How to Print Your Own Plastic Cards
Creating your own plastic cards is the next step for your business’ security and safety standards. From identification systems to visitor cards, membership cards, access cards, keys and more, there are countless ways you can put your plastic cards to use once you begin to print your own. Whether you are already equipped with a security card system and you are looking to invest in your first in-house printer to elevate your current operation, or you are just starting with your plastic card system, and you are doing your research before securing your essential items, understanding how to print your own plastic cards is key. Below, discover the basic principles of plastic card printing and the benefits you can expect to enjoy once you are set up!
Basics of Printing on Plastic Cards
Whether you are choosing to print plastic cards to integrate an advanced and secure identity system into your business or you are searching for a simple printer solution to generate details, barcodes and images onto plastic cards, the basic principles will help to guide your selection of materials, tools, ID card printers and accessories.
Plastic card printing is specialised it does not operate like a standard paper printer. To perform this process, you have to invest in a printer with the technology to transfer data, designs and details onto a plastic card.
In addition to investing in your plastic card printer, you can bulk purchase standard-size plastic cards, invest in plastic card design software and enhance your operations by introducing some simple yet highly effective security and identity card accessories. Alternatively, you can also choose a plastic card vendor and printing service. This is not an in-house offering however it can be a cost-effective alternative for small-scale operations looking to integrate a sophisticated security system into their workplace but do not have the scope nor the resources to house a dedicated plastic card printer and plastic card design software. If you would like to explore your options or discover tailored advice for your professional environment, do not hesitate to get in touch with the expert team at Identity People.
Plastic ID Card Printers
If you have decided that you are ready to invest in your own in-house plastic card printer for your business, you may want to understand what your options are for printing techniques and how this impacts the end product before you take the leap and make your purchase. The types of plastic ID card printers that are most commonly found on the market are:
Thermal ID Card Printer
Thermal transfer printers use ribbons made of resin or wax-based ink that are heated and melted onto the surface of a plastic card. This produces a long-lasting, high-quality finish, ideal for a durable solution to identity cards or professional access cards. This is a popular method of producing plastic identity cards because this printer can print a wide variety of designs onto a plastic surface. If you are curious as to how to print on PVC plastic cards and maintain a high level of detail, then a thermal ID card printer is the solution for you.
Retransfer Printer
Retransfer printers bring a high grade of print quality, creating durable, crystal-clear cards that can perform multiple functions. These printers function using a two-step reverse transfer process, binding a design onto a plastic card via an overlay film. This film is then fused to the card’s surface, which is achieved with a combination of heat and pressure. Retransfer card printers leave no border around the edge of the card as they print over the edge, creating a highly professional finish that can range from block tones to black and white details, complex branding and images. This method of printing is ideal for creating your own access control cards, smart cards and multi-use identity cards. As the printhead does not come into direct contact with the card, it will not impact a raised chip or internal technology typically found in these types of cards.
Direct to Card Printer
A direct-to-card, dye-sublimation or DTC printer is a highly popular type of ID card printer, most commonly used to create photo ID cards, loyalty cards, membership cards and more. This method of printing reflects the name, in that the machine will print directly onto the surface of blank plastic cards. The machine’s print head and ribbon operate in tandem to print designs, words, colours and data directly onto the card. This method supports edge-to-edge printing, which may leave a slim white border around the edge of the card. These are ideal for printing simple designs onto plain plastic cards with no internal technologies such as chips or RFID technology. Direct-to-card printers are cost-effective and ideal for the simple, quick production of printed cards.
If you are wondering how to print on PVC plastic cards, the right guidance and support can put you on the right track. Retransfer, thermal and direct-to-card printers are excellent options for printing your plastic cards in-house, producing high-quality, sharp images and details on standard-size plastic cards to transform them into a functional and important security system component.
The selection of professional-grade printers available online with Identity People spans from entry-level models to performance printers, large-scale printers and special-event printers, there is a solution for every business, circumstance and need. As one of Australia’s leading identity, security and plastic card printing providers, our team can assist you with the most suitable solution for you and your organisation.
