Plastic Card Printing Print Your Own Plastic Cards Online

Plastic card printing is an option many businesses are using for their printed cards. From business cards to ID cards to access cards, plastic cards can provide your business with a great way to promote your brand through printed cards. If you're considering using plastic card printing for your business, there's a few things you should consider. Here is a guide to using plastic card printing for your business.

Plastic Card Printers

There are a few different types of plastic card printers available. The most popular plastic card printers are the desktop variety, which are able to print on both PVC and ABS plastic cards. They're easy to use and don't require any additional equipment or software.

You can also get industrial-grade plastic card printers, which are best suited for high-volume printing. They're much more powerful and require less maintenance than desktop models. They're also more expensive and typically require special software.

Features

Plastic card printers come with several features that make the printing process easier. These include:

• The ability to print photos and logos on the cards
• Different card sizes and thicknesses
• Adjustable card lamination
• Barcode printing and reader compatibility
• Ink expiration warnings

These features allow you to customize your cards for a specific purpose. For example, if you need to print access cards with a barcode and logo, a plastic card printer with barcode printing and reader compatibility will make that easier.

Benefits

Plastic card printing has several benefits that make it a popular choice for businesses. Here are a few of the major benefits of using plastic card printing:

• Durability Plastic cards are much more durable than paper cards, making them ideal for cards that will be handled regularly. They are also waterproof and resistant to dirt, oil, and grime.
• Security Plastic cards are more secure and less likely to be counterfeited or tampered with.
• Versatility Plastic cards can be used for a variety of applications, from access and ID cards, to gift and loyalty cards.

Pros Cons

When it comes to printing your own plastic cards, there are some pros and cons to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of using plastic card printing:

Pros

• Durability
• Security
• Versatility
• Cost savings
• Faster production

Cons

• More expensive than paper cards
• More maintenance required
• Can be difficult to use without the right software
• Higher cost of consumables

Case Studies

To get an idea of how businesses are using plastic card printing for their printed cards, here are a few case studies that showcase businesses that have seen success by using plastic card printers:

• ID Card Printing for Schools A school in the US used plastic card printing to create ID cards for staff and students. The cards were durable, secure, and easy to use. Additionally, they met the schools safety requirements.
• Access Cards for Hotels A hotel chain in Europe used plastic card printing to create access cards for their guests. The cards were more secure than traditional paper cards, and also provided a unique and stylish way to show guests they are welcome at the hotel.
• Loyalty Cards for Retail - A retail chain in Canada used plastic card printing to create loyalty cards for their customers. The cards rewarded customers for their loyalty, increased customer retention, and increased foot traffic to their stores.

FAQs

When considering plastic card printing for your business, you may have a few questions. Here are some of the most common questions:

• What types of plastic card printers are available? There are two types of plastic card printers available: desktop and industrial-grade. Desktop printers are suited for low-volume printing and don't require any additional equipment or software, while industrial-grade printers are more powerful and require special software.
• Can I customize my cards? Yes, most plastic card printers come with features that allow you to customize your cards. You can print photos and logos, adjust card lamination, and more.
• What are the benefits of plastic card printing? Plastic cards are more durable than paper cards, more secure, and can be used for a variety of applications. They're also cost-efficient and offer faster production times than paper cards.

Mistakes People Make

When using plastic card printing, there are some common mistakes people make. Here are a few to avoid:

• Not researching the different types of plastic card printers available.
• Buying a printer that isn't suited for your printing needs.
• Not having the right software or accessories for your printer.
• Not understanding the maintenance and cost of consumables.

Card Printer Accessories

When using a plastic card printer, you may need some accessories to get the most out of your printer. Here are a few accessories to consider:

• Magnetic Stripe Encoders These allow you to read and write data to the magnetic stripes on plastic cards. This is useful for creating access cards and loyalty cards.
• Smart Card Encoders This accessory allows you to read and write data to smart cards, which can be used for secure access control.
• Print Ribbon This is a special type of ink ribbon that's used to print on plastic cards.
• Lamination Lamination adds an extra layer of protection to plastic cards. It also adds an extra level of security, as it makes it harder for malicious users to replicate your cards.

Best Practices

When using a plastic card printer for your business, there are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Research the different types of plastic card printers available to ensure you get the right printer for your needs.
• Understand the maintenance and cost of consumables needed for your printer.
• Stop using your printer if it's in need of repair or maintenance.
• Understand the features of your printer and use them to customize your cards.
• Keep a stock of replacement print ribbon in case you run out.
• Secure your printer and cards to prevent unauthorized access.
• Ensure you have the right software and accessories for your printer.

Conclusion

Plastic card printing provides businesses with a great option for their printed cards. They are more durable, secure, and versatile than paper cards. When using a plastic card printer for your business, there are several things to consider, such as the type of printer you need, the features and accessories available, as well as maintenance and cost of consumables. Be sure to research your options, understand the features of your printer, and use the best practices listed above to get the most out of your printer and cards.