Automated Card Finishing: Cutting, Milling and Notching Tolerances That Matter

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Update time : 2026-08-24

Automated Card Finishing: Cutting, Milling and Notching Tolerances That Matter

Published: 2026-08-24

Card finishing turns laminated sheets into ISO-sized cards ready for modules and printing. Small tolerance errors cascade into jammed encoders and failed mechanical tests. This article covers the tolerances that separate a reliable finishing line from a troublesome one.

Cutting Accuracy

High-speed rotary and flat-bed die cutters should hold the card edge within +/- 0.05 mm of the ISO 7810 85.60 x 53.98 mm nominal. Edge burr below 0.02 mm prevents reader-feed jams. Register between the printed image and the cut must stay under 0.10 mm across the sheet.

Automatic card punching machine cutting finished smart cards

An automatic punching machine holding tight cutting tolerances on finished cards.

Milling and Notching

Cavity depth

Module pocket depth held to +/- 0.03 mm so the module sits flush after lamination.

Notch position

Mag-stripe notch and keyhole located within +/- 0.08 mm for consistent post-processing.

Reference Tolerance Table

Feature Target tolerance
Card length85.60 +/- 0.05 mm
Card width53.98 +/- 0.05 mm
Module pocket depth+/- 0.03 mm
Edge burrless than 0.02 mm

Build a finishing line that holds spec?

Talk to our engineers about punching, milling and notching equipment for your throughput.

Email: info@zowinda.com

WhatsApp: +86 186 2085 0485

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