BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014

BSI Standards Publication

Identification cards —
Recording technique
Part 1: Embossing
BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of ISO/IEC
7811-1:2014. It supersedes BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2002 which is
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee IST/17, Cards and personal identification.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2014. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2014
ISBN 978 0 580 80371 0
ICS 35.240.15
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 September 2014.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 7811-1

Fourth edition
2014-09-01

Identification cards — Recording

technique —
Part 1:
Embossing
Cartes d’identification — Technique d’enregistrement —
Partie 1: Estampage

Reference number
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)

© ISO/IEC 2014
BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT

© ISO/IEC 2014
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [email protected]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

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Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Conformance.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
3 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
5 Card characteristics............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
5.1 Card warpage............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
5.2 Surface distortions................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
5.3 Card width and height....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
6 Machine readable characters................................................................................................................................................................... 3
6.1 Character set and type font........................................................................................................................................................... 3
6.2 Character spacing.................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
6.3 Character height..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
6.4 Relief height of embossed characters................................................................................................................................... 4
7 Visually readable characters.................................................................................................................................................................... 4
7.1 Character set and type font........................................................................................................................................................... 4
7.2 Character spacing.................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
7.3 Relief height of embossed characters................................................................................................................................... 4
8 Assigned embossing areas.......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
8.1 Identification number line............................................................................................................................................................. 6
8.2 Name and address area.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Annex A (informative) Pictorial representation of numeric data........................................................................................... 7
Annex B (normative) 7 B Print specifications.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Annex C (informative) Impact resistance test...........................................................................................................................................20
Annex D (normative) Embossing with contactless integrated circuit cards.............................................................22

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Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are
members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical
committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical
activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the
work. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee,
ISO/IEC JTC 1.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for
the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction
and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers
to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information
technology, SC 17, Cards and personal identification.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO/IEC 7811-1:2002), which has been
technically revised. Major changes from the first edition are as follows:
— Annex D added to define the minimum spacing from embossing and IC components.
— Title of Clause 6 was changed to avoid confusion. Formerly, the title was “Visually and machine
readable characters” which could be interpreted to include characters in the following clause.
Reference in Table 1 was also changed.
ISO/IEC 7811 consists of the following parts, under the general title Identification cards — Recording
technique:
— Part 1: Embossing
— Part 2: Magnetic stripe — Low coercivity
— Part 6: Magnetic stripe — High coercivity
— Part 7: Magnetic stripe — High coercivity, high density
— Part 8: Magnetic stripe — Coercivity of 51,7 kA/m (650 Oe)
— Part 9: Tactile identifier mark
Notes in this part of ISO/IEC 7811 are only used for giving additional information intended to assist in
the understanding or use of the standard and do not contain provisions or requirements to which it is
necessary to conform in order to be able to claim compliance to this part of ISO/IEC 7811.

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 BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)

Identification cards — Recording technique —

Part 1:
Embossing

1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 7811 is one of a series of International Standards describing the parameters for
identification cards as defined in the definitions clause and the use of such cards for international
interchange.
This part of ISO/IEC 7811 specifies requirements for embossed characters on identification cards.
The embossed characters are intended for transfer of data either by use of imprinters or by visual or
machine reading. It takes into consideration both human and machine aspects and states minimum
requirements.
It is the purpose of this International Standards to provide criteria to which cards shall perform. No
consideration is given within these International Standards to the amount of use, if any, experienced by
the card prior to test. Failure to conform to specified criteria should be negotiated between the involved
parties.
ISO/IEC 10373-1 specifies the test procedures used to check cards against the parameters specified in
this part of ISO/IEC 7811.
NOTE 1 Numeric values in the SI and/or Imperial measurement system in this part of ISO/IEC 7811 might
have been rounded off and therefore are consistent with, but not exactly equal to, each other. Either system can
be used, but the two is not intended to be intermixed or reconverted. The original design was made using the
Imperial measurement system

NOTE 2 TIM (Tactile Identifier Mark) defined by ISO/IEC 7811-9 can be located in the name and address area
of this part of ISO/IEC 7811. The layout of embossed characters in this area is not intended to interfere with TIM.

