Types of PVC Card Printers
When it comes to professional-grade printer solutions, there are multiple options on the market. Investing in an in-house PVC card printer is a transformational and exciting step on your security journey. From membership cards to identity cards, access cards, security cards, keys and more, there is a printer to support every organisational need. Whether you are making a first-time investment or you are looking to elevate your current printing set-up, discover the different types of PVC card printers and the various benefits you can expect to enjoy.
Types of PVC Card Printers
When you are in the process of selecting a printer for all your plastic card production needs, you will discover different technologies and methods of printing. The most common types of PVC card printers on the market are:
Direct-To-Card Printers
Direct-to-card (or DTC) printing is a process where a thermal print head is lowered onto a printer ribbon, putting the ribbon in direct contact with the surface of the plastic card to create the desired text, data or image. The print head heats the ribbon and turns it into a gas that sublimates onto the surface of the card, also referred to as dye sublimation. The optimal choice of card for direct-to-card printing is a laminated PVC. This is because laminated PVC cards contain lots of small grooves, in which the ink can sublimate. For black printing, such as text or barcodes, the ribbon will most usually be a wax resin that is melted onto the card.
Retransfer Printers
Retransfer card printing operates similarly to the alternate direct-to-card method, however, it involves an additional, layered approach. With the retransfer process, a film or carrier layer is hot rolled, or laminated, onto the surface of a plastic card. The print head heats and transfers the ribbon in an exact mirror image of the desired data, photograph, details or branding onto a clear film – also known as a retransfer film. The material is a streamlined polyester, the ideal surface for ink transfer. After the mirror image has been transferred onto the film, it is then rolled onto the card using a heated rubber roller. There is spring in this rubber which ensures a smooth and seamless surface – free of any bumps, grooves and air bubbles. For those hoping to achieve a crisp, clear and bright image, this printing process is a brilliant choice.
Why Choose A Plastic Card Printer?
There are many amazing reasons to integrate a plastic card printer into your business operations. Discover just some of the benefits you’ll see once you decide to print your plastic cards in-house:
Enhanced Security and Privacy
An in-house PVC card printer allows you to customise your security solutions and create a system that caters to every need. You can add extra security measures such as holographic details, fine-point text, and watermarks to bolster your safety standards. You also have the freedom to instantly replace a missing or lost card, as well as the luxury of creating cards as and when you need. This means that your security system will continue to perform at an elite, airtight level no matter the circumstance – a powerful development for all professional environments.
Cost-Effectiveness
An in-house PVC card printer poses many long-term financial benefits. While a printer is undoubtedly a significant investment up front, it is a cost-saving solution in the long run. By eliminating the demand for external printing services, businesses may save money in production costs while keeping security standards high. Increased efficiencies and productivity will also result in better budget management, while bulk buying supplies such as printer ribbons and plain plastic cards will allow for easier financial forecasting.
Convenience and Efficiency
Your printer provides unmatched efficiency when it comes to on-demand card printing. Whether it is for catering to growth in your team, replacing lost or damaged cards or creating temporary visitor cards, the process of printing in-house is fast, seamless and does not impact your day-to-day workplace operations. In fact, your operations will become more streamlined with tighter grades of access control, more efficient means of identifying staff, clients or visitors and a smoother running entry and exit way that saves time. All of these components operate for a cohesive and orderly system which enhances overarching operational efficiencies.
Quality Control
You will find that your plastic card production is seamless, quick and incredibly high in quality. With total control and choice over your printing, your cards can carry details and definition to your business expectations whenever you please. This means of quality control in turn brings better levels of durability, as higher quality cards will last longer in your security system.
How to Make the Right Choice for your Business
If you are interested in exploring your options for professional in-house plastic card printers, consult the security experts at Identity People. Our friendly team will help you to make the best choice for your business and your goals.
