Secrets of the ID Card Industry

We all carry around plastic ID cards of one type or another but most people don't know a lot about them. If you like to find out how stuff works you may wonder what ID cards are made of and how the pictures are printed on them so they don't rub off. Also, how does that black stripe on the back work? Here are some basic answers.

Card Materials

The majority of plastic cards in circulation today are made of poly vinyl chloride. PVC is the second most commonly manufactured plastic worldwide and is very cost effective to produce. The substance is made by exposing vinyl chloride to a polymerization process that allows the molecules to create long networks or chains that are very strong. The resulting powdered PVC resin is heated and rolled into sheets which are then die punched into individual cards. Pigments can be added to the mix during the heating process to create different colored cards.

Card Varieties

Layers of Mylar, paper, or adhesive may be added as a final step for use in different applications. Cards can also feature either a matte or slick finish to suit different printing styles. Composite cards have a polyester core layered between PVC sheets to give them added strength. These are more expensive than regular cards but can withstand more abuse. Earth friendly cards made of recycled PVC are now available from environmentally conscious distributors. In addition to choosing this option you can also increase sustainability by collecting your company's obsolete cards and turning them in for recycling. Just don't mix them with other types of plastic since PVC needs to undergo a different reclamation process.

Thermal Printing

The most common type of ID card printing is simple thermal transfer using some type of resin based ink. The ink coated ribbons run through a card printer and are pressed against the surface of each card or transfer sheet. The print head is heated to release the ink from the ribbon onto the printable area where it bonds tightly with the surface creating a smudge proof result. Ribbons are typically formatted in a reel to reel design and the ink is laid out in repeating segments of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. These colors are applied in layers one after the other to create a high quality replica of a photograph or other complex image. Plain black ribbons are available for simple jobs that don't require color.

Magnetic Stripe Encoding

The black or "HiCo" magnetic stripe on the back of many cards is made of plastic with an admixture of powdered iron oxide. A powerful electromagnet locks the particles of metal in opposing orientations and varying sequences within the plastic stripe. This creates a binary code - the same type that computers use to function. When the card is swiped through a reader these particles are briefly reactivated so that the encoded information can be retrieved. "LoCo" magnet stripes that don't require a very strong magnetic field to program are also available, but this variety is more susceptible to being accidentally erased.

The 3 Best ID Card Printers for Your Business

If you know anything about ID card printers, you are already familiar with some of the top names in the industry. Datacard, Nisca, and Fargo bring an extensive array of well designed machines to the table. Today we will be looking at three specific models you should definitely investigate before you make a final procurement decision.

Datacard RP90

This equipment shows its true value when dealing with materials and applications other models can't handle. Instead of printing directly on each card, the RP90 prints images on film that can be transferred seamlessly to any surface. Using transfer film also allows you to configure the printed area around smart chips that need to remain exposed for interfacing purposes. The optional laminating feature adds an extra layer of protection and durability for frequently used cards.

This Datacard model is designed with high level security concerns in mind making it a favorite with government agencies. A particularly useful feature is available which blacks out any areas on the ribbon where text was printed off onto a card. This ensures that sensitive information can't be read on the ribbon when it is removed from the machine for disposal.

This manufacturer revolutionized the credit industry over 30 years ago by creating an inexpensive way to mass produce personalized cards for consumers. They are continuing their tradition of innovation today by incorporating technology into the RP90 that conserves laminate stock and dye during each card run.

Nisca PR5350

If you have a need for speed, the PR5350 is the card printer for you. This model has remarkable performance topping out at over 2.6 card imprints per second.

The standard features on this machine are excellent but you will find the greatest benefit in their wide range of additional options. Here are just a few:

-Smart Chip, RFID, and MagStripe technology for encoding and reading data
-Contact and contactless modules
-PR5302 addition which laminates both sides of each card for a long lasting finish
-Specially formulated UV ink that will not dry out and gum up the printhead

Nisca has introduced a number of firsts to the market including dual sided printing and self aligning printheads. They rely on R&D, engineering expertise, and customer feedback to keep the user friendly additions rolling in.

Fargo HDP5000

The HDP5000 is all about vivid image. There isn't a color you can think of that this printer can't create for you. This model doesn't just offer front and back printing - it takes it over the edge to eliminate white borders on the sides of your cards. Standard and custom holographic lamination is also available to give cards a lustrous sheen and take your marketing into the space age.

This machine weighs only 16 pounds but its performance and durability are outstanding. The unit even has a lifetime printhead warranty to prove it. The manufacturer plays it safe by providing a free cleaning roller with each printer ribbon so you won't forget to perform regular maintenance.

Fargo has now merged with HID Global Corporation. This partnership between two industry leaders brings together high quality card printing with technology such as central station managed access controllers.

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