is a smart card featuring a matte (non-glossy, low-reflection) surface finish and an integrated RFID chip. It combines advanced RFID functionality with a premium matte texture, making it ideal for applications such as access control, identity verification, membership management, transportation, and retail.
What is Matte Card?
Matte cards are a type of card characterized by a non-reflective surface treatment, with both the front and back sides exhibiting no mirror-like gloss and minimal light reflection. After applying the matte finish, the surface gains a smooth, delicate texture and offers superior scratch concealment compared to glossy cards, making it particularly suitable for designs with dark-colored backgrounds.
Due to differences in production techniques, matte cards are compatible with over 20 post-processing options, including magnetic stripe embedding, barcode printing, embossing, and RFID chip integration. They can also be combined with frosted (textured) finishes to create a unique tactile experience.
While glossy cards still dominate the card market, matte cards maintain stable demand in niche sectors due to their distinctive functional and aesthetic advantages.
What is RFID Tech?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless communication technology that uses radio frequency signals to identify target objects and exchange data without the need for physical contact or line of sight.
An RFID system typically consists of an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and an antenna.
The basic working principle is that when an RFID tag enters the radio frequency range of the reader, it is activated and the reader can then identify the tag and perform data exchange.
Surface Characteristics of Matte Cards
Matte cards use physical matting or chemical coating processes to reduce surface reflectivity to below 5% (compared to up to 85% for glossy cards). The matte effect is achieved through microscopic particles that scatter light, with surface roughness controlled within an Ra range of 0.12–0.25 μm, maintaining a smooth touch while avoiding mirror-like reflection.
When applied to dark-colored card surfaces, matte treatment reduces the visibility of scratches by approximately 67%. Test data show that under the same wear conditions, scratch visibility on glossy cards is 92%, whereas on matte cards it is only 31%. This property makes matte finishing the preferred choice for frequently used cards such as membership and VIP cards.
Process Compatibility of Matte Cards
The matte substrate supports the following processing combinations:
Printing processes: CMYK four-color offset printing and screen printing.
Identification processes: Laser engraving, hot stamping (gold and silver), and embossing.
Functional embedding: Magnetic stripe, contact chip, and contactless RFID.
In special processing applications, embossing height can reach up to 0.3mm while maintaining clarity, and hot stamping adhesion achieves a 4B rating according to ASTM D3359 standards. The matte finish does not affect chip embedding accuracy, with contact chip position tolerances controlled within ±0.15mm.
Comparison with 3 Common Card Types:
Glossy Cards: Surface is polished to create a mirror-like effect with reflectivity 17 times higher than matte cards. Scratches are more visible, but manufacturing costs are approximately 30% lower.
Frosted Cards: Surface undergoes physical sanding to create a granular texture, improving scratch resistance but reducing printing detail quality.
Transparent Cards: Primarily characterized by material transparency; matte finishing can be applied but will decrease light transmittance.
Tests show that matte cards withstand 5,000 abrasion cycles (Taber abrasion test), positioning their durability between glossy cards (3,000 cycles) and frosted cards (8,000 cycles).
Production Process of RFID Matte Cards
1. Substrate Pre-Treatment
The PVC sheets undergo surface cleaning and electrostatic elimination to ensure process stability and optimal adhesion in subsequent steps.
2. RFID Chip Embedding
The RFID chip is precisely embedded into the designated position, ensuring full functionality and reliable performance.
3. Matte Finishing
A matte surface is achieved through foggy coating or physical embossing techniques, enhancing texture and anti-glare properties.
4. Post-Processing
Based on product requirements, the cards undergo lamination, die-cutting, and surface finishing to ensure consistent appearance and dimensional accuracy.
Application Scenarios of RFID Matte Cards
1. Membership Cards / VIP Cards
With a premium matte texture, these cards enable fast member identification, points tracking, and purchase history management—enhancing brand image. Ideal for high-end brands, clubs, gyms, hotels, and more.
2. Access Control / Attendance Cards
Used in corporate offices, schools, and government institutions for identity verification and access control. Designed for easy carrying or wearing.
3. Campus Cards / Student IDs / Library Cards
The matte surface is suitable for writing and photo printing, and can be laminated for added protection. The embedded RFID chip supports functions such as borrowing books, making purchases, door access, and student identification.
4. Transportation Cards / Parking Cards
Applied in subways, buses, and parking systems for entry/exit control. Durable and easy for scanning devices to recognize.
5. Hotel Key Cards
Integrated with smart door lock systems, RFID cards serve as room keys. The matte finish allows for custom hotel logos or premium graphic designs, improving the guest experience.
6. Trade Shows & Events
Used for temporary badge creation, such as event passes, entry credentials, and VIP guest badges.
7. Smart Library Management
The matte surface is ideal for label writing and printed identification. Cards may function as tag cards or management tools for RFID-based book borrowing, returns, and inventory tracking.
Optional Features
1. Supports NFC / RFID chip embedding.
2. Supports custom printing: logos, QR codes, text, etc.
3. Customizable size, thickness, and corner shape (rounded or square).
4. Optional enhancements: laser engraving, UV embossing, gold/silver foil stamping, and more.
Conclusion
Matte RFID cards combine intelligent identification technology with premium matte finishing, offering a perfect blend of aesthetics, durability, and functionality. They are widely used in scenarios such as membership identification, access control, hotel management, and campus all-in-one cards, delivering a superior user experience and enhanced brand value.
CBT specializes in custom RFID/NFC smart card solutions, providing end-to-end services including chip selection, personalized printing, and process customization — helping you turn ideas into high-quality finished products efficiently.
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