""Know"" one will tell me about the production process, like its some big secret (maybe it is)."

I would think an Oklahoma State student would have "know" what "No" to use.

"like its some big secret"

It is. Chip manufacturers protect their process.

What does a paper on "Poker" have to do with chip making?

Robert directed someone to me last week. Not sure if this is the same guy but he was writing a paper or book. All he wanted from me was how to counterfeit chips and the history of it.
I passed.