2 Conformance
A prerequisite for conformance with this part of ISO/IEC 7811 is conformance with ISO/IEC 7810 for
the ID-1 size card. An identification card is in conformance with this part of ISO/IEC 7811 if it meets all
mandatory requirements specified herein. Default values apply if no others are specified.

3 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1831, Printing specifications for optical character recognition
ISO/IEC 1073-1, Alphanumeric character sets for optical recognition − Part 1: Character set OCR-A−Shapes
and dimensions of the printed image
ISO/IEC 1073-2, Alphanumeric character sets for optical recognition− Part 2: Character set OCR-B−Shapes
and dimensions of the printed image
ISO/IEC 7810, Identification cards — Physical characteristics

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ISO/IEC 7811-9, Identification cards — Recording technique — Part 9: Tactile identifier mark
ISO/IEC 7812-1, Identification cards — Identification of issuers — Part 1: Numbering system
ISO/IEC 7812-2, Identification cards — Identification of issuers — Part 2: Application and registration
procedures
ISO/IEC 10373-1, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics

4 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 7810 and the following
apply.
4.1
embossing
to raise characters in relief from the front surface of the card
4.2
unused card
card which has been embossed with all the characters required for its intended purpose but has not
been issued
4.3
returned card
embossed card after it has been issued to the card holder and returned for the purpose of testing
4.4
identification number
number that identifies the card holder

5 Card characteristics
Special attention shall be paid to the characteristics of the material affecting its suitability for this
purpose, particularly in respect to its ability to resist crushing and collapsing of the embossed parts
when operating in imprinters.
Cards shall be made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and/or PVCA (vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate copolymer)
or materials having equal or better performance such as polyesters, polyethylenes and polycarbonates.
NOTE Refer to machine manufacturer instructions regarding card construction requirements for achieving
embossed character relief heights in compliance with this part of ISO/IEC 7811. At the time of publication there
was no agreed on test method for verifying the suitability of card structures for embossing. See Informative
Annex C.

5.1 Card warpage

When lying convex side up on a flat rigid surface, the maximum distance from the flat surface to any
non-embossed portion of the convex side of an embossed card immediately prior to issue shall not be
greater than 2,5 mm (0.10 in) including the card thickness.
NOTE The amount of card warpage depends on the card material and the embossing technique used.

5.2 Surface distortions

No raised area shall exceed 0,51 mm (0.020 in) on the front of the card in the area A as shown in Figure 1.

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

fro n t o f c a rd
to p re f e re n c e e d g e

2 4 ,0 3
(0 ,9 4 6 )

h e ig h t

A re a
A

2 ,5 4
(0 ,1 0 0 ) w id t h

Width Height

maximum minimum maximum minimum

85,90 (3,382) 85,47 (3,365) 54,18 (2,133) 53,92 (2,123)

Figure 1 — Embossed card dimensions

5.3 Card width and height

All points on the edges of the embossed card in the finished state, except for the rounded corners, shall
fall between two concentric, similarly aligned rectangles as defined in Figure 1 for maximum height and
width, and minimum height and width.
NOTE 1 Card width and height tolerances given here are different than those in ISO/IEC 7810 to account for
changes in card size due to embossing.

NOTE 2 All identification card standards use the top edge of the card as the reference edge for dimensions,
except for this embossing standard which, for historical reasons, uses the bottom edge of the card as the reference.

6 Machine readable characters

6.1 Character set and type font

The numeric characters of one of the following type fonts shall be used for embossed characters intended
for machine reading, either directly from the card or from card imprints (see Annex A):
— ISO/IEC 1073-1, OCR-A, Sizes I and IV;
— ISO/IEC 1073-2, OCR-B, Sizes I and IV;
— Type font Farrington 7B as described in Annex B.

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NOTE To ensure system compatibility in the choice of font, the attention of intending users is drawn to the
necessity of agreement with their potential interchange partners.

Print specifications are given in ISO 1831.

6.2 Character spacing

The centreline to centreline character spacing shall be 3,63 mm ± 0,15 mm (0,143 in ± 0,006 in).

