How do you handle solid metal blocks the signal?

A closed metal loop kills a 13.56 MHz field. The antenna cannot simply be buried in steel. Three routes, all shown here: a PVC inlay window set into the steel, a frosted edge strip that breaks the loop, and a honeycomb cut-through that gives the field somewhere to go.

How do you handle show the coil on purpose?

Frosted and clear PVC will reveal the antenna whether you plan for it or not. On the clear and frosted builds the coil becomes the artwork: a visible copper spiral, positioned and framed like a drawn element rather than apologised for.

How do you handle wood moves?

Solid wood expands and contracts, and an inlay pocket routed too tight will telegraph through the face or split the grain. Kept the pocket well inside the grain, engraved rather than printed, and used species with tight figure. Cherry got an acrylic window instead, so the coil is visible through the face.

Design exercise · Business cards · Peppermint

Emplacement de l'antenne

Une étude de la construction des cartes NFC en métal, plastique et bois : comment chaque support accueille l'insert, quand dissimuler l'antenne, et quand la bobine devient le meilleur élément graphique de la carte.

Business-cards for Print Peppermint design exercise with metal with pvc inlay window, frosted edge strip, honeycomb cut-through, pvc: matte, frosted, crystal clear, holographic, recycled ocean plastic, wood: walnut, bamboo, cherry, birch, ebony stain and nfc inlay, 13.56 mhz.

DoruresSilver · 120, Yellow Gold · 101, Rose Gold · 117-3 TechniquesEngraved, Hot Foil, Gold Foil, Rose Gold Foil, Silver Foil, Laser Cut, Laser Engraved, Raised Spot UV PapiersWhite PVC card stock, Matte black metal, Solid walnut, Bamboo ply

L'idée

Les cartes NFC sont souvent vendues comme un gadget en plastique, avec un QR code en secours. La vraie question relève de la production : où placer l'antenne, et quelles contraintes impose la matière.

Three rules

01Solid metal blocks the signal. Three routes, all shown here: a PVC inlay window set into the steel, a frosted edge strip that breaks the loop, and a honeycomb cut-through…
02Show the coil on purpose. On the clear and frosted builds the coil becomes the artwork: a visible copper spiral, positioned and framed like a drawn element rather th…
03Wood moves. Kept the pocket well inside the grain, engraved rather than printed, and used species with tight figure. Cherry got an acrylic window inste…