Identification cards are official documents issued by authorities to verify a person’s identity. There are various types of identification cards like driving license, National ID Cards, Student/Employee ID Cards, Passport Cards, Voter ID Cards etc. These cards use PVC material to because of there durability and easy to use. The main advantages of using PVC cards as ID cards are below:

  • Durability: PVC cards are durable for long periods of time. In addition, we can use a card holder, lamination etc. to increase the durability of the cards. PVC cards are strong and durable, making them resistant to bending, cracking, or tearing. They are highly resistant to moisture, ensuring they stay intact even in humid environments.
  • Security features: PVC cards can have lots of additional security features like UV printing, encoding, barcodes, magnetic stripes, RFID chips, or holograms etc.
  • Scalability: PVC cards can work with technologies like magnetic strips, smart card chips, and proximity sensors.
  • Easy to print: PVC cards are easy to print using standard card printers, making on-demand printing for custom designs quick and efficient.
  • Environmentally Friendly Options: Some manufacturers now offer recyclable or biodegradable PVC cards, which reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional PVC.

Best card printers and card printing technologies

Card printers are used to print on PVC cards. Using the card printers, we can print text, images, logos, barcode, logos etc. on the cards. In addition to printing, we can encode also.  Card printing technologies are essential for producing high-quality ID cards, access control cards, and other types of custom cards. Various printing methods offer different advantages depending on the application, quality, and security requirements. Below are the most used card printing technologies:

1. Dye-Sublimation Printing

  • How it works: Dye-sublimation (or dye-sub) printing uses heat to transfer dye onto the surface of a card. The print head heats a ribbon containing dye, turning it into gas, which bonds with the plastic card.
  • Advantages:
    • High-quality, vibrant, and smooth images.
    • Can print edge-to-edge.
    • Suitable for printing photographs.
  • Common uses: ID cards, membership cards, student IDs.
  • Limitations: Requires special dye-sub printers and compatible ribbons.

2. Direct-to-Card (DTC) Printing

  • How it works: DTC printing transfers the image directly onto the surface of the card using a ribbon and printhead, similar to dye-sublimation but without the intermediate layer.
  • Advantages:
    • Fast and cost-effective for high-volume printing.
    • Produces vivid images and text.
    • Easy to operate.
  • Common uses: Standard ID cards, loyalty cards, employee badges.
  • Limitations: Lower durability compared to retransfer printing, and print may not reach the edges of the card.

3. Retransfer (Reverse Transfer) Printing

  • How it works: In retransfer printing, the image is first printed onto a thin transparent film. The film is then fused onto the surface of the card, ensuring edge-to-edge coverage.
  • Advantages:
    • Higher print quality and durability compared to DTC.
    • Full edge-to-edge printing with no margins.
    • Suitable for printing on uneven surfaces or smart cards (cards with chips or antennas).
  • Common uses: High-security ID cards, smart cards, government-issued cards.
  • Limitations: More expensive than DTC printing, but offers better results.

4. Thermal Transfer Printing

  • How it works: Thermal transfer printing uses heat to transfer resin ink from a ribbon onto the card surface. Unlike dye-sublimation, thermal transfer does not use a gas state, which allows for sharper text.
  • Advantages:
    • Sharp and durable images and text.
    • Resistant to fading and wear.
    • Ideal for monochrome printing (single-color).
  • Common uses: Barcodes, access control cards, library cards, and cards with simple designs.
  • Limitations: Limited colour options; usually suited for black-and-white or single-color printing.

5. Laser Engraving

  • How it works: Laser engraving uses a high-powered laser to etch text, images, or other data into the surface of the card.
  • Advantages:
    • Extremely durable and tamper resistant.
    • Ideal for high-security applications.
    • Can be used on a variety of materials (plastic, metal, polycarbonate).
  • Common uses: National ID cards, driver’s licenses, high-security access cards.
  • Limitations: More expensive and specialized than other printing technologies.

6. Inkjet Printing

  • How it works: Inkjet printers use liquid ink, which is sprayed onto the card surface. Special card stock that can absorb ink is required.
  • Advantages:
    • Affordable initial costs for small-scale printing.
    • Good for low-volume card printing.
  • Common uses: Custom card printing, low-cost business solutions.
  • Limitations: Lower durability may not be suitable for long-term use. Requires specific cards designed for inkjet printing.

7. Embossing

  • How it works: Embossing presses raised characters or images onto the card surface, often combined with thermal or dye-sub printing for visual and text features.
  • Advantages:
    • Adds a tactile element to the card, making it more secure and harder to duplicate.
    • Provides a professional appearance (common in credit cards).
  • Common uses: Credit/debit cards, membership cards.
  • Limitations: Limited to raised text or numbers; can’t create complex images or designs.

8. Magnetic Stripe Encoding

  • How it works: Magnetic stripes are embedded on the card, which can store data that is readable by magnetic stripe readers.
  • Advantages:
    • Simple and effective way to store data like account numbers or access credentials.
    • Compatible with a wide range of systems.
  • Common uses: Credit cards, gift cards, hotel key cards.
  • Limitations: Data storage is minimal, and magnetic stripes can be vulnerable to wear or damage.

9. RFID and Smart Card Encoding

  • How it works: RFID and smart cards contain embedded chips that communicate with readers using radio waves or direct contact.
  • Advantages:
    • Ideal for secure access control or financial transactions.
    • Can store large amounts of data.
  • Common uses: Contactless payment cards, security access cards, transportation cards.
  • Limitations: Requires specific printers that can encode RFID chips or smart cards.

Conclusion:

The right card printing technology depends on factors like the purpose of the card, required security features, and desired print quality. Dye-sublimation and retransfer printing are ideal for high-quality visuals, while thermal transfer and laser engraving are great for durability and sharpness. For high-security applications, consider using RFID encoding or laser engraving. If you want to know more about ID card printers contact IDShope.com.