.jpg)
Overview of Casino and Commercial Poker Chips
Poker chips are a major part of the gaming industry. They vary in size, shape and material. Casino chips are made accurately with many security elements. Business poker chips are made with different designs, depending on their use.
Let’s investigate how they are created!
Different types of chips
Casino and commercial poker chips come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, weights and colors. Clay and heavy plastic composite chips are the most common. But there are others, like porcelain, wood, metal, even edible chips. Materials have different looks, sounds and feels.
Clay chips come in many colors and feature intricate designs. Styles vary based on manufacturer. Designs stay longer than other types.
Heavy plastic composites look similar to clay. They are more durable and weigh 8.5-10g each. Some have removable metal inserts for adjustable weight.
Porcelain chips are for high-end gaming. They are durable and won’t chip or break like clay. Hygiene is important with multiple players, so they are easy to clean.
Wood chips come pre-made with denominations printed on them. Design possibilities are limited. They lack features like RFID technology.
Metal chips are making a comeback due to their durability. They provide a unique tactile experience and sound. This increases anxiety and immersiveness during gameplay. They may be here to stay.
Materials used to make chips
Real casino and commercial poker chips come in many materials. Clay chips are the most expensive and are made of clay molded into a chip shape, which is then kiln-fired or cooked in an oven. A topcoat is added for durability and looks.
Other materials used are ceramic, plastic, and composite resin.
- Ceramic chips are made by pressing a mix of vinyl acrylic, polypropylene, and clay dust into a coin-like shape and then kiln-fired. This golf-ball type texture provides better grip than other chips in a similar price range.
- Plastic chips are injection-molded with pigmented plastic and four basic colors: white, red, blue, and yellow to represent different denominations.
- Composite resin poker chips are a combination of plastic and metal inserts molded together. The metal inserts add weight, a sharper sound, and style.
Manufacturing Process
Manufacturing real casino and commercial poker chips is a complex task. First, the right material must be chosen. It must possess the proper size, weight and texture. The material is then cut, molded and stamped with the desired design. Finally, the chip is tested to ensure it meets quality standards.
This article dives into the manufacturing process in more detail:
Injection Molding
Injection molding is the method used to make casino and commercial poker chips. It starts with a clay mix of talc, binder, and silica. This is fed into an injection-molding machine. It’s heated, injected into a mold, cooled, shaped, solidified, and emerges as individual poker chips.
Injection molding produces precise, strong chips resistant to chipping or breaking. Unique patterns and textures can be added for customization. This method creates some of the highest quality poker chips!
Compression Molding
Compression molding is a technique used to create real casino and commercial poker chips. Heat and pressure are applied to a viscous material, forming it into a predetermined die shape. The type and composition of the material, as well as the size and shape of the chip, are all factors in this process.
A measured amount of polyester or similar plastic is placed in two hinged steel dies. This material is then subjected to a high rate of pressure, creating uniform cross-sections in any shape. It can be cooled by cold water or air, depending on the type of press.
The compressed forms are then baked at higher temperatures until they reach their maximum fusion point. The precision die-cutting process requires diamond dies to accurately cut shapes, leaving thin 0.01 inch tolerances between them. This ensures the parts remain strong during long-term use at roulette tables, poker tournaments, and blackjack tables.
Stamping
Stamping is the process of changing a metal blank, usually brass or aluminum, into a poker chip. Heat and pressure are used to imprint the design. The shape of the blank decides how much material is needed. The blank’s surface is prepped through polishing or finishing.
The design on each chip varies, but adheres to industry standards. Stamping dies are made with custom artwork or logos. Graphics can be simple one color designs or intricate multi-color artwork with logos featured in relief. Text can be added, which casinos find desirable.
Stamping is a manufacturing process that is efficient and cost effective. It takes less time and costs less than molds or injection molding.
Pad Printing
Pad printing is a process used to print images and text onto poker chips. It has been around since the late 1970s for contact with substrates.
The process uses flat silicone pads to move ink from an etched plate to the chips. It can print many shapes, even domed surfaces.
Inks used depend on the production machine – solvent based, or non-solvent based. Solvent based inks use solvents such as acetone, while non-solvent ones use plastisols.
Artwork resolution depends on the mesh count, and the printer’s ability to reach viscosity.
Manufacturers recommend pad printing with non-solvent based plastisol inks, as they can withstand tough game play and won’t fade away during storage.
Finishing Touches
Creating a casino-style poker chip is not just buying a ceramic piece and slapping on a label. There are several steps. The last step is the finishing touches. These give the chip its unique look and feel.
More about this step? Read on!
Edge Spotting
Edge spotting is the final stage in making a professional poker chip. It involves several steps to give the chips a special, professional look. First, intricate patterns are engraved on each side of the clay, usually with a tailor-made machine and liquid chemicals. Then, the chips are coated with a protective lacquer to stop them from warping or fracturing.
The last step is to paint stripes or symbols around each chip’s edge. This helps distinguish one type of poker chip from another, as well as being a security measure for casinos and card rooms. Colours can vary; they may be traditional such as red or blue, or brighter colours like green, yellow, pink or orange. Edge spotting adds an extra layer of security and makes each chip unique.
