As more and more companies move toward electronic door access, there are two common card types being used: clamshell cards and printable surface cards.
The thicker proximity card, often referred to as a "clamshell card," were the status quo years before photo ID became commonplace. Unfortunately, clamshell cards cannot be printed with today's ID card printers.
So why are more people moving to printable surface cards?
Size
When working with both of these types of cards, you will realize very quickly that the casings are quite different. Clamshell cards are significantly thicker, stiffer, and much more difficult to carry in a holder or wallet. Printable surface prox cards are the same size and thickness of a standard credit card, allowing them to fit better in a holder or wallet.
Printing
Even though you're able to show visual identification on both the clamshell and printable surface cards, there are some major differences. As mentioned above, clamshell cards cannot be printed on directly, so the most popular option is to use adhesive-backed cards. Adhesive-backed cards have a printable surface on one side and glue on the other allowing you to stick the printed image onto the clamshell cards.
The benefit of this is the ability to remove any print and reassign the card to difference employees or visitors. However, this process adds additional steps, and you can only print on one side. It also increases the overall thickness of the card.
On the other hand, printable surface cards can simply be run through an ID card printer and printed on the front and/or the back. This allows for a faster, more streamlined process, with a better-looking final product.
Multiple Purposes
While the clamshell cards are able to house one technology (e.g., proximity OR iClass technology), the printable surface cards bring a greater flexibility with the ability to house multiple technologies on one card. The most common example is having proximity and magnetic stripe on the same card. This allows companies to use one card for multiple requirements throughout the building.
If you're using an older clamshell prox card and don't plan on switching over to printable proximity cards in the foreseeable future, here are 3 options for creating a functioning, usable photo ID:
- Print a second card. Choosing to create a second visual ID to wear works but can be bothersome if the wearer must carry two cards. However, we do have 2-card badge holders to make it easier for cardholders to keep track of IDs.
- Use an adhesive-backed card. A popular option is printing visual ID onto an adhesive-backed card, and stick it onto the clamshell card. This cuts the total number of cards down to just one (the card does start to get pretty thick).
- Update your cards. Sometimes, it's just better to get with the times. Printable surface proximity cards have the same thickness and dimensions as a standard credit card and are easy to wear.