Customizing pre-printed plastic cards can be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on your specific needs and available equipment. Here are some common methods:
1. Thermal Printing Technology:
- Direct thermal printing: This is where the information is printed directly onto the card using heat. This is fast and inexpensive, but the print is often not very durable.
- Thermal transfer printing: This is where ink is transferred from a ribbon to the card using heat. This method provides a more durable print that is resistant to wear and fading.
2. Inkjet Printing:
Using special inkjet printers that are capable of printing onto plastic cards. This allows for the addition of detailed and colorful images, such as photos or intricate designs.
3. Embossing:
This method embosses the information (such as name, number, or other information) onto the card, creating a tangible and visible change. This is often used for credit cards and membership cards.
4. Laser Engraving:
This uses a laser to burn information into the card. It is very durable and difficult to counterfeit, making it ideal for security cards and other applications where durability and security are important.
5. Overlay Stickers:
Using transparent or semi-transparent stickers that contain personalized information and are placed over the pre-printed card. This can be a quick and flexible solution, but durability can be an issue.
6. Hot Stamping:
This process uses heat and pressure to apply foil to the card, which produces a glossy, professional-looking finish. This is often used to add logos or special symbols.
Equipment for Personalization
Each method requires specific equipment:
- Thermal printers: Popular brands include Zebra, Evolis, and Fargo.
- Inkjet printers: Special inkjet printers for plastic cards such as those from Canon or Epson.
- Embossing machines: Often used in the financial industry for creating credit cards.
- Laser engravers: Available from brands such as Epilog and Trotec.
- Overlay sticker applicators: Simple devices for precisely applying stickers.
Personalization Considerations
1. Durability: Choose a method that fits the expected lifespan and usage conditions of the card.
2. Security: For cards with sensitive information, methods such as laser engraving or embossing may be more secure.
3. Cost: Consider both the initial cost of the equipment and the ongoing costs of materials.
4. Scalability: Choose a method that can meet both current and future demand.
Choosing the right personalization method depends on the specific application and desired properties of the final card.