Starbucks gift cards

[Jeff Chumbley]

Can someone tell me what the starbucks gift cards are made of? I had a customer ask if I could engrave his name and number on it. I did and when I hit it with the laser the engraving came out orangish gold color. He was impressed with the results. I am just curious. These cards have holiday scenes on over 3/4 of the card and the far right is clear plastic.

Even in the clear plastic portion of the card came out orange/gold color. I have never had clear plastic/acrylic give any indications of color at all.

Any thoughts?

[Joe Pelonio]

I did some checking and it looks like they might be 30 mil PVC. While you wouldn't want to cut them for sure, there is also risk to engraving them without more information about the outer surface layer. Obviously doing one is not going to cause your laser to self-destruct from the corrosive fumes, but I'd look into it further before offering that on a regular basis.