ID Card Printers
The most common ID card printers produce PVC plastic cards. These are credit card sized and often contain an encodable magnetic stripe.
These cards are often made of a composite, 60/40 blend of PVC and polyester. This is because the higher temperatures of some re-transfer printers can cause standard image grade PVC to warp.
Printing Process
Card printing is a process of creating a plastic card that contains images, barcodes, text or logos. It can be a simple or complex operation, depending on pvc card manufacturer the type of card and its intended use.
For example, a credit card might be printed with a unique security feature to protect against counterfeiting, whereas an ID card may be printed with the person’s name and photo for personal identification. These are two very different types of cards that require different processes in order to produce the best possible results.
The most common method of producing PVC cards is through dye sublimation. This uses a ribbon with panels of yellow, magenta and cyan. A thermal printer head passes over the ribbon, heating it and causing the colour to evaporate. The colours are then transferred to the card surface where they chemically bond with it. The card is then finished with a protective lamination film, which helps to seal in the printed colour and improve durability.
The other main technique for producing PVC cards is through retransfer printing. This is a more sophisticated printing technique that produces higher quality cards. The image on a retransfer-printed card is much more vivid and complete than that produced by a direct-to-card printer. It is therefore suitable for printing more complex images and additional features like magnetic stripes and smart chip data.
Materials
Unlike traditional paper cards, plastic ID cards are made of durable materials. Typically, PVC is the most commonly used material. It’s a highly durable, flexible and waterproof material that can be printed with a wide variety of colors. It’s also available in many different thicknesses to suit various needs.
Besides PVC, there are other materials that can be used for ID cards. Depending on the type of card you need, different materials have their own advantages. For example, a composite card is a combination of PVC and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This type of card is more durable than a regular paper ID card and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
Some companies provide customized ID cards that can include barcodes, magnetic stripes and RFID. These are ideal for businesses, organizations and events pvc card manufacturer that require security. Additionally, these cards can help increase the visibility of a business.
Distributor of identification & data collection systems, services and supplies including labels, tags & ribbons. Products include automatic ID & label printers/encoders, RFID & barcode printers & mobile printing solutions. Services include design, installation, preventive maintenance & repairs. Serves chemical, civil & food industries. Also offers custom print ID cards & sleeve overlays, ratings plates & instructional tags. Offers a wide range of adhesive mountings & metal laminates.
Printing Options
When it comes to ID card printing, there are many options available. From simple PVC cards that can be used as identification in the workplace, to specialized cards for loyalty and rewards programs, there is a wide variety of choices for businesses to select from. Some of these cards have unique features such as scratch-off surfaces that can be used to conceal promotional codes or prizes, and others feature special finishes that are designed to stand out in a retail environment.
There are also ID card printers that can print a magnetic stripe on the back of a card, which is ideal for use as security access cards in workplaces. Another option is proximity cards, which have metallic antenna coils embedded in them and store data about the cardholder, such as their name or department. These cards can be held against a reader to gain access or entry, and are often used for security, employee IDs, and memberships.
There are also ID card printers that can handle large production runs. These high-volume printers can be used to print a large number of cards in a short period of time, and may come with options such as an automatic stacker or conveyor system, UV curing options, and anti-static and clean wipe stations to prevent static and dust from affecting the quality of the printed products. Some of these printers can even print multiple cards with a single retransfer ribbon, which reduces the amount of time and labor required for each card.
Packaging
PVC cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are used for many different purposes. Some common uses include identifying healthcare patients, employee access, memberships and convention badges. Other uses include loyalty, barcode and magnetic stripe cards. Custom printing options are available, and clamshell or blister packaging is available to protect the cards during shipping.
Recycled PVC cards are a great eco-friendly option for organizations that need to print ID cards in bulk. These cards are manufactured using recycled material and are often used with contact, contactless and dual interface technology. They can also be printed with security features, such as holographic overlays, tamper-proof laminates and tactile impressions to prevent counterfeiting.
Cardboard cards are another eco-friendly alternative to PVC. Made from a biodegradable material, they are long-lasting and durable. They can be printed with barcodes and RFID/NFC technology, as well as magnetic stripes. These cards are great for use as employee IDs, student IDs or membership cards, and can be customized with your organization’s logo.
Composite PVC-PET cards are made with a 60/40 blend of polyester and PVC material, and have more flexibility than standard 30 ml plastic ID cards. They are often used in retransfer printers where the extreme heat from the printhead can cause PVC cards to warp. They can be printed in any card printer, including Fargo, Evolis, Zebra, Datacard, Magic cards, Nisca and Smart.