What Is a PVC Card?
PVC cards are made from polyvinyl chloride and come in a variety of thicknesses, colors and shapes. They are commonly used for ID cards, business cards and membership cards.
The manufacturing of PVC cards creates carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases linked to global warming. It also produces toxic chemicals such as chlorine, dioxin, cadmium and lead.
Durability
Unlike traditional paper cards, PVC cards are durable and resist wear and tear, making them PVC Card an ideal choice for long-term ID card use. They are also water-resistant, meaning that they will not become damaged or warped when exposed to moisture.
The durability of PVC cards depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of the card and its lamination. Card thickness and lamination are important, as they protect the images and bar codes on the card from everyday rubbing and flexing. For high-value cards, such as those used by government agencies or businesses that require a secure ID card, the ideal cards are composites made of multiple layers, such as a Teslin substrate and polyester.
A common way to increase the durability of PVC cards is by applying a laminate, which helps prevent dirt and oils from damaging the print head and causing smudging. These laminates can be applied by a PVC card printer, or they can be purchased separately and added to the cards after printing.
In addition to improving card durability, a laminate can help increase the lifespan of the cards. This is particularly important if you are using cards with a swipeable barcode or magnetic stripe, as these types of cards tend to be subject to more wear and tear than standard cards.
Security
Basic PVC cards offer fairly low levels of security, making them an easy target for counterfeiters. To combat this, choose a high-durability card that is made from a combination of materials to add advanced features and prevent fraudulent use. These types of cards are often called composites, and they are the go-to options in the high-security ID card market. The Ultracard Premium 82136/82137 is one example, as it offers both an image grade PVC layer and a polyester core for added strength.
In addition to the durable construction of the card itself, many of these types of cards are designed with security functions like smart card technology and magnetic stripe encoding. These are intended to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that the card can only be used by its intended recipient. Additionally, it is important to look for a printer that can print on both sides of the card, as this increases the level of security by limiting the number of people who may have access to the cards.
A PVC card can also be used to identify employees or students, and it can be printed with a variety of colors, logos, and other graphics to create a customized and professional identity. It can also be printed with a variety of security features, such as holographic laminates and UV printing, to prevent fraud by making it difficult for fake cards to be produced.
Customization
The PVC card is an extremely versatile form of desfire ev3 identification that comes in a variety of sizes. It can be printed with a variety of information, including names, photographs, and logos. These cards are also resistant to the elements, making them durable and reusable. They are perfect for companies that need to print ID cards in-house, and they can be engraved with barcodes or magnetic stripes for added security.
PVC Cards are an excellent choice for businesses and institutions that want to project a professional image. They can be customized with holographic imprints and watermarks, which make them more difficult to counterfeit. Moreover, they are also easier to produce than laminated cards. This type of card is great for organizations on a budget and can be produced on-demand for any last-minute networking events or conferences.
PVC cards are often used as membership cards for gyms, golf clubs, and book stores. These cards are a convenient way to track important data and can help businesses save money on membership fees. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your needs. In addition, they can be personalized using a desktop ID card printer. However, they require special care to ensure that they remain clean and free from dirt and oils. PVC cards should be handled with a dry cloth and stored in a clean environment.
Convenience
A PVC Card is used for many different purposes. Some people use them as a business card, an event pass or a membership card. Others prefer to use them as an access card to secure certain areas in a building or a concert hall. They can also be used as a form of credit or debit card. PVC Cards are also available in eco-friendly versions that can be recycled.
In addition to displaying information on the front of the card, PVC Cards can include several security features to ensure that they are not faked. Typically, they contain holographic visual identification technology that makes it impossible to reproduce them with basic printing and household tools. In addition, they have a watermark and serial number to prevent forgery.
While the most common PVC cards are 30 ml thick, there are a variety of thicknesses to choose from. You should always check that the plastic card printer you have can handle the specific card thickness you need.
For instance, some PVC cards are made with a composite material that is 60/40 polyester and polyvinyl chloride. This blend allows the card to withstand extreme heat, such as that applied in laminating or retransfer printing, which can cause standard image grade PVC cards to warp. These cards can also be printed with a magnetic stripe and have a holographic overlay that protects the image from damage.