6.3 Character height

Maximum height at the printing surface of the embossed characters, encompassing centreline skew, and
character misalignment shall be 4,32 mm (0.170 in).

6.4 Relief height of embossed characters

Relief height of imprinting character surfaces above the card surface as measured from the non-
embossed surface of the card to the highest point on the embossed character is shown in Table 1 for
unused cards and for returned cards.

7 Visually readable characters

7.1 Character set and type font

A type font such as the alphanumeric, upper case characters described in ISO/IEC 1073-2, OCR-B, Size
I, should be used for embossed characters intended for visually reading directly from the card or from
card imprints.

7.2 Character spacing

The centreline to centreline character spacing shall be 2,54 mm ± 0,15 mm (0,100 in ± 0,006 in).

7.3 Relief height of embossed characters

Relief height of imprinting character surfaces above the card surface as measured from the non-
embossed surface of the card to the highest point on the embossed character is shown in Table 1 for
unused cards and for returned cards.

Table 1 — Relief height of embossed characters

Dimensions in millimetres (inches)
Type of card Machine readable characters Visually readable characters
Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum
Unused card 0,48 0,40 0,46 0,36
(0,019) (0,016) (0,018) (0,014)
Returned cards 0,48 0,30 0,46 0,26
(0,019) (0,012) (0,018) (0,010)

NOTE Values in the table show only the limits within which cards will function normally, and do not imply
any guarantee of relief height during the valid term for issued cards.

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8 Assigned embossing areas

Two areas for embossing shall be assigned to the card as shown in Figure 2.

Area 1 Area reserved for the identification number line according to ISO/IEC 7812. The charac-
ters in this area and imprints of the area are intended both for visual and machine read-
ing;

Area 2 Area provided for the card holder’s identification data such as name, address, and other
data which may be required. It is called “name and address area”. Data contained in this
area of the card or imprinted from the card is only intended for visual reading.
When the technology used to form the raised areas causes a physical deformation of the card such as
mechanical embossing, then special care shall be taken that such deformation of the card does not
adversely affect the required characteristics of the contained components such as IC, antenna, connecting
wires, etc. A minimum distance of 3 mm between the contained components and any deformed part of
the card is recommended.
Dimensions in millimetres (inches)
c e n t r e lin e o f c e n t r e lin e o f
c h a ra c te r 1 c h a ra c te r 1 9

T o p re fe re n c e e d g e
b c

F ro n t o f c a rd

I d e n t i ic a t io n n u m b e r li n e ( A r e a 1 )

a d
e N a m e a n d a d d re ss a re a (A re a 2 )

g h
f

c e n t r e lin e o f c e n t r e lin e o f
c h a ra c te r 1 c h a ra c te r 2 7

Identiication number line (Area 1) Name and address area (Area 2)

a 21,42 ± 0,12 (0,843 ± 0,005) e 14,53 (0,572) maximum

2,54 (0,100) minimum
b 10,18 ± 0,25 (0,401 ± 0,010) f
3,30 (0,130) maximum
c 65,31 ± 0,76 (2,571 ± 0,030) g 7,65 ± 0,25 (0,301 ± 0,010)

d 24,03 (0,946) maximum h 66,04 ± 0,76 (2,600 ± 0,030)

Figure 2 — Assigned embossing area locations and tolerances

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8.1 Identification number line

The identification number line provides space for a single line of characters of the type specified in 6.1
and comprises a maximum of 19 character positions at a nominal centreline to centreline spacing of 7
characters per 25,4 mm (1,00 in).
The actual number of utilised (embossed) character positions will depend upon application requirements.
The location and tolerances for embossed characters shall be as shown in Figure 2.
When designing a new system, it is advisable to provide for maximum flexibility of use, i.e.:
‑ justify the embossed identification number to the left;
‑ make allowances for an identification number with maximum length;
‑ for financial applications if a character position is available, it is recommended to insert a blank
space between the issuer identification and the individual account identifier of the identification
number (refer to ISO/IEC 7812).

