Unlocking the Potential of Mifare Classic 1K/4K & Polycarbonate Smart Cards​

As a cornerstone of contactless technology, NXP' s Mifare Classic series has dominated the smart card market for decades, with over 5 billion units deployed globally. When paired with high-class polycarbonate (PC) material, these chips create robust solutions tailored to high-demand scenarios. As one of the leader of smart cards filed, Let Zhanfeng break down their key attributes and real-world applications.

The Advatage of Polycarbonate (PC) Material

PC Material elevates smart card durability beyond traditional PVC. Resistant to impact, temperature fluctuations, and chemical corrosion, PC cards withstand 100,000+ friction cycles and IP67-level water exposure —critical for high-traffic environments like manufacturing plants or public transport. Its smooth surface also enhances print quality for branding, supporting CMYK full-color designs and scratch-resistant finishes. And the performance of PVC material in these aspects is significantly inferior to that of PC material.

Mifare Classic Chips Work with PC Material

Both Mifare 1k chip and Mifare 4k chip variants operate at 13.56MHz (complying with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A) and use dual 48-bit keys per sector for layered security, but their storage capacities target distinct needs. On the one hand, Mifare Classic 1K is ideal for single-application use cases like office access control, basic employee IDs, and public transit single-ride tickets. On the other hand, Mifare Classic 4K is perfect for campus cards (combining access, cafeteria payment, and library check-out), hotel key cards with guest profile storage, and multi-ride transit passes. Both of them need a strong, smooth and lightweight material as a protective layer. Compared with traditional PVC, ABS smart card materials, PC cards are more in line with the above requirements.

Trust Zhanfeng for Your Smart Card Needs

With 20 years as a leading smart card manufacturer, Zhanfeng Smart Card integrates Mifare Classic chips and PC material into tailored solutions that sell globally. Here's why we stand out:

End-to-End Customization: From chip encoding (1K/4K options) to card design (standard 85.5×54mm or custom shapes), we support magnetic stripes, QR codes, and UV printing . Our in-house production eliminates middlemen, cutting costs without compromising quality.

Rigorous Quality Control: Each card undergoes more than three inspection stages—from chip functionality tests to material stress assessments—ensuring compliance with international standards.

Risk-Free Sampling: Curious about how our PC smart cards perform in your scenario? We offer free samples with custom printing and chip configuration.

Whether you need 1K cards for simple access control or 4K multi-application cards for complex systems, Zhanfeng' s expertise guarantees reliable, cost-effective products. Contact our team today to claim your free sample and start your project.