Source :  Internet 

Nano SIM Card

What is a nano SIM? A nano SIM, also known as the 4FF, is the fourth generation of SIM cards. Measuring just 12.3mm x 8.8mm x 0.67mm, a nano SIM is a fraction of the size of the original 1FF SIM card, and substantially smaller than the second and third generations (2FF and 3FF)

 As a smaller SIM, a nano requires a smaller SIM card slot, giving manufacturers greater flexibility regarding where the SIM goes, how it fits with the device’s design, and how compact the device can be. In the IoT industry, the trend in most applications is to continually build smaller devices, which is why subsequent generations of SIM cards have each been smaller than the last.

Nano SIMs don’t inherently come with any additional capabilities you can’t get with other form factors. They’re just smaller. And unfortunately, nano SIMs are only available in commercial grade—there’s no industrial grade version. Industrial grade SIMs were originally designed for manufacturing applications, where IoT devices may need to endure extreme temperatures and a much greater level of wear and tear. This means nano SIMs aren’t well-suited for these applications.

Since eUICCs can be embedded in any SIM form factor, you can still use a nano SIM to provision your SIM with a new profile OTA, like you can with an actual embedded SIM. However, there are still some significant differences between these two form factors.

• Nano SIMs cost less than eSIM form factors

Since nano SIMs simply need to be inserted into your device (rather than soldered onto the circuit board), they take less time and money to install. But the cards themselves and the hardware you need to support them cost less too. If your device is physically large enough to support a nano SIM, it may be the more cost-effective choice. However, you’ll also want to consider the device’s intended lifespan.

Can you convert normal SIM to nano SIM?

Is it safe to cut a normal SIM card down to a nano SIM using a SIM cutter? It is possible when the yellow coloured rectangular metal portion of the SIM is exactly in the middle from all the four sides. In some SIM Cards it remains eccentric. In such cases cutting from all sides is not possible.