8.2 Name and address area

The name and address area provides space for four lines of 27 characters each at a nominal centreline
to centreline spacing of 10 characters per 25,4 mm (1,00 in) of the type specified in 7.1. Any information
embossed in the name and address area should always be embossed as far as possible from the
identification number.
The location and tolerances for embossed characters shall be as shown in Figure 2.
WARNING — Those card issuers who require embossing of four name and address lines should
be aware that the imprinted documents produced from their cards may not be acceptable in an
interchange environment due to OCR clear area requirements on some types of OCR reading
equipment.
NOTE The first character in the name and address area need not be justified to the left. However the use of
27 character positions is based on a 7,65 mm (0,301 in) distance to the edge of the card as shown in Figure 2.

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Annex A
(informative)

Pictorial representation of numeric data

Figure A.1 — OCR-A

Figure A.2 — OCR-B

Figure A.3 — Farrington 7B

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Annex B
(normative)

7 B Print specifications

B.1 Character set

The 7 B font consists of numeral characters 0 to 9 inclusive.

B.2 Character dimensions and tolerances‑Printed image

Printed images for characters are as shown in Figures B.1 to B.10. Dimensions and tolerances common to
all characters are shown in Table B.1. Characters are shown as printed on document and not necessarily
as embossed.

Table B.1 — Character dimensions for 7B font

Dimensions in millimetres (inches)
Feature Dimension/tolerance
Overall character height 4,32 (0,170) nominal
Overall character width 2,54 (0,100) nominal
Stroke width for all characters 0,51 ± 0,25 (0,02 ± 0,01)
Fairing radius for all characters 0,13 ± 0,13 (0,005 ± 0,005)
Tolerances on all character centreline dimensions ±0,08 (±0,003)

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

2 1 P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
3 num ber

1 0 ,0 0 + 1 ,9 1
4 5
( 0 ,0 0 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

2 - 0 ,7 6 + 1 ,9 1
( - 0 ,0 0 3 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

3 - 0 ,2 5 + 1 ,7 3
( - 0 ,0 1 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 6 8 )

4 - 0 ,2 5 + 1 ,6 5
( - 0 ,0 1 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 6 5 )

s tr o k e w id th 5 0 ,0 0 + 1 ,6 5
( 0 ,0 0 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 6 5 )

6 0 ,0 0 - 1 ,9 1
X X
( 0 ,0 0 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 7 5 )

7 - 2 ,0 3 2 - 1 ,9 1
( - 0 ,0 8 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 7 5 )

8 + 2 ,0 3 2 - 1 ,9 1
( + 0 ,0 8 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 7 5 )

fa ir in g r a d iu s

6
7 8

Figure B.1 — Printed image for 7B font-1

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
1 num ber

1 - 0 ,9 8 ----
( - 0 ,0 3 8 ) ----

2 2 + 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,2 7
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( + 0 ,0 5 0 )
a

3 + 0 ,3 8 + 0 ,6 4
b
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( + 0 ,0 2 5 )

4 - 0 ,3 8 0 ,0 0
3 ( - 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( 0 ,0 0 0 )

5 - 0 ,3 8 - 0 ,6 4
( - 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 2 5 )

4
6 - 1 ,0 2 - 1 ,9 1
X X
( - 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 7 5 )

7 + 1 ,0 2 - 1 ,9 1
( + 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 7 5 )

5
s tr o k e w id th

C e n t r e lin e r a d iu s

a 0 ,6 4 ( 0 ,0 2 5 )

b 1 ,9 1 ( 0 ,0 7 5 )
fa ir in g r a d iu s

6
7

Figure B.2 — Printed image for 7B font-2

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber

1
1 - 0 ,9 8 ----
( - 0 ,0 3 8 ) ----

2 + 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,2 7
2
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( + 0 ,0 5 0 )

a 3 + 0 ,3 8 + 0 ,6 4
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( + 0 ,0 2 5 )
b

4 - 0 ,3 8 0 ,0 0
( - 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( 0 ,0 0 0 )

3 5 - 0 ,5 1 0 ,0 0
( - 0 ,0 2 0 ) ( 0 ,0 0 0 )

