Creating a plastic ID card for your company is an important decision. You need to choose a technology that is capable of delivering a high-quality card that your clients will appreciate. Inkjet technology, retransfer printers, and lamination are just some of the options you can choose from.
Lamination
Adding a laminate to your plastic ID cards may seem like a lot of money, but it can help make your cards last longer and improve your organization as a whole. In addition, laminates provide extra protection against fading, scratches, and UV rays.
A laminate is a clear protective film that is applied to the surface of a card to add a layer of protection against damage. Laminates can be applied to both standard PVC cards and smart cards. Laminates also come in different thicknesses to suit different uses.
Laminates are usually applied in a separate thermal process after printing. Laminates are available in different thicknesses to protect the printed material from chemicals, abrasion, and UV rays.
Laminates are typically used on cards that will undergo frequent swiping. Laminates add a protective layer that helps make your cards harder to forge. Laminates are also useful for access control cards, payment cards, and magnetic stripe cards.
Laminates are also applied as part of a regular printing process. This process adds a clear film to the card’s surface after printing.
Retransfer printers
Unlike direct-to-card printers, retransfer printers are two-step printing processes that produce high quality ID cards. In the first step, the image is printed on a special film, which is then transferred to card stock. In the second step, the transfer film is bonded to the card’s surface using a heated transfer roller.
Retransfer printers are designed to print high quality graphics on a wide range of card stocks. They also offer built-in security features, such as a tamper-evident layer that provides an extra layer of protection against counterfeiting.
Retransfer printers for plastic ID cards also have the advantage of durability. They use a durable overlay transfer film that is then bonded to the card’s surface. This film creates a tamper-evident protective layer, which prevents the card from being replicated by a tamper. This also translates into a better color registration and a longer useful life for the printer.
These types of printers are generally faster than direct-to-card printers, but their price is higher. Retransfer printers are also better suited to printing on a wide range of card stocks, including specialty card stocks and non-PVC-based cards.
Inkjet technology
Using inkjet technology to print plastic ID cards at AAC has advantages. It is relatively inexpensive and can produce a wide range of colors. It is also quiet and easy to use. It is also environmentally friendly because it uses water-based inks instead of toxic solvents.
The quality of images produced by inkjet printing is not as high as that of traditional print technologies. Inkjet printing is also not very durable. However, it can print a larger number of colors and details.
Another advantage is the ability to print chip-embedded cards without voids. Inkjet printers can also handle more elaborate designs. These printers work by propelling droplets of ink onto the card surface, which then dries almost instantly. The images produced by this method are also relatively realistic.
The quality of images printed using inkjet technology is improved by the use of special inks. These inks are UV-stable, fade-resistant, and deliver higher quality than traditional DTC cards. The cards can also be coated for durability.
Smart ID software
Using the best ID card software can make it possible to create and edit plastic ID cards. Whether you need to print ID badges or design cards, this software can help you create a professional, tamper-proof ID card that meets your security needs.
ID card software comes with pre-defined templates that you can use to quickly design ID badges. You can add text, images, and encoding to make your card design professional. This software also comes with various security features such as password protection and group accounts.
The software is compatible with all major ID card printers and scanners. This means that you can design professional ID badges for your organization. This software also supports fingerprint and signature capture. It can be used by small organizations or larger enterprises.
The application can also be used to manage the records of cardholders. It includes a comprehensive search feature that allows you to locate records quickly. You can also use conditional objects to print specific design elements when certain conditions are met.
