Alexei Volkov
Printing on plastic cards can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your budget and the desired quality of the print. Some methods include using an inkjet printer, a colour laser printer, or a specialised printer like the p310i. Inkjet PVC cards have a special coating that allows them to absorb ink from inkjet printers, while conventional PVC cards without this coating will not absorb ink. For higher quality results, a specialised printer like the p310i is designed for high-volume print runs on credit card-type stock and produces long-lasting prints with a clear layer over the colour layers, effectively laminating the card. The cost of such printers can be high, so it may be more economical to use a printing agency unless there is a continuous need for this type of printing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Printing technology | Inkjet PVC Card Tray |
| Card type | Inkjet PVC Cards |
| Card thickness | 30 mil (0.8mm) |
| Printer compatibility | Check if your printer supports an inkjet PVC card tray |
| Printing applications | Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, Apple Pages |
| Post-printing | Add a slot hole using an ID Card Slot Punch |
| Printing services | Eltron, Zebra, p310i |
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What You'll Learn
Inkjet PVC cards
Before purchasing inkjet PVC cards and trays, it is important to check compatibility with your printer. Certain printers may not support the use of inkjet PVC card trays. Brainstorm ID, for example, offers Inkjet PVC cards that are compatible with the SwiftColor SCC2000D and SCC4000D Inkjet ID Card Printers. Their cards come in various sizes, including standard credit card size (CR80, 3.375" x 2.125") and large-format/conference badge size (3.5" x 5.5"").
In addition to standard blank cards, you can also find inkjet PVC cards with additional features. For instance, cards with pre-punched holes for lanyards or badge clips, cards with magnetic stripes, cards with adhesive backing, and even cards with NFC or other chips. These options allow for further customization and functionality depending on your specific needs.
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PVC card trays
Printing on plastic cards requires a special tray that works with certain printers. Inkjet PVC Card Trays are available for a variety of Epson and Canon printers. These trays replace the standard CD/DVD tray in the printer and allow for printing on Inkjet PVC Cards. Inkjet PVC Cards have a special coating that allows them to absorb ink, whereas normal PVC cards without this coating will not absorb ink properly.
The Platinum PVC ID Card Tray Starter Set is a popular option for Epson R280 and similar printers. It includes 50 blank Platinum brand ID cards, which are noted for their high quality. This tray measures 5 7/8" x 9 5/8" and has slots for printing two cards simultaneously. Customers have praised the product for its affordability and professional results, although some have noted issues with cards moving around during printing.
Brainstorm ID also offers Inkjet PVC Card Trays for Epson and Canon printers. Their trays are compatible with specific models in the Canon PIXMA TS and Canon PIXMA MX series, as well as various Epson printers that use a 5 3/8" x 11 1/2" DVD printing tray. Brainstorm ID provides templates and printing instructions to ensure smooth printing.
For those seeking a do-it-yourself approach, an alternative method involves using business card blanks, graphics editing software, a color printer, and a heavy-duty laminator. This method may be more suitable for those on a limited budget, but it is important to consider the time and labour involved in the process.
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Printer compatibility
Printing on plastic cards requires a special tray that is compatible with certain printers. Inkjet printers can be used to print on plastic cards, but the cards must be specially coated to absorb the ink. Regular ink will wipe or fall off conventional untreated plastic.
Some printers, such as the p310i, are designed for high-volume print runs onto credit card-type stock and can handle thicker PVC cards. Other options include the Eltron and Zebra brand printers, which have been reported to yield good results.
The Canon CP-220 may also be capable of printing on PVC cards, although it is unclear if this requires a special tray or coating.
It is important to note that some printers may not be compatible with the inkjet PVC card trays, so it is recommended to check the compatibility with your specific printer model.
In terms of cost, printers capable of printing on PVC cards can range from £750 to £1500, with higher-end options potentially costing as much as a new car. Therefore, it is essential to consider the frequency of use and whether outsourcing to an agency may be a more cost-effective solution.
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Laminating
To laminate plastic cards, you will need a laminator, and possibly a pouch or sleeve to put the card in, depending on the type of laminator. It is important to note that not all laminators can handle plastic cards, as they may be too thick and damage the machine. Some sources suggest that only paper cards can be laminated. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specifications of your laminator before attempting to laminate plastic cards.
If you are creating your own plastic cards, you can use materials like Teslin, which can be purchased pre-cut for ID cards, and an inkjet or colour laser printer. After printing, you can laminate the cards to give them a finished look and added protection.
Outsourcing the lamination process to a professional company is also an option. This can save you time and ensure a high-quality result. Many companies that create custom ID cards also offer lamination services.
Lamination can enhance the security of your plastic cards. Most laminate films can be customised with security features such as holograms, watermarks, and microscopic printing, making them challenging to replicate and providing additional protection against fraud.
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Printing on untreated plastic
Choosing the Right Printer and Ink:
Select a high-quality printer designed for printing on plastic substrates. Not all printers are capable of printing on plastic. Consider using digital inkjet printers or screen printers with inks specifically formulated for plastic. These inks ensure durability, colour vibrancy, and resistance to fading. Screen printing is a preferred solution for most plastic materials due to its versatility, high quality, and durability.
Surface Preparation:
Thoroughly clean the untreated plastic surface to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that might affect print quality. Ensure the surface is completely dry and free of any oils or residues that could interfere with ink adhesion. This step is crucial for achieving optimal results.
Ink Application and Drying:
Utilise digital files and print the image using inkjet nozzles or stencils. Ensure the ink is compatible with the untreated plastic surface. After printing, allow the ink to dry completely, resulting in a smudge-proof and water-resistant finish.
Protective Coatings:
Apply protective coatings to enhance the durability of the printed material. If the printed items will be exposed to sunlight, consider a UV protective coating to prevent fading and deterioration. For items that will be used in humid or wet environments, a moisture-resistant overcoat can be applied to protect the print.
Plastic Material Considerations:
Evaluate the durability, thickness, and printability of the untreated plastic. Choose the appropriate plastic material for your project, such as PVC, polycarbonate, or PETG, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks. Consider the intended use and end-use requirements to select the most suitable plastic type.
Printing Methods:
Digital printing, screen printing, and laser printing are commonly used methods for printing on untreated plastic. Digital printing produces high-quality images directly onto plastic surfaces, while screen printing is cost-efficient for large quantities and provides durable prints. Laser printing, on the other hand, uses a focused laser beam to heat and melt the plastic surface, creating precise and detailed designs.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a printer that is compatible with an inkjet PVC card tray. For example, the p310i printer is designed for high-volume print runs on credit card-type stock.
You need to use inkjet PVC cards, which have a special coating that allows them to absorb the ink from your inkjet printer. Normal PVC cards without this coating will not absorb the ink.
You can use any application you like to design your cards, such as Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, or Apple Pages.
You can buy pre-cut Teslin cards and pouches to laminate them with magnetic stripes. For a professional finish, you may want to consider using a company that specializes in printing plastic cards.
