Ethan Clarke
Printing on PVC plastic cards can be done in a few different ways, depending on your needs and budget. PVC cards are typically used for identification, credit/debit cards, membership cards, and access cards. If you're printing a large volume of cards regularly, it may be worth investing in a dedicated printer designed for printing on PVC. These printers offer a range of capabilities and security features and can handle high-volume printing. For lower-volume needs, you can outsource printing to a dedicated service. Another option is to use an inkjet printer with a special PVC card tray, but you'll need to check your printer's compatibility. The cost of printing PVC cards yourself includes the price of blank cards, ink or ribbon, and any software or equipment required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Card type | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Card use | ID cards, credit/debit cards, membership cards, access cards, gift cards, business cards |
| Card size | 3.375" x 2.125" (CR-80) |
| Card thickness | 30 mil |
| Card finish | Gloss, satin, matte |
| Card colour | Wide range of colours |
| Card printer | Dedicated printer designed for PVC, e.g. Evolis, Magicard, Zebra, IDP, Datacard, Matica |
| Card tray | Inkjet PVC Card Tray |
| Card template | Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, Apple Pages |
| Card cost | $0.05 each for white gloss cards in quantities of 1,000-5,000 |
| Ink cost | $0.29-$0.42 per card for colour on the front and black ink on the back |
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What You'll Learn
Printer compatibility
To print on PVC plastic cards, you need a dedicated printer that is designed for printing on PVC or other specialised materials. These printers are made by manufacturers including Evolis, Magicard, Zebra, IDP, Datacard, and Matica, and offer a range of capabilities and price points.
Entry-level printers are ideal for businesses that only need short print runs, while high-production-volume printers can handle thousands of cards and include high-security features such as built-in access control encoding. Desktop plastic card printers are compact, making them easy to transport and suitable for reception or office desktops.
If you only need a small number of cards or don't require regular printing, you can outsource to a dedicated printing service. This option may be more cost-effective, especially when considering the cost of blank PVC cards, ink, and printer accessories like trays.
When printing on PVC cards, ensure your printer is compatible with a PVC card tray, as standard printers cannot handle PVC cards. Inkjet PVC cards have a special coating that absorbs ink, and you can use applications like Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, or Microsoft Word to design your cards.
Rewriteable plastic cards are another option, which can be personalised using thermo-sensitive material that reacts to the temperature applied by the printer.
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Inkjet PVC card trays
Printing on PVC cards typically requires a special tray that works with certain printers. Inkjet PVC card trays are available for a variety of Epson and Canon printer models, including:
- Epson R200, R300, R280, Artisan 50, RX595, R260, 1430, and 1500W
- Canon PRO-10 and Pro-100
- Canon PIXMA TS70x, TS80xx, TS81xx, TS82xx, TS83xx, TS95xx
These trays can replace standard CD/DVD trays, and some can hold up to four cards at a time. Before purchasing an inkjet PVC card tray, it is important to check your printer's compatibility to ensure it supports the use of these trays.
To print on PVC cards, you will need cards that have a special coating that allows them to absorb ink from the inkjet printer. Without this coating, the ink will pool up and not absorb properly. You can use any application to design your card, but it must be set up to print in the correct location. Templates are available for popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Word.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, you can consider using synthetic paper called Teslin. This material allows you to print on standard home or office inkjet printers without the need for a PVC card tray. After printing on Teslin, you can laminate it to activate its synthetic properties, forming a solid bond with the laminate.
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Cost per card
The cost per card depends on the number of cards being printed, the colours used, and the finish selected. The cheapest option is to buy white cards with a gloss finish in bulk, with prices ranging from $0.05 each for quantities of 1,000-5,000. The cost of ink and ribbon for a single plastic card printed in colour on both sides is estimated to be between $0.56 and $0.80 per card. For a card printed in colour on the front and black on the back, the cost is estimated to be between $0.29 and $0.42 per card.
If you are printing your own cards, the cost of the printer and software must also be considered. Thermal ID card printers, the most popular type for non-commercial use, typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, and often do not include the necessary software. Inkjet printers can also be used to print on PVC cards, but they require a special tray which is compatible with certain printers.
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Simplex vs. duplex printers
Printing on PVC plastic cards requires a special tray that works with certain printers. These cards are used for identification, credit/debit cards, membership cards, and access cards. You can check your printer's compatibility to see if it supports using an inkjet PVC card tray.
Now, when it comes to simplex and duplex printers, the main difference lies in the number of sides printed on. Simplex printing refers to printing on only one side of a paper sheet, while duplex printing involves printing on both sides. Here are some key considerations when choosing between simplex and duplex printing:
Simplex Printing:
- Simplex printing is ideal for single-page documents, such as letters, invoices, or memos.
- It is faster than duplex printing, making it suitable for quick printing tasks.
- Simplex-printed documents are easier to handle and organise, as there is no need to flip pages.
- It is the default setting for most printers and is commonly used for basic printing tasks.
- Simplex printing uses more paper, leading to increased paper consumption and reduced document compactness.
- It is generally more economical for shorter documents due to lower ink or toner usage.
- Simplex printing is often chosen for documents meant for brief use or display, such as posters, flyers, and advertisements.
Duplex Printing:
- Duplex printing is perfect for creating books, booklets, brochures, or any multi-page document requiring a professional and compact appearance.
- It reduces paper consumption by up to 50%, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
- Duplex printing can be more cost-effective for long documents, despite the possibility of increased toner consumption.
- It may require additional steps, such as flipping pages or adjusting printer settings, which can be time-consuming.
- Duplex printing is favoured for publications that value professionalism and preservation, ensuring a neat and organised appearance.
In summary, the choice between simplex and duplex printing depends on the specific requirements of your printing project. Simplex printing is ideal for quick, basic printing tasks on single-page documents, while duplex printing is more suitable for multi-page publications that require a professional and compact look while conserving paper resources.
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Eco-friendly options
If you're looking for eco-friendly options for printing on PVC plastic cards, there are several alternatives to consider. Firstly, you can explore the use of biodegradable materials. For instance, BioPVC is a composition of additives that create a flexible and efficient material for sustainable end products. It has the same look and feel as regular plastic cards, but it is fully compostable and non-toxic.
Another option is to use paper cards made from mill paper with no carbon footprint. These cards are highly biodegradable, lightweight, long-lasting, and can be easily printed on. When choosing paper cards, opt for those labelled "100% post-consumer recycled content" or with a "processed chlorine-free" label.
Additionally, you can consider Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) cards, which are 100% recyclable and highly durable. ABS cards are manufactured from recycled materials and can be used for various card purposes, following the same printing and personalisation processes as standard PVC cards.
To improve the eco-friendliness of your PVC card printing process, you can also focus on the printing method. Plasma Treatment is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient solution to the issue of poor ink adhesion on PVC cards. This technology increases ink adhesion by treating the card surface at a molecular level, resulting in a stronger grip for the ink. Atmospheric Plasma Technology is ideal for high-speed printing and can treat up to 30,000 cards per hour.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a dedicated printer that is designed for printing onto PVC or other specialized materials. Some manufacturers of these printers include Evolis, Magicard, Zebra, IDP, Datacard, and Matica.
Aside from the printer, you will also need blank PVC cards and ink. You may also need a special tray that works with certain printers.
The cost per card varies depending on the quantity, color, and finish selected. The cost of ink for a card printed in color on both sides is $0.56 - $0.80 per card. For a card printed in color on the front and black on the back, the cost is $0.29 - $0.42 per card.