6 + 0 ,3 8 - 0 ,6 4
4 ( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 2 5 )
X X
5
7 + 0 ,3 8 - 1 ,2 7
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 5 0 )

fa ir in g r a d iu s 6

C e n t r e lin e r a d iu s

a 0 ,6 4 ( 0 ,0 2 5 ) 4 p la c e s

b 1 ,9 1 ( 0 ,0 7 5 ) 2 p la c e s
s tr o k e w id th
7

Figure B.3 — Printed image for 7B font-3

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber
1 2
1 - 1 ,0 2 + 1 ,9 1
(- 0 ,0 4 0 ) (+ 0 ,0 7 5 )

2 + 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,9 1
(+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 7 5 )

3 - 1 ,0 2 0 ,0 0
(- 0 ,0 4 0 ) (0 ,0 0 0 )

4 + 0 ,3 8 0 ,0 0
(+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (0 ,0 0 0 )

5 + 1 ,0 2 0 ,0 0
(+ 0 ,0 4 0 ) (0 ,0 0 0 )

6 + 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,9 1
(+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 7 5 )

X X
3 4 5

f a ir in g r a d iu s
s t r o k e w id t h

Figure B.4 — Printed image for 7B font-4

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
2 1
num ber

1 + 1 ,0 2 + 1 ,9 1
( + 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

2 - 1 ,0 2 + 1 ,9 1
( - 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

3 - 1 ,0 2 0 ,0 0
( - 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( 0 ,0 0 0 )

4 - 0 ,3 8 0 ,0 0
( - 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( 0 ,0 0 0 )
fa ir in g r a d iu s
5 + 0 ,3 8 - 0 ,6 4
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 2 5 )

3 4
6 + 0 ,3 8 - 1 ,2 7
X X ( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 5 0 )

7 - 0 ,9 8 ----
( - 0 ,0 3 8 ) ----

C e n t r e lin e r a d iu s
a
b
a 0 ,6 4 ( 0 ,0 2 5 ) 2 p la c e s

b 1 ,9 1 ( 0 ,0 7 5 ) 1 p la c e
s tr o k e w id th
6

Figure B.5 — Printed image for 7B font-5

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

1
P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber

1 - 1 ,0 2 + 1 ,9 1
( - 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

2 - 0 ,3 8 - 0 ,6 4
(- 0 , 0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 2 5 )

3 + 0 ,3 8 - 0 ,6 4
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 2 5 )

4 - 0 ,3 8 - 1 ,2 7
fa ir in g r a d iu s ( - 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 5 0 )

5 + 0 ,3 8 - 1 ,2 7
( + 0 ,0 1 5 ) ( - 0 ,0 5 0 )

X X

C e n t r e lin e r a d iu s

a 0 ,6 4 ( 0 ,0 2 5 ) 4 p la c e s
2 3

s tr o k e w id th

4 5

Figure B.6 — Printed image for 7B font-6

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

1 2
P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber

1 - 1 ,0 2 + 1 ,9 1
( - 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

2 + 1 ,0 2 + 1 ,9 1
( + 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 7 5 )

fa ir in g r a d iu s
3 + 1 ,0 2 - 1 ,9 1
( + 0 ,0 4 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 7 5 )

X X

s tr o k e w id th

Figure B.7 — Printed image for 7B font-7

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Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber

1 - 0 ,5 1 + 1 ,3 5
( - 0 ,0 2 0 ) + ( 0 ,0 5 5 )

1 5 2 - 0 ,5 1 + 0 ,8 8
( - 0 ,0 2 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 3 5 )

3 - 0 ,5 1 - 0 ,8 8
fa ir in g r a d iu s a ( - 0 ,0 2 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 3 5 )

4 - 0 ,5 1 - 1 ,3 5
2 6 ( - 0 ,0 2 0 ) - ( 0 ,0 5 5 )

5 + 0 ,5 1 + 1 ,3 5
( + 0 ,0 2 0 ) + ( 0 ,0 5 5 )

6 + 0 ,5 1 + 0 ,8 8
( + 0 ,0 2 0 ) ( + 0 ,0 3 5 )

X X
7 + 0 ,5 1 - 0 ,8 8
( + 0 ,0 2 0 ) ( - 0 ,0 3 5 )

