PVC Card
Interested in PVC cards and have always wanted to know what they’re used for? PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and PVC cards are typically used as identification cards, credit cards, access cards and more.
While there are many ways to make PVC cards, one of the most common ways to make a PVC card is with a printer.
How do you make a PVC card?
When it comes to making a PVC card, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that PVC cards are actually made up of a few thinner layers of material. The material, thickness and number of layers will all have a large impact on the quality of the final PVC card.
Since there are a number of factors that affect the quality and look of the final PVC card, it also means that there are a plethora of customisation options that you can choose from to create a variety of looks.
If you’d like to have a smart chip inside the PVC card, for example, that’s more than possible. To do so, you would need to have a thin layer enclose the chip before the clear layers, meaning that a PVC card with a smart chip would have a total of five layers or more on its own.
The general rule of thumb is that the more the number of internal layers in the card, the better the quality of the cards. The higher the number of layers, the more long-lasting and durable the card will be. If the card were to be made with just a single layer, it might not be expensive to produce, but it would fall apart quickly.
PVC Card
Another part of the printing process to take into consideration is the clear outer coating of the card. Depending on its material, you may or may not be able to print on the card. Certain materials can also help to increase the durability of the card, and ensure that it lasts for a good amount of time.
It’s important to note, however, that some outer surfaces don’t allow printing as some printing may already have also been done in the middle layers. While these cards may still look great, they won’t work to their fullest capacity when sent through a standard ID card printer.
Choosing how to print your PVC card
As you can see, there are numerous considerations that need to be made when it comes to printing your PVC card – from the material to the number of layers, if you’d like to incorporate a smart chip and more.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to take into consideration is to ensure that your card is made with high-quality material that is both long-lasting and durable. While it might be tempting to save on cost and go for a cheaper option, it may not be ideal for long term use. Take your time in making the right choice as it can make a big difference in the long run.
