Plastic Cards: Design, Print Use

For decades, plastic cards have been used for identification, access control, loyalty programs, membership cards, and much more. In this article, we'll explore the various features and benefits of plastic cards, some pros and cons, as well as some best practices when it comes to printing and using plastic cards.

Introduction to Plastic Cards

Plastic cards are one of the most ubiquitous items around today. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are used for everything from identification cards, access control systems, loyalty programs, and membership cards.

Plastic cards are usually made out of PVC or ABS, and are printed onto with ink or foil. The cards are then laminated to add an extra layer of protection and to make them more durable.

Features Benefits

Features of Plastic Cards

Plastic cards offer several features that make them ideal for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the features of plastic cards:

• Durable the plastic is thicker and more resistant to wear and tear than a paper or laminated card
• Personalization you can print a logo or other graphics onto the plastic card to give it a more professional look and feel
• Improved security there are a variety of security features that can be built into the cards, such as magnetic strips, bar codes, and/or a digital signature
• Versatile plastic cards can be used for a variety of purposes, such as identification cards, access control systems, loyalty programs, and membership cards

Benefits of Plastic Cards

The various features of plastic cards offer several benefits:

• Cost savings plastic cards are more durable and last longer than paper or laminated cards, so you can save money on replacement costs
• Convenience plastic cards can be easier to use than paper or laminated cards, as they don't need to be shuffled or replaced as often
• Improved security the added security features can make the cards more difficult to counterfeit or manipulate
• A professional look the ability to add logos and graphics to the card allows you to better brand your business and give customers a more professional experience

Pros Cons

Like any product, plastic cards have both pros and cons that should be considered when deciding whether or not to use them. Here are some of the pros and cons of using plastic cards:

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting plastic cards are more resistant to wear and tear than paper or laminated cards
• Enhanced security additional security features can make the cards more difficult to counterfeit or manipulate
• Cost savings plastic cards are more durable and last longer than paper or laminated cards, so you can save money on replacement costs
• Personalization you can add logos and graphics to the card to give them a more professional look and feel

Cons:

• Environmental impact plastic cards are not biodegradable, so they can have a larger environmental footprint
• High cost the upfront cost of printing plastic cards can be higher than paper or laminated cards
• Difficulty in disposal plastic cards are difficult to dispose of, and can take up more space in the trash

Case Studies

Access Control System Case Study

A large manufacturing company needed to control access to their facility. They decided to implement an access control system using RFID plastic cards. The cards had a unique code embedded in them that was linked to the employee's profile in the company's system. Employees were able to swipe their cards at the door to access the facility. This allowed the company to control and monitor access, as well as keep track of attendance.

The plastic cards provided an added layer of security and allowed the company to easily control and monitor access in their facility.

Loyalty Program Case Study

A retail store wanted to implement a loyalty program to encourage customers to return and shop at their store. They decided to use plastic cards for the loyalty program. The cards were printed with the store's logo and given to customers to use for discounts and rewards. Customers were able to collect points on their cards which could be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.

The plastic cards were durable and allowed the store to easily track customers' loyalty points and purchases.

FAQs

Q: Are plastic cards secure?

A: Yes, plastic cards can offer enhanced security features such as magnetic strips, bar codes, and/or a digital signature that make them difficult to counterfeit or manipulate.

Q: How long do plastic cards last?

A: Plastic cards are more durable than paper or laminated cards and can last up to five years or more depending on the type of card and how it's used.

Q: Can I personalize my plastic cards?

A: Yes, you can personalize plastic cards by printing logos or other graphics onto the card. This can give the card a more professional look and feel.

Mistakes People Make

Here are some common mistakes people make when using plastic cards:

• Not checking the card's security features it's important to make sure the card has security features such as a magnetic stripe or digital signature to protect against counterfeiting.
• Using the wrong type of card it's important to select the right type of card for the application.
• Not customizing the cards customizing plastic cards with a logo or other graphics can give the card a more professional look and feel.
• Not protecting the cards it's important to protect the cards from physical damage or fading by using laminates.

Best Practices

Here are some best practices to follow when printing and using plastic cards:

• Choose the right type of card select a card that is suited to the application and environment.
• Use quality materials make sure the cards are made with high-quality materials and components such as PVC or ABS.
• Incorporate security features consider adding security features such as magnetic strips, bar codes, or digital signatures to make the cards more difficult to counterfeit or manipulate.
• Laminate the cards use laminates to protect the cards from physical damage or fading.
• Personalize the cards add logos or other graphics to the card to give it a more professional look and feel.
• Keep track of the cards it's important to keep track of the cards and manage their usage.

Final Notes

Plastic cards can be an effective tool for identification, access control, loyalty programs, and membership cards. They offer various features and benefits, as well as some pros and cons that should be considered when deciding if they are right for your application. It's important to remember to select the right type of card, use quality materials, incorporate security features, and personalize the card to give it a professional look and feel. With the right preparation and care, plastic cards can be an effective and efficient way to manage your business.

Conclusion

Plastic cards are a versatile and cost-effective tool that can be used for a variety of applications. However, it's important to consider the features, benefits, pros and cons, and best practices when it comes to printing and using plastic cards. With the right planning and care, plastic cards can be an effective and efficient way to manage your business.