Identive Launches SmartCore in the U.S.

Identive Group, Inc. announced the U.S. launch of SmartCore, an innovative RFID card core manufacturing technology that enables unmatched surface quality and printability of contactless ID and access cards. An RFID card core consists of an integrated circuit (IC) connected to an antenna covered by protective layers, and functions as the heart of a contactless card. Since its introduction late last year in Europe, SmartCore has set a new standard for contactless card manufacturing worldwide.

The pioneering, patent-pending technique used to manufacture SmartCore card cores eliminates the need for chip enclosures known as modules and enables production of an even surface without bumps or irregular patterns. Cards produced with SmartCore have a uniform thickness and appearance, which allows printing and customization not previously available in the market. Additionally, in the SmartCore process, the IC and the connection points to the antenna are completely encased, which offers greater protection and thus improved durability and enhanced performance for contactless cards.

SmartCore’s numerous applications include identification badges, building and facility access cards, bank cards, loyalty cards and transit passes, among others. The high degree of durability of cards produced with SmartCore result in a long lifetime with stable performance, making them well suited for high-use applications such as payment and transportation. SmartCore card cores are a painless replacement for pre-laminated cores as no change is required to existing card production processes, and are available with a range of leading contactless smart card ICs.

“The thin profile of SmartCore makes it virtually impossible to locate once embedded within a card,” says Roger Hornstra, vice president Americas for Identive’s Transponder Division. “In addition to the unparalleled personalization options this offers, SmartCore’s unique design translates to exceptional durability, greater flexibility and a lower overall cost of implementation for contactless cards. SmartCore truly is a groundbreaking development for card manufacturing.”