Plastic Cards

Introduction

Plastic cards have been an integral part of modern society since the 1970s, with the development of the magnetic striped credit card. Since then, the technology associated with printing cards has come a long way, as have the incredible range of design and customization options available.

The printing process for plastic cards is more complex than normal print jobs, and requires highly specialized equipment and expertise for producing quality card stock. Despite their complexity, anyone can learn the basics of the plastic card printing process and create beautiful and stunning designs for their own projects.

Features

A plastic card printing process is a highly specialized job and requires specialized machinery. Most professional card printers are equipped with a range of features including variable print settings, embossing, spot UV, lamination, and encoding options. Many come with advanced features such as multi-stacking capability, die cutting, custom shapes, and micro-perforation.

The types of cards that can be printed also vary depending on the machine and materials used. Most machines support the popular PVC and PET plastic cards, but there are also machines that are designed to work with a variety of other plastics such as Polyester, Lexan, and ABS. Some machines are even capable of printing on metal.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of plastic card printing is that it is highly secure. Since the cards are printed onto a durable plastic substrate, they are difficult to counterfeit or tamper with. Additionally, the magnetic strip or RFID chip embedded in the plastic can store large amounts of data, further increasing the security of the card.

The printing process for plastic cards is also incredibly efficient. Most machines can print thousands of cards per hour, drastically reducing the time it takes to produce a large volume of cards. Furthermore, most plastic card printers are highly reliable, ensuring that a batch of cards can be produced quickly and accurately.

Pros Cons

The biggest advantage of plastic card printing is the sheer number of design and customization options available. From basic cards to complex designs with spot UV or custom shapes, plastic card printing allows for any design imaginable. Additionally, the cards are highly durable and are capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.

The biggest disadvantage of plastic card printing is the cost. Card printing machines and materials can be very expensive and require a large initial investment. Furthermore, the cost of the printing process per card can be relatively high, depending on the complexity of the job.

Case Studies

A great example of plastic card printing is the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Over 100,000 athletes, staff, and visitors were issued RFID-enabled plastic cards for the games. The cards kept track of the entry and exit of guests, while also providing an extra layer of security.

Another example of plastic card printing is the Disney Magic Band system. Disney uses RFID-enabled wristbands to give easy access to tickets, wallets, and hotel rooms. The plastic cards are beautifully designed and highly secure, and have proven to be a reliable and efficient solution for Disney.

FAQs

How durable are plastic cards?

Plastic cards are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Most cards are designed to last several years and are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and environments.

How secure are plastic cards?

Plastic cards are highly secure due to their durable construction and RFID or magnetic strip encoding. Additionally, the unique serial number on each card provides an extra layer of security and makes the card more difficult to counterfeit.

Mistakes People Make

One of the most common mistakes people make when printing plastic cards is not taking the time to properly set up the machine. An improperly set-up machine can cause a huge range of problems, from poor quality cards to destruction of the machine itself. Additionally, using the wrong materials can also cause problems, so it's important to make sure that the right materials are being used.

Finally, some people underestimate the importance of cleaning the machine regularly. Not cleaning the machine can cause the buildup of ink or dust, which can reduce the quality of the cards and also cause damage to the machine itself.

Best Practices

The first step in successful plastic card printing is to invest in good quality machinery and materials. Ensuring that the right type of card and machine are being used will ensure that the cards are of the highest quality. Secondly, there are a number of cleaning techniques that should be followed in order to ensure that the machine is functioning properly.

Finally, it's important to understand the process and ensure that each step is followed properly. Read the user manual carefully and take the time to understand each step in the process. This will ensure that the cards are of the highest quality and will look great.

Conclusion

Plastic card printing is a complex and highly specialized process, but with the right resources and knowledge it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience. While the cost of machinery and materials can be prohibitively expensive, the quality and range of customization options available make it a worthwhile investment. By understanding the basics of the process and following proper best practices, anyone can produce beautiful and highly secure plastic cards for their own projects.