Introduction to the CDVI METAL‑D DESFire EV2 Key Fob (4K)
CDVI METAL‑D — Robust DESFire EV2 key‑fob(ITM002620) is a compact, heavy‑duty access credential designed for modern, high‑security installations. Built around a MIFARE® DESFire® EV2 4K chip and housed in a metal + polycarbonate body with epoxy sealing, this key fob balances advanced cryptographic protection with everyday durability. With its 13.56 MHz operation, compatibility with CDVI MIFARE/DESFire EV2 readers and the CDVI KRYPTO system, and a manufacturer‑backed 10‑year warranty, the METAL‑D is aimed at facilities that need reliable, long‑lasting credentials for staff, contractors and visitors.
Compact (approximately 60 × 30 × 7 mm) and lightweight (≈ 18 g), the METAL‑D is intended for use on keyrings or lanyards and is commonly sold in pack quantities (confirm the MOQ with your supplier — often around 10 units). For integrators and procurement teams, the suggested retail price sits around 11.20 (supplier RRP), while typical supplier cost examples are around 9.40 — pricing varies by region, volume and reseller.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Technology / Chip:MIFARE DESFire EV2 (4K). DESFire EV2 provides AES‑based cryptography and secure mutual authentication, protecting access credentials against cloning and eavesdropping.
- Frequency:13.56 MHz — standard HF RFID frequency compatible with most ISO 14443 readers.
- Materials & construction:Metal + polycarbonate housing, epoxy sealed for improved resistance to shocks, drops and everyday wear; designed for everyday carry on keyrings.
- Dimensions & weight:≈ 60 × 30 × 7 mm; ≈ 18 g — small and unobtrusive while remaining sturdy.
- Form factor:Key‑fob / tag with ring attachment point — convenient for staff badges and contractor keyrings.
- Compatibility:Works with CDVI MIFARE/DESFire EV2 readers and the CDVI KRYPTO system; interoperable with other DESFire EV2 compliant reader ecosystems when configured properly.
- Warranty & lifecycle:10‑year manufacturer warranty and stated long service life — a strong indicator for long‑term deployments.
- Ordering:Sold in packs; MOQ commonly 10 (confirm with supplier). Supplier code: ITM002620. Manufacturer reference: CDVI METAL‑D (Ref F0108000044).
- High security:DESFire EV2 uses AES encryption for secure transaction sessions and file protection. Compared with legacy chips (for example, MIFARE Classic), DESFire EV2 offers much higher resistance to cloning and cryptographic attacks.
- Large memory and flexibility:The 4K memory provides ample space for multi‑application deployment — you can host multiple credentials or services (access control, cashless vending, time & attendance) on one token.
- Ruggedness for daily use:The metal + polycarbonate housing and epoxy seal reduce failure from knocks, moisture and general wear, making the METAL‑D suitable for users who carry credentials on the same ring as keys.
- Long term support:A 10‑year warranty and established CDVI support network make it an attractive option for installations that plan to keep credentials active for many years.
Use cases and scenarios where the METAL‑D excels
The METAL‑D is well suited to a wide range of commercial, institutional and industrial environments where security and durability are both priorities. Typical use cases include:
- Corporate and commercial offices:Issuing to employees for door access, lift control and secure areas. Its compact form and rugged housing mean it survives being carried with keys or on a lanyard.
- Facilities management and FM contractors:Contractors and service teams often operate across multiple sites and carry tools — the METAL‑D’s robust construction reduces the risk of credential damage during daily tasks.
- Healthcare and laboratories:Facilities that require both strong authentication and frequent credential use benefit from DESFire EV2’s security and the fob’s durable construction, which tolerates the harsher disinfectant and handling regimes better than many plastic badges.
- Education campuses:For staff and high‑access contractors, where longevity and resistance to wear are important. The 4K memory also supports student services or cashless transactions if required.
