TRANSACTION AND ID CARDS HAVING SELECTED TEXTURE AND COLORING

• US 20150339564A1
• Filed: 05/21/2015
• Published: 11/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Composecure, LLC (CompoSecure, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: John Herslow, Luis Dasilva
• Inventors: HERSLOW, JOHN, Lowe, Adam, Dasilva, Luis
• Granted Patent: US 10,922,601 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 13/04 comprising such water setting substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material next to a glass layer B32B17/06
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 13/06 of metal
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 13/12 of synthetic resin
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/04 comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material next to a bituminous or tarry layer B32B11/08; next to a water-setting substance layer B32B13/06; next to a glass layer B32B17/061; next to a cellulosic plastic layer B32B23/042
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/043 of metal B32B15/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/08 of synthetic resin
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/10 of wood
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/14 next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/20 comprising aluminium or copper B32B15/016 and B32B15/017 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2038/0016 Abrading
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 21/00 Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 21/04 comprising wood as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material next to a layer of a particular substance B32B9/042; next to a bituminous or tarry layer B32B11/042; next to a water setting substance layer B32B13/10; next to a metal layer B32B15/10; next to a glass layer B32B17/062; next to a layer formed of natural mineral fibres or particles B32B19/042; next to a cellulosic plastic layer B32B23/044
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 21/08 of synthetic resin
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 21/14 comprising wood board or veneer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2250/03 3 layers
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2250/04 4 layers
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2255/00 Coating on the layer surface
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2255/06 on metal layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2255/08 on wood layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2255/10 on synthetic resin layer or on natural or synthetic rubber layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2255/20 : Inorganic coating
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2255/205 : Metallic coating
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2264/108 : Carbon, e.g. graphite particles
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/40 : having particular optical properties light or UV resistant B32B2307/71
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/402 : Coloured
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/584 : Scratch resistance
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/732 : Dimensional properties
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2311/24 : Aluminium
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2313/04 : Carbon
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2315/02 : Ceramics
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2317/08 : Natural leather
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2317/16 : Wood, e.g. woodboard, fibreboard, woodchips
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2363/00 : Epoxy resins
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2425/00 : Cards, e.g. identity cards, credit cards
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/08 : of synthetic resin
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/12 : next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/18 : characterised by the use of special additives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/36 : comprising polyesters
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/38 : comprising epoxy resins
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/04 : characterised by at least one layer folded at the edge, e.g. over another layer ; characterised by at least one layer enveloping or enclosing a material
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/08 : characterised by added members at particular parts layer formed of separate pieces of material which are juxtaposed side-by-side B32B3/14, B32B3/18
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/14 : characterised by a face layer formed of separate pieces of material which are juxtaposed side-by-side B32B5/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/30 : characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs apertured layer B32B3/266; layer with cavities or internal voids B32B3/26
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 33/00 : Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatings; Layered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/12 : characterised by using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/18 : involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/0012 : Mechanical treatment, e.g. roughening, deforming, stretching
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/06 : Embossing
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/10 : Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/105 : on edges
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/14 : Printing or colouring
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/145 : Printing
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 7/12 : using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/00 : Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/005 : comprising one layer of ceramic material, e.g. porcelain, ceramic tile layered products with at least two ceramic layers composed mainly of ceramic B32B18/00
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/02 : comprising animal or vegetable substances , e.g. cork, bamboo, starch
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/025 : comprising leather
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/04 : comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material next to a glass layer B32B17/06; layered products with at least two ceramic layers composed mainly of ceramic B32B18/00
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/041 : of metal
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/042 : of wood
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/045 : of synthetic resin
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/047 : made of fibres or filaments
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/04 : of aluminium or alloys based thereon
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/08 : containing inorganic acids
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/18 : After-treatment, e.g. pore-sealing
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/243 : using organic dyestuffs
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/246 : for sealing layers
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/26 : of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 11/34 : of metals or alloys not provided for in groups C25D11/04 - C25D11/32
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 3/46 : of silver
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 3/48 : of gold
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 3/50 : of platinum group metals
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 5/022 : using masking means
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 7/00 : Electroplating characterised by the article coated
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/02 : characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/022 : Processes or apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07722 : the record carrier being multilayered, e.g. laminated sheets flat articles in general, see B32B37/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/10 : Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1039 : Surface deformation only of sandwich or lamina [e.g., embossed panels]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1082 : Partial cutting bonded sandwich [e.g., grooving or incising]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49004 : including measuring or testing of device or component part
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49828 : Progressively advancing of work assembly station or assembled portion of work

