# Custom Metal Cards ## What Are Custom Metal Cards? Custom metal cards are premium, durable cards made from metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. They are often used for high-end membership cards, luxury credit/debit cards, corporate ID cards, or exclusive promotional items. Unlike standard plastic cards, **custom metal cards** offer a unique tactile feel, substantial weight, and a sophisticated appearance that conveys prestige and quality. ## My Experience with Custom Metal Cards In my previous role at a fintech startup, I was tasked with sourcing a premium card product for our top-tier clients. We decided to explore **custom metal cards**. The process was fascinating. I worked closely with designers and manufacturers to create a card that not only looked stunning but also incorporated advanced security features. The personal touch we added—such as laser-engraved signatures and unique serial numbers—made each card feel exclusive. The positive feedback from clients was overwhelming; they appreciated the card's weight, durability, and the statement it made about their status. ## A Skill I Developed: Designing for Metal Through this project, I honed a specific skill: designing for metal engraving and etching. I learned that designing for **custom metal cards** requires a different approach than for plastic. Fine details, especially text and logos, must be optimized for laser etching to ensure clarity and longevity. I became adept at creating vector-based designs that translated beautifully onto metal surfaces, a skill that has been invaluable in my career. ## Technical Specifications and Parameters for Custom Metal Cards For those interested in the technical aspects, here are detailed specifications for a standard **custom metal card** product offered by TIANJUN. These parameters are typical for high-quality stainless steel cards: * **Material:** 304 Stainless Steel * **Standard Thickness:** 0.76 mm (30 mil) * **Standard Dimensions:** 85.6 mm x 54.0 mm (ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 format) * **Weight:** Approximately 28 grams per card * **Surface Finish:** Brushed, mirror polish, or matte, with optional anti-fingerprint coating. * **Printing/Engraving:** Laser etching for permanent markings, filled with colored enamel (optional). CMYK color printing is available on specially coated metal. * **Chip Embedding (Smart Cards):** Supports embedding of contact chips (e.g., NXP