The invention relates to a method for producing a support body in a card format, with a graphic customization, that has a surface finishing effect that is more or less smooth, rough, mirrored or matte on the support body. The method includes supplying a support body having a layer of material configured to allow a marking by punching or lamination. The layer is exposed on the main external face and the surface finishing effect is equivalent to that obtained by a step of marking or lamination while not including a step of depositing varnish.

The invention relates to a method for producing a support body in a card format, with a graphic customization, that has a surface finishing effect that is more or less smooth, rough, mirrored or matte on the support body. The method includes supplying a support body having a layer of material configured to allow a marking by punching or lamination. The layer is exposed on the main external face and the surface finishing effect is equivalent to that obtained by a step of marking or lamination while not including a step of depositing varnish.

A method for producing a laminated body and a laminating inlay, as well as a laminated body, a laminating inlay and a security document, in particular in the form of a bank card, identity card or credit card, with such a laminated body.

Edge-to-edge metal transaction cards and associated production methods are disclosed. The transaction cards include a metallic member and an interconnected first core layer that each extend from edge-to-edge about the length and width of the transaction card. In one approach, the metallic member may extend substantially continuously across the lateral extent of the card (e.g. except for a pocket that receives an IC chip and contact pads), and the first core layer may be transparent with printing on an inward-facing and/or out-ward-facing side. In another approach, the metallic member may be frame-like with an inlay and supportably interconnected inlay antenna disposed in an opening through the metallic member. A second core layer may be interconnected to a second side of the metallic member. A metal face may be provided on an outward-facing side of the first core layer and/or second core layer.

A method of generating image data by acquiring first image data having a tone value of each pixel for each color and generating second image data. Generating the second image data by selecting a first pixel of the first image data; binarizing the tone value of the first pixel in response to a comparison result showing that the tone value of the first pixel is greater than the first threshold, binarizing the tone value of the first pixel in response to a comparison result showing that the tone value of the first pixel is smaller than the second threshold, and binarizing the tone value of the first pixel in response to a comparison result showing that the tone value of the first pixel is equal to or less than the first threshold and is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

A method of processing sheet stock in the creation of plastic cards, such as gift cards or credit cards that include special effects and/or security measures. A card formed by such methods is also disclosed. The method provides for two or more dissimilar materials to be bonded together while maintaining the integrity of the card and as any graphics, security features, and/or special effects provided thereon. Thermoset and thermobond adhesive layers are placed between a first material layer and a second material layer of the sheet stock. The thermoset and thermobond adhesive layers allow the first and second material layers to move independently and to expand and contract at different rates relative to each other. The adhesive layers enable the sheet stock to be rolled up for shipping or storage and further enable the end product produced therefrom to have a planar profile.

A method of processing sheet stock in the creation of plastic cards, such as gift cards or credit cards that include special effects and/or security measures. A card formed by such methods is also disclosed. The method provides for two or more dissimilar materials to be bonded together while maintaining the integrity of the card and as any graphics, security features, and/or special effects provided thereon. Thermoset and thermobond adhesive layers are placed between a first material layer and a second material layer of the sheet stock. The thermoset and thermobond adhesive layers allow the first and second material layers to move independently and to expand and contract at different rates relative to each other. The adhesive layers enable the sheet stock to be rolled up for shipping or storage and further enable the end product produced therefrom to have a planar profile.

A transaction card includes at least one metal layer having one or more apertures therein. A light guide is disposed beneath the metal layer. The light guide has a light output and a light input. The light output is positioned to transmit light through at least the one or more apertures of the metal layer. At least one LED is positioned to transmit light into the light guide light input.

A transaction card includes at least one metal layer having one or more apertures therein. A light guide is disposed beneath the metal layer. The light guide has a light output and a light input. The light output is positioned to transmit light through at least the one or more apertures of the metal layer. At least one LED is positioned to transmit light into the light guide light input.

When forming layer stacks in the presence of solder material, uncontrolled flow of the solder material at the interface of two different layers of the layer stack may significantly be mitigated by providing an area of increased pressure in the material of the overlaying foil layer. For example, the area of increased pressure may be generated during the lamination process by providing a pressure inducing structure, for instance on the underlying foil layer, which laterally surrounds the solder material and therefore, in combination with the material of the overlying foil layer, reliably confines the solder material.