PVC Card – An Eco-Friendly ID Card Solution

PVC cards are great for those who need a basic ID card that can be printed with readily available desktop ID card printers. These cards are often used for identification and as access control credentials.

They are also a good option when you need a magnetic stripe or matte writable surface and want a card that can stand up to high heat settings. The sturdiness of composite plastic reduces the likelihood of warping, cracking, or melting.

Durability

PVC cards are an excellent option for ID cards that need to withstand repeated use in high-security environments. These durable plastic cards are less expensive than paper and provide a variety of benefits, including the ability to include in-field magnetic stripe or barcode encoding, inline magstripe reprinting, color printing, and more. They can also be laminated to increase durability.

PVC ID cards are commonly used in organizations, schools, and businesses to identify staff or visitors. They can be printed with a photo or a barcode, and they can be used to control access to special lounges and employee areas. They can also be swiped in a card reader to verify credentials, making them ideal for public transportation and other high-security applications.

The most common id card is the standard 30 ml CR-80 PVC card. It is graphic quality with a clear, printable laminate on the front and back of the card to provide moderate durability. These cards are compatible with most direct-to-card id card printers, and they can be customized with an inline magnetic stripe reprint module or a tactile impression module.

A composite card is a good choice for high-value ID cards that need PVC Card to last at least 10 years. It combines the longevity of PVC with the flexibility of PET, and it is an excellent choice for printers that apply an overlay or hologram. It can also withstand the high heat of retransfer printing, which can cause a standard image grade PVC card to warp.

Security

Even though a PVC card might look like just a thick chunk of plastic, it’s actually made up of multiple thinner layers. The type of material, thickness, and number of these layers have a big impact on the security features that can be added to the card. The most basic visual security feature is a laminate that protects the printed surface and keeps the bar code and other information visible.

More advanced cards can have a magnetic stripe or proximity chip embedded inside of them. These cards require a smart card printer and a card reader to work, but they offer higher levels of security than the standard PVC ID card.

PVC ID cards can be customized with a variety of functions, including bar codes, user photos, names, and more. These features help to ensure that the right person is using the card. A PVC ID card can also be encoded with a magnetic stripe or smart card technology to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent use of the card.

The level of security you choose depends on your needs and PVC Card the types of technologies you have already implemented in your organization. If you need a simple card for basic visual identification, then an entry-level card printer and standard PVC card stock will suffice. However, if you want to add a magnetic stripe or smart card technology, you’ll need to look for a card printer with these capabilities and proximity card stock.

Recyclable

PVC is a non-renewable petroleum-based material that negatively impacts the environment both during its production and disposal. This is because PVC is not biodegradable, and instead accumulates in the atmosphere, causing toxic pollution including dioxins when it is burned or incinerated. Fortunately, IDSuperShop offers eco-friendly card solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of your organization’s plastic cards.

One example is the Earthwise recycled PVC card, which combines an EMV contact and contactless chip with the look and feel of traditional PVC cards. This card is crafted with 85% of recycled industrial plastic, and it reduces the amount of new PVC required to make each payment card, resulting in a reduction in overall carbon emissions.

Other options for greener ID cards include a biodegradable alternative to PVC, called polylactic acid or PLA. Made from the cellulose in plants, these cards are biodegradable and contain no harmful chemicals. They are also compatible with most scanners and can be used with the same printers as PVC cards.

IDSuperShop also has cards that are crafted from PET-G, a molecule of polyester that is combined with glycol for more softness and increased resistance. These cards have the same printing capabilities as PVC and are also recyclable, allowing them to be placed in most recycling programs. These cards can also be laminated with a PVC layer, which improves durability and protects the images and bar codes from wear and tear.

Customization

PVC cards can be printed with a wide variety of graphics and text. This customization helps you ensure that the cards you produce are unique and align with your organization’s brand standards. You can also use a range of other card security features to further protect your information from fraudsters and counterfeiters.

If you are looking for a plastic ID card that is more durable than paper, consider using a PVC card with a magnetic stripe or proximity chip. These features will make your cards more secure and give them a more professional appearance. Additionally, you can add an e-signature feature to your PVC card to increase the security of your online transactions.

When printing PVC ID cards, it is important to choose the right printer for your needs. You will want to avoid using standard laser or inkjet printers because they are not designed for this type of card printing. PVC cards require a special card tray and high-temperature printing. Additionally, you must use a monochrome printer ribbon to get the best print quality.

If you are printing a large volume of PVC cards, consider getting a dual-sided PVC card printer. This will save you time and money. It’s a great choice for businesses with multiple locations or events where attendees need to sign in. If you want your cards to have a more premium look, consider choosing a laminated card. These cards are more durable than PVC and are resistant to heat. They can be printed with a variety of finishes, including matte, frosted, and pearl.