3 News
For More Information, Contact:
Stephanie Castiglione
651-737-4914
sbcastiglione1@mmm.com
3M Launches High Strength Clear Credit Card Filter at CardTech SecurTech
(St. Paul, MN, May 15, 2007)--3M today announced an innovative new clear
filter material that enables the design of the first high strength transparent, fully ATM-
functioning payment cards. 3M says the high strength infrared (IR) Vikuiti™ Clear
Card Filter is one of the most significant developments in payment card design since
plastic, helping create a powerful new marketing and business opportunity for banks and
financial service providers worldwide. The new high strength IR Filter passes all
international standards for payment cards.
Visa International has recently approved 3M as a manufacturer of a transparent
inlay for use in Visa-branded payment cards worldwide.
The Clear Card Filter may be seen in the 3M Booth--#408.
"Card innovation and ease of consumer payment with plastic cards and devices has
transformed the payments industry, and now a new fashion segment for banking cards
has emerged with the advent of the clear card," commented Stephanie Castiglione,
market development manager, 3M Optical Systems Division.
"A clear card’s combination of design and functionality makes it popular with
consumers and presents immediate differentiation for banks, enabling them to capture
brand name awareness and move their cards to the top of customers' wallets. The more
visually appealing the design, the more positively a bank's, or card issuer's, brand image
will be perceived among its target customer audience."
Using this new filter material means applying a new way of thinking when it
comes to designing compelling payment cards. The transparency of the cards is what
makes them different, so maximizing the increased surface area available on both sides of
the card body enhances the design element prominence. Although the magnetic stripe
shows through the front of the card, it can easily be integrated