Introduction to Plastic Card Printing

Plastic cards have become an essential piece of our daily lives and can be found in a range of applications. From access control to loyalty cards and frequent flyer points to payment cards, we use plastic cards for a variety of purposes.

This article will cover the history of plastic cards, what they are used for, the benefits and drawbacks of plastic cards, and how to choose the right type of card for your specific application.

What are Plastic Cards?

Plastic cards are thin, durable cards made of synthetic materials. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are commonly used for identification, payment, loyalty programs, access control, and other applications. Plastic cards are typically printed on thermal printers or dye sublimation printers, which use special inks that are resistant to fading and smudging.

Benefits of Plastic Cards

Plastic cards are highly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday usage, making them ideal for applications such as access control. They also have a longer shelf life than paper cards, making them an economical choice for businesses.

Plastic cards are also more secure than paper cards, as they are harder to counterfeit and can be equipped with additional security features such as RFID or smart chips. In addition, plastic cards are more resistant to damage from moisture and extreme temperatures, making them a better option for outdoor applications.

Finally, plastic cards offer greater versatility when it comes to design. They can be printed in full color and with different finishes, giving businesses and organizations the ability to create cards with a professional and distinctive look.

Drawbacks of Plastic Cards

The major drawback of plastic cards is the cost. They are more expensive than paper cards to manufacture, and the cost can increase significantly if a business adds extra features such as RFID chips or embossing. Additionally, plastic cards are not biodegradable, so they can add to the waste problem if not properly recycled.

Choosing the Right Card

When choosing the right plastic card for your application, it is important to consider the type of printer used and the specific requirements of your application. Different printers have different capabilities, so it is important to select a printer that is compatible with the type of cards you will be printing.

In addition, you should consider the security needs of your application. If a higher level of security is required, you should consider plastic cards that come with additional features such as RFID chips or holograms. Additionally, you should consider your budget, as plastic cards can be expensive to manufacture.

Final Notes

Plastic cards offer many advantages over paper cards, such as increased durability and greater levels of security. However, they can also be more costly to produce. When choosing the right plastic card for your application, it is important to consider the type of printer used, the security needs of your application, and your budget.