Credit Card Conservation
Robyn Okereke
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process consists of multiple steps:
1) the plastic core and laminate materials are compounded and cast into sheet form
2) the core is the printed with appropriate information
3) the laminates are applied to the core
4) finally the assembled sheet is cut into individual cards.
Raw Materials
Cards are made of several layers of plastic laminated together.
The core is commonly made from a plastic resin known as polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVCA). This resin is mixed with opacifying materials, dyes, and plasticizers to give it the proper appearance and consistency. This core material is laminated with thin layers of PVCA or clear plastic materials. These laminates will adhere to the core when applied with pressure and heat.
Materials for Decorating Cards
- available in a variety of colors and are designed for use on plastic substrates.
-Some manufacturers use special magnetic inks to print the magnetic stripe on the back of the card.
- inks are made by dispersing metal oxide particles in the appropriate solvents.
-Additional special printing processes are involved for cards, like VISA, which feature holograms.
How Used, How Long
Product is used online or by swiping on a machine. 3 years
After Use
Another way: burn credit cards, worse and toxic to the air because it releases plastic, polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVCA), dyes, inks, holograms, metal, etc.
How long: can take 100-450 years to decompose.