- Retail and hospitality:Multi‑application support lets the same token be used for staff access and point‑of‑sale or locker systems.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the METAL‑D, it helps to consider how it stacks up against alternative credential types and competing products.
- Security:DESFire EV2 uses AES and offers secure file systems and transaction mechanisms. MIFARE Classic has well‑documented security weaknesses and is not recommended for high‑security access control. NTAG chips are useful for simple NFC tagging or low‑security applications but lack the multi‑application cryptographic features of DESFire EV2.
- Memory & functionality:4K DESFire enables multiple applications and larger data sets. Many NTAGs and Classic variants have smaller memory footprints limiting multi‑service deployments.
- Durability:Metal and epoxy sealing mean the METAL‑D will typically outlast standard plastic fobs or PVC cards when exposed to knocks, keys and outdoor conditions.
- Cost:Metal fobs tend to be slightly more expensive than basic plastic fobs. However, the longer service life and higher security can justify the premium for many deployments.
- Feature parity:Many premium brands offer DESFire EV2/EV3 tokens with similar cryptographic capabilities. The deciding factors are often integration (reader ecosystem compatibility), price, warranty and physical durability.
- Integration:If your site uses CDVI readers or the CDVI KRYPTO ecosystem, the METAL‑D is a natural fit. For mixed‑vendor environments, confirm interoperability and provisioning workflows with your integrator.
Customer feedback and representative comments
Below are representative sentiments commonly reported by installers, facilities managers and security integrators after deploying rugged DESFire EV2 key fobs like the METAL‑D. These are indicative of typical user experience rather than verbatim quotes from specific named customers.
- "Durability is noticeable — fewer replacements compared with plastic fobs. The metal housing survives being tossed in toolboxes and pockets." — Facilities manager, mid‑sized commercial building.
- "Integrates smoothly with our CDVI system. Programming and lifecycle management were straightforward, and the 4K memory gives us flexibility for future services." — Security integrator.
- "Contractor crews appreciate that the fobs survive heavy handling, and we like the peace of mind from DESFire EV2 security." — Head of maintenance, multi‑site operator.
If you’re collecting customer feedback for procurement decisions, ask suppliers for sample units and confirm programming workflows, printing/labeling options and batch ordering to validate fit and finish before large purchases.
Practical considerations before purchase
- Compatibility check:Verify your reader fleet supports DESFire EV2 and confirm how credentials will be provisioned (encoding in‑house, by CDVI, or by a reseller).
- Ordering quantities:The METAL‑D is commonly sold in packs — MOQ often around 10. Confirm pack sizes and lead times with your supplier to align with your rollout schedule.
- Certification & compliance:Refer to the CDVI METAL‑D datasheet for CE/UKCA or other approvals relevant to your market and installation.
- Lifecycle planning:With a 10‑year warranty and robust build, plan for fewer replacements and lower lifecycle costs compared with cheaper, less durable media.
Conclusion: Why the CDVI METAL‑D is a strong choice
The CDVI METAL‑D DESFire EV2 key fob (4K, ITM002620) delivers a balance of strong cryptographic security, multi‑application flexibility and rugged physical construction — all in a compact form factor designed for everyday carry. For organizations using CDVI readers and the KRYPTO ecosystem, it offers straightforward integration; for anyone prioritizing longevity and resistance to physical wear, the metal + polycarbonate housing and epoxy seal make it a practical, cost‑effective option over the long run.
While slightly pricier than basic plastic fobs, the METAL‑D’s advantages in security, memory capacity and durability often justify the investment for corporate offices, healthcare facilities, education campuses, contractors and any environment where credentials are heavily used. Confirm your compatibility, ordering MOQ and programming needs with your supplier, request samples where possible, and consult the official CDVI datasheet for certification and installation specifics.
In short, the CDVI METAL‑D is a robust, well‑spec'd credential choice for modern access control systems that require secure, long‑lasting tokens.