Abstract

Cards made in accordance with the invention include a specially treated thin decorative layer attached to a thick core layer of metal or ceramic material, where the thin decorative layer is designed to provide selected color(s) and/or selected texture(s) to a surface of the metal cards. Decorative layers for use in practicing the invention include: (a) an anodized metal layer; or (b) a layer of material derived from plant or animal matter (e.g., wood, leather); or (c) an assortment of aggregate binder material (e.g., cement, mortar, epoxies) mixed with laser reactive materials (e.g., finely divided carbon); or (d) a ceramic layer; and (e) a layer of crystal fabric material. The cards may be dual interface smart cards which can be read in a contactless manner and/or via contacts.

Claims

1. A method for making cards with a given appearance comprising the steps of:

selecting a thin decorative layer and processing said thin decorative layer to have a thickness in the range of 0.0005 inches to 0.014 inches; and

wherein said thin decorative layer is one of;

(a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material veneer layer, such as leather;

(d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy mixed with laser reactive materials;

(e) a ceramic layer; and

(f) a layer of crystal fabric material; and

selecting a thick core layer for forming the body of said card, said thick core layer having a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.032 inches and first and second surfaces generally parallel to each other;

said thick core layer being;

(a) a thick core layer of metal;

or (b) a ceramic coated metal;

or (c) a ceramic coated polymer, or (d) a solid ceramic material, and

attaching said thin decorative layer to the first surface of the thick core layer.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of attaching said thin and thick layers includes laminating the layers;

and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized aluminum layer designed to have a given color and further including the step of applying a laser source to said anodized aluminum layer for modifying the card'"'"'s color appearance and texture.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of attaching said thin and thick layers includes laminating the layers;

and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized aluminum layer having a given color; and

further including the step of forming a hard coat layer over said anodized aluminum layer; and

further including the step of applying a laser source to said hard coat layer and to said anodized aluminum layer for modifying at least one the color and feel of the card.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the hard coat layer is designed to have a color different than the color of the anodized aluminum.

5. The method as claimed in claim 2 further including a polymeric layer attached to the second surface of the thick core layer.

6. The method as claimed in claim 2 further including a polymeric layer attached to the second surface of the thick core layer and an integrated circuit module located within said card for enabling at least one of:

(a) wireless radio frequency (RF) transmission between the card and an external card reader; and

(b) contact reading between the card and a contact reader.

7. The method as claimed in claim 2 further including an embossable polymer layer attached to the anodized aluminum layer and further including the step of embossing said polymer layer and said anodized aluminum layer.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized aluminum layer designed to have a given color;

wherein said thick metal layer is designed to have a different color;

further including at least one additional layer having a preselected color; and

further including the step of applying a laser source to said anodized aluminum layer, said thick metal layer and said additional layer for modifying at least one of the color and feel of the card.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plant derived material veneer layer is a layer of natural wood of low lignin content and wherein the processing of said wood veneer layer includes:

(a) sanding down the back surface of the wood layer until the wood layer has a thickness ranging between 0.001 inches and 0.015 inches; and