8 + 0 ,5 1 - 1 ,3 5
( + 0 ,0 2 0 ) - ( 0 ,0 5 5 )

3 7

C e n t r e lin e r a d iu s

a 0 ,5 1 ( 0 ,0 2 0 ) 8 p la c e s
4

Y s tr o k e w id th

Figure B.8 — Printed image for 7B font-8

16  © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

 BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber

1 - 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,2 7
(- 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 5 0 )

1 3
2 - 0 ,3 8 + 0 ,6 4
(- 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 2 5 )

3 + 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,2 7
a (+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 5 0 )

4 + 0 ,3 8 + 0 ,6 4
(+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 2 5 )
2 4
5 + 1 ,0 2 - 1 ,9 1
(+ 0 ,0 4 0 ) (- 0 ,0 7 5 )

X X
C e n tre lin e ra d iu s

a 0 ,6 4 (0 ,0 2 5 )

f a ir in g r a d iu s

s t r o k e w id t h

Figure B.9 — Printed image for 7B font-9

© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved  17

BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Y

P o in t X v a lu e Y v a lu e
num ber

1 - 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,2 7
(- 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 5 0 )

1 2
2 + 0 ,3 8 + 1 ,2 7
(+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (+ 0 ,0 5 0 )

a 3 - 0 ,3 8 - 1 ,2 7
(- 0 ,0 1 5 ) (- 0 ,0 5 0 )

4 + 0 ,3 8 - 1 ,2 7
(+ 0 ,0 1 5 ) (- 0 ,0 5 0 )

C e n tre lin e ra d iu s

X X a 0 ,6 4 (0 ,0 2 5 )

s t r o k e w id t h

3 4

Figure B.10 — Printed image for 7B font-0

B.3 Character spacing and alignment

18  © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

 BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


Table B.2 — Character spacing and alignment

Character spacing 7 characters per 25,4 mm (1 in) minimum
Horizontal separation between adjacent characters 0,38 mm (0,015 in) minimum
Vertical misalignment between adjacent characters 2,03 mm (0,080 in) maximum
Skew of characters 3° maximum
Total line skew shall not exceed the limits of the print zone defined in Clause 8

B.4 Printing characteristics for imprinted forms (see ISO 1831)

B.4.1 Ink density
For optimum performance, the ink (carbon) density of the printed character shall be such that its
reflectance is not more than 20 % of the average reflectance of the form on which the character is
printed. At worst, the ink density of the printed character must be such that its reflectance is not more
than 60 % of the average reflectance of the document on which the character is printed.
Reflectance is measured with an incident illumination of 45° and a viewing angle of 90° to the surface of
the form, and using an aperture of measurement 0,20 mm2 (0,0003 in2) on the document.
Acceptable voids and acceptable extraneous marks as defined in B.4.2 and B.4.3 are exceptions to the
ink density requirement.

B.4.2 Voids
A void is any area within the maximum stroke width dimension of a printed character in which the
reflectance exceeds 60 % of the average reflectance of the document on which a character is printed.
Voids are acceptable provided they can be entirely contained within a circle of 0,25 mm (0,01 in) diameter,
there is a minimum separation of 0,71 mm (0,28 in) centre to centre between the voids, and the resulting
minimum effective stroke width dimension is not less than 0,20 mm (0,008 in). Unacceptable voids are
not allowed.

B.4.3 Extraneous marks

An extraneous mark is any mark within either the printing or clear zone, but not within the printed
character area, in which the reflectance is less than 60 % of the average reflectance of the document
on which the marks occur. Extraneous marks are acceptable provided they can be entirely contained
within a circle of 0,25 mm (0,010 in) diameter, and there is a minimum separation between the marks of
0,71 mm (0,028 in) centre to centre. Unacceptable extraneous marks are not allowed.

B.4.4 Imprinting
Deformation of the form surface as a result of imprinting shall not exceed 0,13 mm (0,005 in).

© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved  19

BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


Annex C
(informative)

Impact resistance test

The test method in this annex will be superseded by the next edition of ISO/IEC 10373-1.

C.1 Scope
The purpose of this test is to help identify cards that may not be suitable for embossing (see ISO/IEC 7811-
1).