Hot Stamping
Hot stamping is a process used to imprint text, graphics, logos, and other info on pre-made casino chips. A thin metal die is heated and then pressed onto the chip surface to transfer inks or foils. This process can create results of various sizes, colors, and resolutions. The substrates could be paper, plastic, film, metals, or other materials that hold up against high temperatures.
Chips are usually printed with one or two colors, but can go up to four depending on the level of customization. The design is permanent and won’t flake, peel, or move – so it’s great for casino gaming and collector chips.
Laser Engraving
Injection molding is done and individual chips have been made. These chips require a finish. Laser engraving is one of the most popular methods. A digital image of the artwork is transferred to a computer system. This system drives a high-powered laser. The laser removes small particles from the chip’s surface, leaving an indelible mark.
This mark won’t be removed or distorted, even when used regularly in a casino or poker game. The laser also ensures exact duplication of logos, symbols, denominations, and other decorative elements on each chip. This provides uniformity throughout large production runs.
This technique is ideal for chips featuring logos or custom designs with different colors. When seen in abundant light, like through a glass display case, the colors will pop out. Lasers are also used to edge each individual chip, protecting them from potential damage or edgewear.
Quality Control
Quality control for casino and commercial poker chips is highly-rigorous. It starts with the right materials selection. These materials must meet exact standards. The manufacturing process is checked at each step, to guarantee chips meet quality, weight, and design standards.
Weight and Diameter
Casino poker chips have a standard weight of 10-10.5 grams and diameters of 39 – 40 mm. To make sure each chip meets the specs, they are weighed and checked several times during production. If they fail to meet the criteria, they are thrown out.
The shape and thickness is also inspected. If it’s not up to standard, it’s discarded. At the end of production, calipers are used to measure diameters and depths for accuracy.
Quality control personnel adjust chips to meet the agreed parameters. This ensures fairness and accuracy in all gaming establishments.
Color Matching
Color matching is vital in chip production. Casinos customize their chips to their branding image. They provide artwork specs for colors and inks.
The manufacturer follows industry standards like the Pantone Color Matching System. They use digital printing technology and special equipment for accuracy. Quality control is done through tests such as reflection gloss and abrasion durability. Customers can inspect chips before production and each sample chip is marked with the customer’s name.
Chip Durability
When you buy poker chips, you need them to last. Quality control is the key.
Mixtures of plastic and metal get heated and formed into chips. They weigh 8-11g, consistent for every chip in the set.
Durability tests simulate gaming scenarios. They assess strength and resistance. Colors are compared against industry standards.
Active quality control keeps up with consumer demands. People get quality products at fair prices.
Customization
Customizing chips is a great way to give casinos, businesses and poker players a unique look. It’s not just about adding a logo – you can design the shape, color and texture too!
Let’s check out the customization options available with real casino and commercial poker chips:
Design Options
Custom-made casino and commercial poker chips let you personalize your gaming experience. There are many design options for these special chips.
The most common customization is the inlay. It has many shapes and materials, like metal, ceramic, and plastic. Size is important – it should give space for engraving or artwork.
Hot Stamp is a process that uses heated dies to stamp logos, text, and design outlines on the chip. You can also have different patterns on each side—diamonds, stripes, or ridges.
Laser engraving is a great way to customize your gaming chips with high-definition details. It could have holiday designs or monograms. Custom-made poker chips bring style and class to any poker game!
Personalization
Personalized casino chips and commercial poker chips let you add a unique touch to your gaming. They can also be used for promotions or as souvenirs.
Designs and elements such as company logos, artwork, names, initials, slogans or phrases can be included on the chips. Plus, they come in two sizes with 39mm and 39mm with a plastic insert. The bigger chips offer more space to customize, so clearer images can be used.
It’s vital that the design stands out from the background. This will help others notice your customizations during use.
Commercial poker chip customization has grown a lot in the last few years. Better detail is now achievable with mass-production processes. Some vendors offer full-color digitally printed edges on their chips with unlimited designs and customization options. These even include fine wood inserts for an extra bit of authenticity and style.
Branding
Real casino and commercial poker chips offer amazing levels of customization! Casinos can add labels, hot stamping custom logos, or include full chip inserts. You can personalize any poker chip with your logo, artwork, or photo, using hot stamping. This technology is fast, cost-effective and creates a stunning finish. It produces a professional look with your logo against a metallic foil background.
Full color printed, debossed ceramic inserts are laser cut to size and shape, and fit into the center of chips. This allows for more intricate designs, and high resolution images. Plus, plastic molds can be made from logos, for raised surfaces molded into chips. This gives better grip on the table, and makes them clearly recognizable from other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What materials are used to make real casino and commercial poker chips?
A: Real casino and commercial poker chips are typically made out of a composite material such as clay, ceramic, or plastic. The chips may also be made out of metal or wood.
Q: How are the designs on the chips created?
A: The designs on the chips are produced by a method called “hot stamping,” which involves pressing heated die into the chips to create the desired image.
Q: How are the chips weighed and measured?
A: Chips are weighed and measured using a specialized scale. The standard size for a poker chip is 39mm in diameter and the standard weight for a poker chip is 10 grams.