PVC Card Printing is the most effective approach for manufacturing security enhanced identification cards. They are used as employee and student identification, access control, and membership cards. More industries and organizations are using PVC cards thus the need to comprehend different techniques, advantage, and insights of PVC card printing. Here in this article we will discuss these aspects so you can make better decisions regarding your PVC card printing requirements.
Techniques Used in PVC Card Printing
1. Full-Color Printing
The four-color printing is widely used in the PVC card printing. UV printing is a technique which uses UV inks that are given a UV cure which gives the print a bright and lasting finish. It is particularly suitable for producing high quality prints of images, graphics and text. The color printing is also versatile in the designs to be printed, although limited to larger quantities; spot UV, emboss and foil stamped could be applied.
2. Dye-Sublimation Printing
Another popular method of PVC card printing is the dye-sublimation printing. This method involves fixing and printing the product from solid dyes and then heat transferring it to the surface of the card. Dye-sublimation printing technology is able to produce vibrant and exacting colors, which is great for images and artworks. However this technique is relatively costly than the full color printing and it may prove costly for large production.
3. Reverse Printing
As for information intensive design, there are two processes mentioned in the case: reverse printing and lamination of a clear layer over the back-printed card. This method is ideal for those cards, which should have a water resistant surface in addition to wear resistant surface as the print gets protected by the laminated film. Reverse printing is most often applied to control cards, including all kinds of cards likely to get exposed to certain severe conditions.
4. Magnetic Stripe Encoding
Magnetic stripe encoding is a technique used to record the magnetic stripe on PVC cards so that they can be operated in the magnetic card readers. This stripe contains data that includes credit card numbers, access codes, and the data used to identify a person. Swipe card encoding should be used in cards that require magnetic strip like the payment cards and the access control cards.
5. Smart Card Encoding
Smart card encoding is a process by which a microchip is injected on PVC card to incorporate features such as the security code. Examples of smart cards are found in government and healthcare IDs, transportation and security passes due to their high security nature. It is both portable and has a large amount of memory, and is even used in contactless payment.
Benefits of PVC Card Printing
1. Durability
PVC cards are long lasting and do not wear out very easily. They can effectively endure difficult handling most appropriate for IDs, access control cards, and membership cards. Another advantage of PVC cards is durability, so that cards will not wear out as often as those made from other materials.
2. Customization
PVC card can be customized with printing such as full color printing, Dye Sublimation printing and Reverse printing. This makes it possible for you to create cards that respond to your design dictates and company image. Also, you can increase security and functionality by applying magnetic stripe, smart chips, and holograms.
3. Cost-Effective
PVC cards are relatively cheaper to produce, especially when the order quantity is big Accomplishments for This Quarter Counseling help writing cv – Sahan ‘s Profile a college scholarship essay Academic Help for college-bound students and first year level college students: Scholarship essay writing checklist Writing scholarship essays: Goalut It is relatively cheaper to produce PVC cards, particularly when orders are many. Compared to other printing processes, the printing process is right and fast making it easy to achieve better quality cards at lesser cost per unit. This makes PVC cards cheap and affordable for use by small, medium, large and even extra-large organizations.
4. Security
Its security features for PVC cards include holograms, UV printing, smart chips, to mention but a few, to ensure that cards cannot be imitated. These features make PVC cards ideal for use in areas where high levels of security are required such as in production of political cards, health care cards and security stations.
Tips for PVC Card Printing
1. Design
Layout, colour and size of fonts used in your PVC cards should also be selected wisely so that all information which is displayed can be understood easily. Choose high quality images and graphic in order to have professional looking business cards.
2. Printing Resolution
A number of PVC cards should have high quality print to get clear and visible images and letters on them. Thus, if the document has to be printed in full color, it is usually enough to set the DPI at 300, and in the case of dye-sublimation prints, by 600.
3. Lamination
UV lamination is therefore crucial in an effort to make PVC cards more durable and resistant to wear. Select a good laminant that can reach your concept as well as the printing method used in the project.
4. Encoding
It being advisable to make the PVC cards magnetic strip or smart chip encoded if at all they are to be encoded, the process also has to be accurate and secure. It will eliminate mistakes, and guarantee the functionality of your cards as required.
5. Quality Control
It is important to observe high quality measures right from the time of printing the PVC cards. Check card prints and laminations, especially the encodings, at least once a week. This will assist in preventing you from incurring expenses and guarantee your cards are as you desired.
Conclusion
PVC card printing offers a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for creating durable, secure, and professional identification cards. By familiarizing yourself with the various techniques involved, along with the advantages and best practices of PVC card printing, you can make smarter choices tailored to your specific needs.
Key factors such as print resolution, lamination, encoding options, and rigorous quality control are essential for ensuring your PVC cards not only look great but also meet the functional and security demands of your organization.
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