PVC vs PET-G vs PC: Smart Card Body Material Selection Guide

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Update time : 2026-08-27

PVC vs PET-G vs PC: Smart Card Body Material Selection Guide

发布日期: 2026-08-27

The card body decides how long a credential survives in the field. PVC is cheap, PET-G balances cost and life, and PC withstands heat and decades of flex. Here is how to match material to application.

Material Properties That Matter

PVC is the default for promo and short-life cards but softens near 60 C and yellows under UV. PET-G keeps dimensional stability to 80 C and resists most chemicals, making it the sweet spot for bank and ID cards. Polycarbonate is the premium choice for e-passports and national IDs: it survives lamination at 160 C, resists cracking, and holds laser-engraved personalization for life.

PVC, PET-G and polycarbonate card cores compared before lamination.

Selection Criteria

Lifespan

PVC 1-2 yr / PET-G 3-5 yr / PC 5-10 yr in daily use.

Thermal class

PVC low / PET-G medium / PC high-temperature lamination ready.

Personalization

PVC dye-sub / PET-G re-transfer / PC laser engrave.

Cost position

PVC lowest / PET-G mid / PC highest per core sheet.

Material Spec Summary

参数	数值
Max service temp	PVC 60 C / PET-G 80 C / PC 120 C
Tensile strength	PVC 45 MPa / PET-G 55 MPa / PC 65 MPa
UV stability	PVC poor / PET-G good / PC excellent
Laser engrave	No / No / Yes
Relative cost	1x / 1.6x / 2.8x