Business cards are a simple way to share contact information, but a memorable design can make them stand out. [Jeremy Cook] has been experimenting with adding artistic finishes to PCBs, and has recently applied what he’s learned to make some unique business cards. His write-up consolidates some great resources to get you started in making your own PCB business cards, as well as PCB art in general
To make his cards stand out, he designed them to serve as functional tools beyond sharing contact information. He created two designs: one incorporates an LED and a coin cell battery holder, while the other includes drafting tools, such as a ruler, circle stencils, and a simplified protractor.
While the classic PCB solder mask is green, many board houses now offer alternative finishes and colors to enhance designs. He tested and compared the offerings from various manufacturers, highlighting the importance of researching fabrication options early, as different providers offer a variety of finishes. His creative approach shines in details like using through-hole pads as eyes in a robot illustration, making them stand out against a halftone dot pattern.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out the winners of our 2024 Business Card Challenge.
Thanks so much for the awesome writeup Matt!
They’re going to be even more impressive in the US now that they have doubled in price
Seriously. I’ve got a stockpile for a while.
As a giveaway – cool.
As a business card – fail.
If you get the chance to give a physical card to another person and not make a lasting impression without an annoyingly shaped hard object, then you should not get that person’s business.
If you are mailing those goodies to hundreds of potential customers that have never heard of you or met you, they might work.
It also might be I am completely wrong here and the only one hating business cards that do not match the standards in all three dimensions and are not made from paper.
They come pretty close to matching normal business cards dimensionally.
I don’t really understand the point of the round holes, other than to make the card lighter.
It should have included a bottle opener instead.
Bottle opener isn’t a bad idea, though not sure it would hold up. Round holes are supposed to be for drawing circles, but seems like that may not be obvious.
It might be that a drawing tool like a circle template is only obvious if you have seen or used them or are able to see uncommon uses. I appreciate the design, but I know I am an unusual individual.