ID card printers were designed to incorporate information, barcodes, and images on a credit card-sized plastic ID card. However, not all card printers have the ability to add a special laminate coating on top of plastic cards for added protection.
If you plan on implementing an ID card program, it is beneficial to ask yourself these simple questions:
- Will cards require a higher level of protection to maintain their overall high-quality “look” and longevity?
- Will my ID cards be swiped in a magnetic reader each day or will they frequently be exposed to outdoor conditions?
- Will my ID card application be used in a membership or gift card capacity, and will cards be handled frequently?
If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, it would beneficial to consider ID card printers that offer single-sided or dual-sided lamination.
Lamination provides these important benefits:
- It extends the life of your card by protecting it from wear and everyday repeated use (e.g., being swiped in a magnetic stripe card reader).
- When exposed to the sun, lamination protects the high-quality images and company logos on your cards from fading and dye migration.
- By adding a standard holographic laminate, cards are more distinct and are also more difficult to counterfeit or duplicate. Custom holograph lamination provides the highest level of card security.
If you decide to incorporate lamination into your ID card program, using composite PVC-PET cards are recommended. PVC-PET cards are optimal for use in laminating printers because they are more resistant to heat than standard PVC cards. The intense heat used in the laminating processes may warp standard PVC cards.
To learn more about lamination or to examine options for your organization's specific application, call an ID Professional a call (800) 321-4405!