(b) applying an oil film to the wood layer to maintain the appearance of the wood layer when it undergoes lamination.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9 further including the step of chamfering the outer edges of the wood layer to prevent fraying or peeling of the wood layer.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said animal derived material veneer layer is a layer of natural leather having top and bottom surfaces and wherein the processing of said leather veneer layer includes treating the bottom surface of the leather layer so the thickness of the leather layer ranges between 0.001 and 0.015 inches and its bottom surface is adapted to accept an adhesive.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 further including the steps of:

embossing the top surface of said leather layer; and

forming a first assembly comprised of said leather layer having its bottom surface attached to said first surface of said thick core layer.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said embossed leather layer is a first leather layer and further including the steps of:

forming a second assembly comprising the positioning of a second leather layer, having top and bottom surfaces, with its top surface facing the top surface of the first, embossed, leather layer of said first assembly; and

laminating the first and second leather layers and the thick metal layer whereby the embossed pattern of the first leather layer is transferred to the second leather layer and the components of the first assembly are laminated.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said aggregate binder material veneer layer is a layer of cement or epoxy mixed with laser reactive materials;

and further including the steps of applying a laser source to said cement or epoxy layer mixed with carbon particles to vaporized the carbon particles and produce a pattern with high contrast.

15. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said step of attaching said thin decorative layer to a thick core layer includes the step of forming a pocket within a surface of said thick core layer and firmly attaching one of said thin decorative layers within said pocket.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the depth of the pocket is made substantially equal to the thickness of the decorative layer.

17. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thin decorative layer is an anodized metal layer and further including the steps of dying the anodized metal layer multiple colors.

18. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thin decorative layer is an anodized metal layer and further including the steps of modifying the anodized layer by one of the following:

printed graphics through techniques such as screen printing, sublimation printing, any digital print system, laser engraving, mechanical engraving, die cutting, or embossing.

19. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thin decorative layer is an anodized metal layer and wherein the anodized metal layer is selectively extended along the surface of the card as follows:

(a) the full length and width of the card, (b) as a patch, (c) as a stripe, or (d) as a decorative design.

20. The method as claimed in claim 1 further including the step of attaching a thin decorative layer to the second surface of the thick metal layer.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20 wherein said thin decorative layer attached to the second surface of the thick metal layer includes one of (a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material veneer layer, such as leather;

(d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy mixed with laser reactive materials;

(e) a ceramic layer; and

(f) a layer of crystal fabric material.

22. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein the thin decorative layer is a layer of ceramic material and wherein the step of selecting and processing said thin decorative layer includes applying said ceramic layer onto the thick metal layer and bonding it to the thick metal layer.

23. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thin decorative layer is a thin anodized metal layer having a predetermined colored region extending to a given depth within the thin metal layer, and further including the steps of:

(a) removing selected portions of the colored region to said given depth in accordance with a design pattern; and

(b) electroplating the thin anodized metal layer with an electroplating metal having a color other than said predetermined colored region for producing a pattern displaying the colors of said electroplating metal and said predetermined colored region.

24. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said thin anodized metal layer is a thin layer of aluminum having a top sub layer region which is dyed to have said predetermined color and wherein the step of removing selected portions of the colored region includes using a laser device to bare selected portions of the anodized aluminum layer, and wherein said electroplating metal is a noble metal such as gold.

25. A card having a front side and a back side, said card comprising:

a thick core layer having a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.032 inches;

said thick core layer forming the bulk of the card and having a predetermined color and said thick core layer having first and second surfaces extending generally parallel to each other; and

a thin decorative layer attached to said first surface of said thick core layer for providing at least one of color and texture to the card;

said thin decorative layer having a thickness in the range of 0.0005 inches to 0.03 inches;

said thin decorative layer being one of;

(a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material veneer layer, such as leather; and

(d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy, mixed with laser reactive materials;

(e) a ceramic layer; and

(f) a layer of crystal fabric material.

26. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized aluminum layer designed to have a given color and having a pattern formed within the anodized layer to display the colors of the anodized aluminum and the underlying thick metal layer and said card having a distinctive texture corresponding to the formed pattern.

27. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized metal layer having a given color;

and wherein a hard coat layer is formed over said anodized aluminum layer; and

a pattern is formed within said hard coat layer and said anodized aluminum layer producing a pattern displaying the colors of said hard coat layer, said anodized layer and said thick metal layer.

28. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized aluminum layer having a given color;

and wherein a colored hard coat layer is formed over said anodized aluminum layer; and

wherein an additional layer is attached to the thick metal having a different color than the other layers of the card; and

wherein a pattern is formed within said hard coat layer and said anodized aluminum layer and said thick metal layer producing a pattern which displays the colors of said hard coat layer, said anodized layer, said thick metal layer and said additional layer.

29. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and further including a polymeric layer attached to the second surface of the thick core layer.

30. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and further including:

(a) a polymeric layer, attached to the thick metal layer, and (b) an integrated circuit module located within said card for enabling at least one of;

(i) wireless radio frequency (RF) transmission between the card and an external card reader; and

(ii) contact reading between the card and a contact reader.

31. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a metal layer and further including an embossable polymer layer attached to the anodized aluminum layer;

and wherein a pattern is embossed within said polymer layer for producing a corresponding pattern which can be felt.

32. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a metal layer and wherein said thin decorative layer is an anodized aluminum layer designed to have a given color;

wherein said thick metal layer is designed to have a different color;

further including at least one additional layer having a preselected color; and

wherein selected portions of the layers are removed by one of lasering, machining or chemical etching producing a card whose appearance is a function of the colors of the layers and the texture of the card is a function of the pattern formed.

33. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said plant derived material veneer layer is a layer of actual wood of low lignin content;

said wood layer having a thickness ranging between 0.001 inches and 0.010 inches; and

wherein said layer of actual wood has a top surface which is protected by an oil film disposed along the top surface.

34. The card as claimed in claim 33 wherein the outer edges of the wood layer are chamfered to prevent fraying or peeling of the wood layer.

35. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said animal derived material veneer layer is a layer of actual leather having top and bottom surfaces with the top surface having a unique pattern associated with actual leather;

said leather veneer layer having a thickness which ranges between 0.001 inches and 0.020 inches; and

the bottom surface of the leather layer treated so it is adapted to accept an adhesive; and

wherein the top surface of the leather layer is embossed and its bottom surface is attached via an adhesive layer to said thick metal layer.

36. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said aggregate binder material veneer layer is a layer of cement or epoxy mixed with laser reactive materials;

and wherein a pattern is formed in said veneer layer due to vaporization of the carbon particles.

37. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said anodized metal layer is a multi-colored metal layer.

38. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein said thin decorative layer attached to the first surface of said thick metal layer is a first thin decorative layer;

and wherein a second thin decorative layer is attached to the second surface of said thick metal layer.

39. The card as claimed in claim 38 wherein said second thin decorative layer is one of:

(a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material veneer layer, such as leather; and

(d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy, mixed with laser reactive materials;

(e) a ceramic layer; and

(f) a layer of crystal fabric material.

40. The card as claimed in claim 38 wherein the thin decorative layer attached to the first surface of said thick metal layer is different than the thin decorative layer attached to the second surface of said thick metal layer.

41. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein a pocket is formed in the first surface of said thick metal layer and wherein a thin decorative layer is attached to the thick metal layer within the pocket.

42. The card as claimed in claim 41 wherein the thin decorative layer attached to the thick metal layer within the pocket is a layer of crystal fabric material.

43. The card as claimed in claim 38 wherein the second thin decorative layer is an anodized metal foil and further including a signal panel and a magnetic stripe attached to the second thin decorative layer.

44. The card as claimed in claim 38 wherein the second thin decorative layer is an anodized metal foil and further including a polymer layer attached to the second thin decorative layer and a signal panel and a magnetic stripe attached to the polymer layer.

45. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein the thin decorative layer is a thin anodized metal layer having a predetermined colored region extending to a given depth within the thin anodized metal layer, and wherein selected portions of the colored region are removed to said given depth in accordance with a design pattern;

and a particular metal having a color other than said predetermined colored region is electroplated within said removed selected regions for producing a pattern displaying the colors of said particular metal and said predetermined colored region.

46. The card as claimed in claim 45 wherein said thin anodized metal layer is a thin layer of aluminum having a top sub layer region which is dyed to have said predetermined color and wherein said particular metal is a noble metal such as gold.

47. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein a ceramic layer is attached to the first surface of the thick metal layer and a thin decorative layer, other than a ceramic layer, is attached to the ceramic layer.

48. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick metal layer and wherein a first ceramic layer is attached to the first surface of the thick metal layer and a second ceramic layer is attached to the second surface of the thick metal layer.

49. The card as claimed in claim 25 wherein said thick core layer is a thick ceramic layer

50. A metal card comprising:

a thick metal layer having a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.035 inches; and

said thick metal layer forming the bulk of the card and having a predetermined color;

said thick metal layer having a top surface and a bottom surface;

a pocket formed within the top surface of the thick metal layer, the depth of the pocket extending between 0.003 inches and 0.030 inches below the surface of the thick metal layer; and

a border around the outer periphery of the metal layer; and

a thin decorative layer attached to the pocket formed within said top surface of the thick metal layer.

51. A metal card as claimed in claim 50 wherein said thin decorative layer has a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.030 inches;

and wherein said thin decorative layer is one of;

(a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material veneer layer, such as leather;

(d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy mixed with laser reactive materials;

(e) a ceramic layer; and

(f) a layer of crystal fabric material.

52. A card as claimed in claim 51 wherein said anodized metal layer is one of aluminum, titanium, zinc, niobium, tantalum or any other metal which can be anodized.

53. A card as claimed in claim 51 wherein the veneer layer is one of wood, leather, ceramic, crystal fabric material, cement or epoxy.

54. A method of making a card comprising the steps of:

selecting a thick metal layer having generally parallel top and bottom surfaces;

said thick metal layer having a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.033 inches;

forming a pocket in the top surface of said thick metal layer;

the depth of the pocket extending between 0.003 inches and 0.030 inches below the surface of the thick metal layer and a border around the outer periphery of the thick metal layer, and

attaching a thin decorative layer to the pocket formed within said top surface of the thick metal layer for providing at least one of color and texture to the card.

55. A metal card as claimed in claim 54 wherein said thin decorative layer has a thickness in the range of 0.003 inches to 0.030 inches;

and wherein said thin decorative layer is one of;

(a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material veneer layer, such as leather; and

(d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy mixed with laser reactive materials.

56. A method of making cards including the steps of:

selecting a layer of a first leather like material having top and bottom surfaces;

embossing a pattern on a said top surface of said first leather like material;

selecting a layer of a second leather like material having top and bottom surfaces;

forming an assembly comprising placing the top surface of the second leather like layer onto the top surface of the embossed first layer with said first layer overlying and attached to a metal substrate;

laminating the assembly so as laminate the embossed first layer with said metal substrate for forming a card or a sub assembly of a card and concurrently also embossing the top surface of the second leather like layer.

57. A card having a front side and a back side, said card comprising:

a thick ceramic layer having a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.032 inches;

said thick ceramic layer forming the bulk of the card and having a predetermined color and said thick metal layer having first and second surfaces extending generally parallel to each other; and

a thin decorative layer attached to said first surface of said thick ceramic layer for providing at least one of color and texture to the card;

said thin decorative layer having a thickness in the range of 0.0005 inches to 0.014 inches;

said thin decorative layer being one of;

(a) an anodized metal layer, (b) a plant derived material veneer layer, such as wood;

(c) an animal derived material Veneer layer, such as leather, and (d) an aggregate binder material veneer layer, such as cement or epoxy, mixed with laser reactive materials;

(e) a ceramic layer; and

(f) a layer of crystal fabric material.