Clamshell card being presented to Conekt reader

Benefits of Using Clamshell Style Cards in Electronic Access Control

By Rudy Regidor
Customer Service Manager, Farpointe Data

Today the clamshell-style access card remains one of the most popular physical credentials available. Farpointe Data offers a selection of these cards: the CSC-2 CONEKT® Contactless Smartcard Clamshell Card — making use of advanced MIFARE® DESFire® EV3 technology — as well as the legacy 125-kHz Pyramid Series Proximity® PSC-1 Standard Light Proximity Card. There are a few unique benefits that contribute to the popularity of this credential.

Enhanced Durability and Longevity

Robust two-part construction of the clamshell card resists cracking and over-bending, extending card life. Indeed, the rigid form factor maintains its shape under heavy daily use, even when carried in a wallet. Passive operation (no batteries needed!) delivers unlimited reads, ensuring consistent performance over years.

Reliability in Harsh Environments

The thicker clamshell profile withstands rough handling making it an ideal choice for industrial or outdoor settings. The protective shell of the clamshell card itself shields embedded RFID electronics from impact and dust. Users appreciate the dependable operation clamshell cards deliver across wide temperature and humidity ranges, maintaining predictable access.

Cost-Effectiveness and Reusability

Value-priced clamshell cards may lower the cost per credential in large deployments. Its reusable design lets organizations assign cards on a temporary basis to visitors, contractors, or event attendees. The resulting reduction in plastic waste also provides a side benefit in sustainability.

Seamless Integration and User Convenience

Compatible with most proximity and smart-card readers, clamshells support 125-kHz or 13.56-MHz systems and a wide range of protocols. Easy bulk enrolling is a real benefit here. Organizations can load literally hundreds of sequentially encoded cards at once, simplifying rollout and streamlining site launches. Is your end-user customer considering badge reels and lanyards? The pre-punched vertical slot streamlines their use. And the clamshell’s relatively large front surface accommodates adhesive labels that can be printed with employee names, photos, barcodes, or branding for quick visual identification.

Improved Security and Management

The more rigid enclosure of the clamshell makes tampering or covert manipulation more difficult compared to less-robust credentials. Additionally, the tougher exterior minimizes visual wear patterns, such as scratches or dents. Custom printing is also a popular option; Farpointe offers laser engraving and full-color printing.

By combining toughness, reusability, and broad compatibility, clamshell cards deliver a robust, cost-effective solution for any access control system — in particular where credential durability and lifecycle management are paramount.

For questions about access control identification, call Farpointe Data at
+1-408-731-8700, or email .

Rudy Regidor, Customer Service Manager, Farpointe DataRudy Regidor

Customer Service Manager, Farpointe Data