While there is no way to guarantee 100% security, there are a variety of ways to enhance your cards to make them more secure and more difficult to copy.
UV Ribbon
- Some card printers offer an option for a color ribbon with an extra fluorescent ink panel. You can strengthen the security of your card with ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent printing. Fluorescent ink can be seen only under UV light, which makes it easy to validate the authenticity of the card and prevents card forgery.
- Some organizations will print the initials of the person creating the card and the date to help prevent counterfeit cards. Cards can be easily and inexpensively verified by using a black light to see the UV ink.
- The low cost involved in UV or fluorescing ribbons make them a good choice for enhancing your card security.
Lamination
- Lamination (also referred to as overlamination) provides a layer of protection over your printed cards, making them more durable by providing protection from wear and fading.
- If someone tries to alter the card by peeling the lamination back, the lamination pulls the printed card design off the card as well, making the card unusable.
Holographic Lamination
- Holographic lamination gives you the same benefits as regular lamination, but includes an embedded 3D
hologram. A hologram on your cards can be seen from a distance, making them easily verifiable without any additional equipment needed.
- Holographic lamination is typically available in a selection of stock hologram designs. Custom holographic lamination is also available, allowing you to print the 3D design of your choice on your cards. Custom holographics also provide the greatest level of card security.
Holographic Foil
- Custom foil cards are another option in card security. Foil cards are more versatile than ribbons and laminates, as cards can be used in any printer, while ribbons and laminates are compatible with specific printer models and are not interchangeable.
- Holographic foil cards incorporate tamper-resistant, graphics, such as your company logo or other image, in gold or silver foil that is embedded in the cards.
- The cards are then printed just like a standard card is, adding your organization name, photo, cardholder name, or other information.
For more information on ways to make your cards more secure, contact an ID Professional at (800) 321-4405.
