Thick Card

What Is a Thick Card?

A Thick Card, also known as a clamshell card, is a rigid proximity card built using a sturdy layer of PVC material, typically measuring 125 KHz in frequency. Unlike thinner ISO cards, Thick Cards are less susceptible to wear and tear, making them ideal for high-use environments.

Paired with Proximity Card Readers, these cards offer an effective solution for access control and identification. Each card carries a unique, encrypted ID that communicates with a reader from a short distance—ensuring secure, contactless access.

Proximity Card Reader: The Power Behind the System

At the heart of every access control setup is a Proximity Card Reader. These devices emit a low-frequency radio signal, which energizes the passive chip inside a proximity card, enabling the exchange of the card’s unique ID with the reader.

Key Advantages of Proximity Card Readers:

  • Security: Cannot be easily cloned or duplicated
  • Convenience: No need to swipe or insert cards
  • Revocability: Easily revoke access when a card is lost or stolen
  • Flexibility: Supports various card types like employee IDs, visitor passes, or membership cards

Proximity readers are widely used in commercial buildings, educational institutions, and public transportation for their reliability and scalability.

Key Features of Thick Cards

1. Durable Construction

Made from strong PVC laminate material, Thick Cards are resilient to bending, breaking, and extreme environmental conditions. Ideal for:

  • Construction sites
  • Outdoor facilities
  • High-traffic access points

2. Frequency Compatibility

Thick Cards operate at the standard 125 KHz frequency, making them compatible with a wide range of Proximity Card Readers.

3. Image Printable

Despite their bulkier form, Thick Cards can be image-printed on both sides, allowing organizations to customize them with:

  • Company logos
  • Employee photographs
  • QR/barcodes

4. Secure Identification

Each Thick Card is embedded with a unique identifier, minimizing the risk of unauthorized duplication. This ID syncs with access control software for real-time tracking and data logging.

Use Cases for Thick Cards

  • Access Control Systems: Secure entry to gated communities, factories, and offices.
  • Employee Time and Attendance: Automate payroll and check-ins.
  • Visitor Management: Temporary cards issued and deactivated with ease.
  • Event Ticketing: Robust and scannable entry credentials for high-volume events.
  • Employee ID Cards: Credential display and backend system integration.

eSSL Thick Card Technology: Reliability Meets Innovation

eSSL, a leader in access control solutions, offers both Thin and Thick Proximity Cards, engineered using high-quality PVC and proximity technology standards.

eSSL Card Variants:

  • 125 KHz Thick/Clamshell Proximity Cards
  • 125 KHz Thin ISO Proximity Cards (0.8mm)
  • 13.56 MHz Mifare Cards (Thin only)

eSSL cards comply with ISO Format Proximity Technology and are image-printable on both sides—blending security with brand visibility.

Why Organizations Prefer Proximity Card Readers with Thick Cards

  • High Security: Encrypted ID prevents cloning.
  • Ease of Integration: Works with most access systems.
  • Scalability: Perfect for enterprises, schools, and factories.
  • Outdoor Use: Withstands weather, dust, and frequent handling.

Security Benefits of Proximity Card Reader Systems

  • Hard to Clone: Unique, unalterable chip ID.
  • Easy Access Revocation: Instantly deactivate stolen or lost cards.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Track all cardholder activities.
  • Centralized Management: Manage thousands via software dashboards.

Integrating with Existing Infrastructure

Most proximity card systems, including those using Thick Cards, are designed for plug-and-play compatibility. Whether you’re upgrading an old system or deploying a new one, eSSL’s readers and cards integrate easily with:

  • Door access panels
  • Biometric terminals
  • Surveillance systems

Future of Thick Cards and Proximity Technology

As contactless technology evolves, proximity cards will soon support:

  • Mobile pairing for dual authentication
  • Blockchain encryption for next-gen ID management
  • Biometric overlays for multi-layered security

But the foundational element—like the robust and reliable Thick Card—will continue to be essential in scalable security systems.

Conclusion:

While digital innovation may dominate headlines, physical security tools like the Thick Card and Proximity Card Reader work silently to protect assets every day.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-security access solution, Thick Cards are worth every millimeter.

  • Explore top-rated models like the ATSS Thick Card and choose the best for your facility today. ATSS – Call:91500 12345.