C.2 Apparatus
The impact apparatus is shown in Figure C.1 and comprises the following:
a) card support anvil made of steel and mounted to a rigid, heavy base. A vent hole of at least 5 mm
diameter shall be provided at the bottom of the anvil to allow air to escape during the impact.
b) cylindrical dart made of steel and supported in a bearing
c) impact weight made of steel and supported in a guide bearing with friction no greater than 0,45 N
(0.1 lb)
d) portions of the apparatus that contact the card must have a hardness of Rc = 50 - 55 (Hv = 513 - 595)
(Hb = 481 - 560) and surface finish of Ra = 0,2 ± 0,06 μm (7,9 ± 2,4 μin). See ISO 3274 for surface
roughness measurement parameters.
e) height gauge accurate to 0,01 mm (0,0005 in) with measuring probe surface area of at least 50 mm2
(0,8 in2).

C.3 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample cards to the test environment of ISO/IEC 10373-1 for 24 h before testing.
Conduct the test under the environment defined in ISO/IEC 10373-1.
Using the height gauge, measure the thickness of the test card in the area where the impact testing will
be performed.
NOTE The presence of card features such as IC’s, signature panels, magnetic stripes, etc., near impact area
may affect test results.

CAUTION — Use care in operating the Impact apparatus to avoid injury. Safety glasses are
recommended to be worn during this test to prevent eye injury. Fingers and hands should be
kept clear of the impact area.
Place the test card under the cylindrical dart centreline at least 20 mm (0,8 in) from any sample edge or
previous impact test area. Lift the impact weight to the height specified in the base standard. Drop the
impact weight onto the cylindrical dart as it rests on the sample card. Inspect the impact area for cracks;
they will usually appear in the shoulder of the depression. At least 2 impact test areas shall be used to
determine whether cracking occurs.
Place the test card on a flat rigid surface with the deformation side up and apply a force of 4,5N ± 0,5N
(1 lbf ± 0,1 lbf) to the top of the deformation to cause the card to flatten against the rigid surface.

20  © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

 BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


Using the height gauge, measure the height of the deformation area relative to the surface of the card.

C.4 Test report

The test report shall state the drop height, deformation height, and whether any cracking occurred.

Impact weight
18 N

Guide bearing for

impact weight
± 0,25 mm
25 ±
radius

Drop height

Cylindrical dart 1,43 N

15,88 ± 0,05 mm
diameter
Guide bearing for
cylindrical dart
25 mm
minimum

Full radius

Anvil 50 mm
diameter minimum
Card sample 16,26 ± 0,025 mm
diameter
1 ± 0,2 mm radius
Air vent hole

Figure C.1 — Embossability test apparatus

© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved  21

BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


Annex D
(normative)

Embossing with contactless integrated circuit cards

D.1 Scope
The purpose of this annex is to advise on minimum locations for embossing on ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 size
contactless integrated circuit cards to avoid damage to antenna and IC components inside the card body
when deforming the card material if the embossing method used.
When embossed characters are formed by the addition of material to the surface of the card without
card body deformation and stress, limitations specified here do not apply.

D.2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this annex. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 7811-9, Identification cards – Recording technique – Part 9: Tactile Identifier Mark
ISO/IEC 14443-1, Identification cards – Contactless integrated circuit cards – Proximity cards – Part 1:
Physical characteristics
ISO/IEC 15693-1, Identification cards – Contactless integrated circuit cards – Vicinity cards – Part 1:
Physical characteristics

D.3 Embossing area

If an ISO/IEC 14443-1 Class 2 antenna is integrated into an ID-1 size card, the Class 2 antenna area
specified in ISO/IEC 14443-1, Annex A should be located outside of the embossing areas defined in
ISO/IEC 7811-1 and ISO/IEC 7811-9. Regardless of the type of antenna used (eg, antenna as used for
making cards compliant with ISO/IEC 14443-1, ISO/IEC 15693-1) if it is located inside an embossing
area, special care shall be taken that possible later embossing in the embossing area does not adversely
affect the performance of the antenna.

22  © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014
ISO/IEC 7811-1:2014(E)


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