From the traditional paper business cards of today's higher ranking officials, business cards have evolved. In the modern world, there are different types of metal that you can choose for a business card and they all help in creating the first impression to your business and the level of professionalism. In the current world, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass are widely embraced as the most suitable metals for modern business cards. Each has its own attributes.

Stainless Steel Business Cards

Today, it is perhaps the most commonly used modern metal that is employed in the manufacture of business cards. Businessmen like the stainless steel cards because they have an elegant look and feel that is difficult to capture in paper cards. They express achievement, business-like acumen, innovative thinking and productivity. Stainless steel also has great strength and does not easily get worn out, this makes your business information to last for many years unlike those paper cards that end up in the trash.

The grades of stainless steel used in business card include few grades of stainless steels where 304 and 316 grade of stainless steel is widely used. 304 is the cheapest among the listed steel types and at the same time can be resistant to corrosion. 316 is more resistant to corrosion compared to 304, and is costly, but the engravings or any intended other designs will be best seen when done on the surface. Both grades can be given a brushed or polished surface finish and can be of different types. Satin stainless steel is dull in appearance, whereas polished stainless steel have a chromelike luster. You also have the ability to have your stainless steel business cards colored by a rubberized polymer to set it apart from the pack.

Regardless of whether brushed or polished stainless steel is desirable, these cards look very business-like and professional. They do leave a powerful statement and they are suitable to represent most businesses as classy and contemporary. They also appear more professional, creative, and ingenious than other items made of plain paper. In terms of cost, one can say that stainless steel cards are more expensive than the other types, however, their attractive appearance and almost unbreakable material make these cards worth having to promote you or your company.

Aluminum Business Cards 

Another metal that is gradually becoming popular among business card makers is aluminum. Aluminum cards have a sleek, futuristic look and because of their clean and glossy look, firms in cutting-edge industries can be well served by these cards. I would say that they appear to be very sleek and modern in the way they have been designed. Aluminum is also cheap, strong, and has a low density that is second only to some of the lighter metals.

Surprisingly, an aluminum business card is estimated to weigh only around fifty percent as much as a stainless steel business card would. This lightness makes them convenient to carry around and even distribute to people whenever the need arises. Aluminum card will not be felt like a stone when inserted in the pocket or wallet, unlike the feeling of carrying paper material, and this is where business cards excel over bulky brochures.

As for aluminum cans, it is also possible to create a unique design, choosing a single color, gradation, or even full-color print. It offers an excellent platform to showcase logos, slogans, images, or any other brand that a business entity would want to market. Aluminium business cards therefore serves strategic sense to companies who would wish to portray their companies as technologically advanced, modern, environmentally sensitive or production efficient. They are modern in cut and design, and while they do not look overly business like or stiff they are far from looking overly flashy or overly relaxed. 

Aluminum though is a rather soft metal and thus may dent if mistreated, so your sharp and clean cards may look neglected or beat up, so be gentle. Overall, aluminum seems to be a lightweight medium, with a distinct and appealing look, and reasonable prices, making this option a great example of an effective and environmentally friendly direction for many businesses to achieve a more progressive and unconventional branding look.

Brass Business Cards

These showcase a professional and creative steampunk style which will work well for those who want a more unique design to their business cards. Some of the oldest materials used to communicate status or class were brass. Due to these superior properties, brass is considered as a premium metal till today for the production of decorative furniture, fixtures, trinkets, jewelry items, and other items that require elegance and luxury to be associated with them. Therefore, brass business cards provide the best option for those individuals who need to portray proficiency, innovation, and stability.

Brass is an alloy that has a very beautifully gold-like luster and does not fade over time. The brass acquires maturity and further texture as it ages, and like any other material, depreciates through routine usage and wear. This workmanship is done in such a way that as the brass cards are handled the surface oxidizes a little and produces a darker hue against the metallic colored plates. This makes the brass look elegant and delicate something many may not have been able to associate with the holder.

Yes, brass cards are relatively more costly than other plastic cards given the fact that raw brass is more costly to acquire. However the beauty, endurance and flexibility it can provide for the creative outlook is sometimes the price one is willing to pay. Compared to paper-based materials, brass is highly resistant to tarnish or wearing away even though paper-based items can tear, smudge, crease, or fade quickly. The latter made of solid brass which makes it look more permanent and classy.

Some of the options for the brass business cards are to get them engraved with artistic motifs, to have images or logos deeply carved into the material, or to use a brass digital print technology which allows the image to be directly printed on the surface of the material. This helps your cards to appear more aesthetic and attractive and not merely bearing texts of different colors on face value. In sum, it is apparent that brass cards signify history, innovation, and durability for the old and new businesses alike. They are particularly suitable for artists, designers, decorators, architects, and other creative personalities who would desire a classy, artistic atmosphere.

To the point, what are the two metal business cards, and which one is the best?

As the novelty of metal business card rises it can be noted that the choices today are many. It is no longer a case of having paper which tears easily, blurs, fades away, and develops creases within a relatively short span of time. Subtle and practical materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass are also very modern and create a great deal of durability, creativity, and professional appeal.

Thus, the choice of the metal business card for you or for your company depends on the vibe you want to be received or given off, the brand's personality or aesthetic, and financial capabilities. Using stainless steel cards gives success, establishment, high quality and stability. There are several meanings associated with aluminum, these includes innovation, affordability, modernisms and efficiency. Besides, creativity, artistic flair, heritage, and luxury are some of the attributes that people associate with brass. Every metal has its benefits and it has been found that all the metals in the system will be of advantage.

Regardless of which of the aforementioned metals you opt to use for your premium business card, the general benefits of going metal over paper are unrivaled sustainability, longer impression, and business-like traits that paper cannot offer. The first time is always the most crucial one, so do not underestimate the power of the metal business card; it is thick, stylish, professional, and perfect for a great presentation of oneself or one's company! They create very first impressions and continue to perform their functions during their long lifetime within a day.