I had a RFID key before RFID was probably even on the map, about 30 years ago for a building. Total thickness was 2.5 mm. Someone took one apart and basically found a milled depression in it. It was basically covered with self-stick vinyl, but not totally to the edge. From what I remember the guy that took one apart, there were 4 etched antenna's and a component stuck in the middle of the milled hole, probably a diode. Aside: Later, I did have to do some troubleshooting of the lock system which for the most part was pretty reliable except that it stored access info on a cassette tape. It was eventually set to "fail soft" rather than "fail secure". In the former mode, any card would open any lock with no access controls.
I played around with some self-stick laser printable vinyl recently with good results. I also covered the result with clear vinyl (cold laminating).
It's tough printing on the vinyl at home because of the necessity of using a straight paper path. My printer usually prints page 2 first, so the configuration involves page setup, single sheet feed, and opening the back, otherwise you get an accordion.
Current PCB technology allows embedding of components within the PCB itself. I don't know who does it, or what tools are used, but it is possible to embed SMT parts inside of a PCB.
I played around with some self-stick laser printable vinyl recently with good results. I also covered the result with clear vinyl (cold laminating).
It's tough printing on the vinyl at home because of the necessity of using a straight paper path. My printer usually prints page 2 first, so the configuration involves page setup, single sheet feed, and opening the back, otherwise you get an accordion.
Current PCB technology allows embedding of components within the PCB itself. I don't know who does it, or what tools are used, but it is possible to embed SMT parts inside of a PCB.
