What Is PVC Card?
PVC Card is a versatile plastic material that can be used for a wide range of applications. These include entry control, security passes, credit cards, hotel room keys and more.
Unlike cardstock or paper ID cards, images and text print crisply on PVC ID cards, creating a professional brand identity for your organization.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is a plastic that can be moulded into many different forms. It is used in making pipes, containers, toys and more. It is a thermoplastic polymer that can be easily softened and molded into other shapes by heating it.
It is the third most widely manufactured plastic and is used in many applications including door profiles, drinking and waste pipes, wire and cable insulation and medical devices. It has good thermal properties, low to zero lead content and is flame retardant and ductile.
There are several additives that can be added to polyvinyl chloride to improve its physical and mechanical properties such as heat stabilizers, UV stabilisers, plasticizers, impact modifiers, fillers, flame retardants, pigments etc. It can also be printed and laminated with various materials.
These additives can increase the thickness, toughness and resistance to corrosion of the polymer. They are added to the vinyl chloride monomer during the manufacturing process and help enhance its physical properties.
The polymer is then processed into various finished products by a number of different methods. Typical processes include suspension polymerization, aqueous injection and mass polymerisation. In suspension polymerization, the monomer is dispersed in a solution of surfactants, a water-soluble initiator and other additives.
During this process, the monomer undergoes gradual transformation into polymers, which are larger, lighter and less susceptible to aqueous oxidation. This process is used to make rigid PVC, but it can also be made flexible by adding plasticizers and additives.
It is highly resistant to fire and has a high chlorine content. However, it can emit harmful chemicals when melted or burned which makes it unsuitable for some operations.
PVC can be produced from a variety of different raw materials such as ethylene chloride and dimethyl sulfide (DMS). It is then mixed with plasticizers, stabilisers, additives and other ingredients to form the finished product.
Because of its excellent mechanical, physical and thermal properties, PVC is used for a wide range of products. It is often found in food packaging, flooring, children’s toys, pharmaceuticals, bags and pipe systems and personal care products. Its cost/performance ratio is excellent, making it an extremely versatile material that can be adapted to many applications.
Printing
PVC card printing is the process of using a print head to create images on cards that are made from plastic. There are several types of printers used for this purpose, including direct-to-card and retransfer printers.
Retransfer printing uses a thermal transfer process to print directly onto the reverse of PVC Card a clear film that is bonded to the surface of the card. It is an excellent choice for printing ID cards and data cards as it produces high-quality images on both sides of the card.
Compared with inkjet printing, this technique offers a number of advantages for the user. First, it is smudge-proof and is therefore less susceptible to tampering. It also provides the opportunity for double-sided printing, which is ideal for ID cards that have important information or graphics on both sides.
Additionally, it is a low-cost option for producing a large quantity of cards. However, it is not as durable as dye sublimation printing.
Another benefit of retransfer printers is that they produce higher image quality than other types of print technology. The image on the card is more complete and accurate, and the colors are clearer. This makes them a good choice for printing ID cards, social security cards, and work permits.
A third advantage of retransfer printing is that it offers a high level of security for the user. It is especially suitable for printing ID cards with sensitive information or graphics that need to be protected.
It is also a great option for securing employee badges and other items that need to be kept safe, such as key tags, door keys, and passports. It can even be used for printing business cards or promotional products like lanyards, labels, and stickers.
Lastly, retransfer printers are extremely efficient and fast. They can print on demand and can handle large quantities of cards quickly.
A bank that has its own PVC card printing machine is able to print customized credit and debit cards that are more secure and personalized. These cards can also have unique designs that are attractive and memorable. This is a great way for the bank to increase customer satisfaction and retain them for a longer period of time.
Lamination
Lamination is the process of wrapping paper and other materials in a protective layer of plastic. It is used for a variety of applications, including printing and signage.
Laminating is often used to create a strong and durable material that will last for a long time. It is also a great way to make a document or piece of artwork stand out.
The process involves enclosing a piece of paper in clear plastic film. This helps to protect the piece from a variety of factors, such as moisture, stains, abrasion and chemicals.
You can choose from a range of laminate options, including gloss, matte and silk types. Gloss finishes are commonly used because they help to enhance the appearance of writing and images, while matte and silk laminations add a softness that can be beneficial for certain products.
In addition, some laminating films can be used for post-laminate embellishments like spot UV, embossing or foiling. These add to the overall appeal of a printed product, and they can be used with a wide range of printers.
Sheet lamination is a method of bonding several sheets of material together, usually using a machine that applies heat and pressure to the layers to secure them. It can be used with a variety of materials, including paper, polymer, metal and woven fibre composites.
The thickness of the layers in a laminate depends on the type of material and the machine used to apply the lamination. Thin laminations, which are less than 5 mil in thickness on paper, can be used for lightweight items such as business cards and brochures.
For heavier pieces, such PVC Card as signs and banners, thicker laminations of around 12 mil are ideal. This provides a high level of protection and water resistance, while still allowing the piece to fold easily.
Another advantage of laminating is that it can help to prevent the fading of inks and colors on older documents. This can be very useful for companies that produce large quantities of marketing materials and need to keep their materials looking fresh and pristine for as long as possible.
Security
PVC cards are a great choice for any organization that needs ID cards and badges because they are durable, easy to print, and offer many security features. These cards are also available in a variety of colors, sizes, and thicknesses to meet any application’s needs.
Security measures on PVC cards include a magnetic stripe encoding feature, bar code encoding, and proximity card encoding. Proximity cards allow users to transmit security data or payment information without using a card reader, enabling them to securely access facilities and access points.
The type of material used on PVC cards can also influence security measures. The most common PVC card is 100% PVC, but there are composite cards made of 60% PVC and 40% PET that are more durable. They are also less susceptible to bending or warping, so they can be used in high-temperature environments.
Another way to increase card security is by adding a custom watermark. A watermark on a card is easy to place and can be designed in a way that protects the text, images, or logo from being viewed by unauthorized parties.
A holographic foil is another security option that can be added to cards, and is especially useful for ID cards printed on PVC or composite card stock. These cards are unique and difficult to duplicate, and offer a professional look that can help your business stand out.
UV printing is another security measure that can be added to any PVC ID card with a printer that supports it. This service prints a security image, such as a logo, symbol or text, directly onto the card. This image is only visible when the card is viewed under ultraviolet (black) light, and helps to identify counterfeited cards.
Finally, laminated card stocks are a great way to protect a PVC ID card from wear and tear, and are available in both clear and holographic options. Lamination is especially important if the card will be exposed to a lot of weather conditions, as it can significantly boost the lifespan of the card.
