Unlock the Power of Printing On Plastic: Discover an Innovative Way To Customize Your Product

Introduction

Printing on plastic cards has become an increasingly popular way to create high-quality, informative and distinctive designs for a variety of purposes. From credit and loyalty cards to membership identity cards, printing on plastic allows organizations, businesses, and individuals to communicate their messages in a creative, cost-effective way. The ability to combine the most vibrant of colors with tactile elements enables plastic cards to be custom designed to meet any need. With this article, we'll explore the different ways organizations and businesses can benefit from printing on plastic cards.

Features

Printing on plastic produces results with brilliant colors, fine details and a variety of finishing options. A variety of card shapes, materials, textures, thicknesses, and sizes are available online. Plastic cards can be personalized with variable data, full-color text, logos, photographs, magnetic stripes, barcodes and even holograms. Not only do plastic cards look impressive and durable, but scratch-resistant lamination preserves the quality and protects the card from fading and moisture.

Benefits

Organizations and businesses of different sizes can take advantage of printing on plastic cards. With the right printer, commercial-grade quality can be achieved at low costs that are only a fraction of those in the traditional offset printing market. Plastic cards can be used as business cards, membership cards, gift cards, hotel cards and loyalty cards. Cards are typically printed very quickly so organizations and businesses can produce cards in larger quantities with a short turnaround time.

Pros Cons

There are several advantages to printing on plastic cards. Plastic cards are durable and designed to last for a long time. With the right finishing methods, cards can be made weather-resistant and protected from wear and tear. Additionally, plastic cards give organizations and businesses the opportunity to make creative use of shapes and sizes. On the other hand, plastic cards usually require a design agency for the most effective results and highly specialized printing equipment that may only be available through professional services.

Case Studies

Aviva

Aviva, one of the largest insurance providers in the UK, implemented a card printing initiative to deliver personalised benefits to customers in the form of plastic loyalty cards. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all card, the company created customised cards to fit customers' personal circumstances, such as their current health and life assurance policies. With a sleek design, text and logos, and a scratch-resistant laminate, the plastic cards provide a premium experience that goes beyond what paper cards can do.

Perini Navi

Perini Navi employed the use of a plastic membership card that featured a 3D holographic gold anchor logo and the customer's name printed in foil. The card served as a form of recognition for crew members throughout the Italian yacht builder's entire product line. It also provided access to the Yacht Support web portal, giving crew members easy access to training materials, offering news and updates, and the ability to reserve days off.

FAQs

Q: What substrates can be used for plastic cards?

A: Plastic cards can be printed on a variety of substrates like PVC, PET and ABS, as well as other materials such as metal or wood.

Q: How long do plastic cards last?

A: With proper care, a plastic card can last 5 to 7 years or more.

Q: Can I add a magnetic strip to my card?

A: Yes! Magnetic stripes can be added to plastic cards to store data and details such as membership numbers or loyalty points.

Q: Can I print cards with a QR code?

A: Yes! Adding a QR code to a plastic card enables customers to gain easy access to your website or other information.

Mistakes People Make

Printing on plastic cards can be costly if not done properly. Here's what you need to watch out for:

Using the wrong printing techniques using the wrong methods, such as dye sublimation or toner-based, can lower quality or cause the card to become unreadable.

Incorrect card thickness - if the card is too thin it can easily be broken or bent, and if it's too thick, it won't fit the card reader device.

Ignoring nose and tail - when the printer die-cuts the cards, a tiny piece of plastic is left on the edge referred to as the "nose and tail." Without removing these, the cards won't be usable.

Best Practices

When preparing to print plastic cards, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Start with a detailed design brief so that your printer knows exactly what you're looking for.

Choose a good quality print process for the best looking results.

Select the proper card thickness for your cards to ensure they accept information correctly.

Ensure that the cards are cut properly by making sure your printer removes the nose and tail before sending them out.

Laminate the cards to protect them from spills and scuffs.

Include security features such as watermarks or holograms if needed.

Summary

Printing on plastic cards has become increasingly popular in recent years as organizations, businesses, and individuals want to communicate their message in a creative, cost-effective way. With the ability to combine the most vibrant of colors with tactile elements, plastic cards can be designed to meet any need. Printing on plastic cards produces quality results with brilliant colors, fine details and a variety of finishing options. Organizations and businesses of different sizes can benefit from printing on plastic cards, since they're durable, come in different shapes and sizes, and can be printed quickly in larger quantities with a short turnaround time. For the best results, organizations and businesses should start with a detailed design brief, choose a good quality print process, select the proper card thickness and laminate the cards for extra protection.