21st Century Punch Cards are 3D Printed and Read By OpenCV
A new project has revived the concept of punch cards using 3D printing and OpenCV technology. The project allows for the storage of 16 bytes of information on a punch card, with error correction capabilities. This innovative approach combines traditional storage methods with modern technology, showcasing the versatility of punch cards in today's digital landscape.
- ▪The punch cards are 3D printed using PLA, which can potentially outlast other materials.
- ▪A Python script generates printable files that encode information and error correction using the Reed-Solomon algorithm.
- ▪OpenCV is utilized to read the punch cards from webcam images, highlighting a modern twist on an old technology.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
21st Century Punch Cards Are 3D Printed And Read By OpenCV No comments by: Tyler August May 16, 2026 Title: Copy Short Link: Copy While a punch card is perhaps the lowest-density storage medium available, it has some distinct advantages. As [Bitroller] points out in the write-up of his punch card project, if he was using stainless steel instead of PLA his 3D printed punch cards would likely outlast everything he owns, and survive a five-alarm fire to boot. If you have 16 bytes you really, really don’t want to forget — or are willing to store your private key in a shoe box — this project might be of interest.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Hackaday.
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