Plastic card printing is a technology-driven process that involves various stages to produce high-quality and durable cards. From credit cards to gift cards, identification badges to membership cards, the quality of print can significantly impact their use and overall longevity. With the evolving printing technologies and plastic materials, plastic card printing has revolutionized, offering an array of options for businesses and individuals alike.
The initial stage of printed plastic cards involves card design. This phase is critical because it sets the tone and visual appeal of the final product. While creating the design, one must consider crucial factors like the card’s purpose, the target audience’s preferences, brand identity, color themes, and including essential elements like logos, barcodes, or QR codes. The use of design software enables designers to create engaging and professional designs that resonate with the card’s usage.
Following the design phase, the next step is pre-print preparation. In this phase, the plastic sheets are prepared for printing. It is a meticulous process where the sheets are rigorously cleaned to remove any dirt particles for a flawless print. Also, they are prepared to tolerate the high temperatures during the printing process. This stage ensures the plastic card’s durability, making it resistant to breakage, bending, or snapping.
The actual printing process comes next. The two primary methods of plastic card printing are digital printing and offset printing. Digital printing, also known as direct-to-card printing, prints the design directly onto the plastic card. This method is popular for small-scale printing due to its cost-effectiveness and speed. On the other hand, offset printing, also known as retransfer printing, prints the design onto a clear film that is then thermally bonded to the card. Offset printing offers high-resolution prints and is suitable for large-scale card production.
Once the cards are printed, they go through quality checks to ensure that there are no smudges, misprints, or color imbalances. The cards that pass the quality check are then laminated or coated for added protection. The lamination process involves applying a thin clear plastic layer over the printed card. It enhances the card’s longevity and makes it resistant to scratches and discoloration. It also gives the card a professional appearance and a comfortable feel.
The final step is die-cutting and punching, where the laminate-protected printed sheets are cut into individual cards. The sharp, smooth edges enhance the user’s experience as they carry the cards daily. Depending on the card’s design, they may also be encoded with magnetic stripes or chips.
With the possibility of creating highly customized, professional, and high-quality cards, plastic card printing has grown in demand in various sectors such as finance, retail, and hospitality, among others. As technology continues to evolve, plastic card printing remains a dynamic field, ensuring we can continue to extend our creativity and innovation into the small but significant realm of plastic cards.