How many times a day do you reach into your wallet and pull out a plastic ID card? These plastic ID cards, also known as PVC ID cards, are proof of our individual identity. Whether it’s for access control, identification, or loyalty programs, these cards have become an integral part of our daily lives. But have you ever wondered how these PVC ID cards are created?
The answer lies in plastic ID card printers. But What are plastic ID card printers? How do they work? Let’s dive in to explore these questions in depth.
What Are Plastic ID Card Printers?
In simple terms, a plastic ID card printer is a machine that lets you print employee & membership ID cards and badges on a plastic (PVC) card, unlike a traditional printer that uses paper. These printers, including PVC ID card printers, are used by businesses to custom-design business cards, identity cards, credit cards, etc.
Although they work pretty similar to that of a typical inkjet printer, PVC ID card printers are slightly more expensive. It’s because they have special ink cartridges and printing mechanisms that can apply images, text, and even barcodes or magnetic stripes onto the PVC surface.
Besides employee ID cards and membership cards, businesses also use PVC ID card printers to produce access control cards programmed with technology such as RFID or magnetic stripes to help ensure only authorised personnel access. Moreover, they are also used to generate visitor badges, event passes, vendor badges, etc.
These printers offer flexibility in designing and producing customised cards tailored to the specific needs of the organisation. Moreover, they are a great way of enhancing security, improving identification processes, and creating a sense of professionalism.
Features of Plastic ID Card Printers
Below listed are the features of plastic ID card printers:
1. Durability:
Plastic ID cards, produced using PVC ID card printers, have a longer life span in comparison to their paper alternatives as they are more resistant to environmental factors. Thus, documents printed from a PVC ID card printer are more durable.
2. Security:
Unlike paper cards, plastic ID cards can be integrated with security features such as RFID, magnetic strips, etc. This ensures top-notch security, thus preventing counterfeiting and misuse of the issued cards.
3. Printing quality & volume:
PVC ID card printers can produce high-quality prints with sharp images and text. Not just this, they can also print a large volume of cards in a short amount of time.
Easy to use:
The best part about PVC ID card printers is they are easy to use and work pretty much like a typical inkjet printer.
4. Customizability:
With a PVC ID card printer, you can easily produce custom-designed cards that feature the organisation’s logo, the individual’s name, photo, and other relevant information, thus promoting brand recognition.
Types of Plastic ID Card Printers and Their Working
| Printer Type | Print Method | Pros | Cons |
| Direct-to-Card | Dye sublimation | Fast, affordable, widely used | Not edge-to-edge printing |
| Retransfer | Prints on film → bonds to card | High quality, edge-to-edge, durable | More expensive, slower |
| Inkjet | Liquid ink sprayed via nozzles | High resolution, versatile materials | Slower, higher ink cost |
In brief, the working of a plastic ID card printer involves inserting a blank plastic card on the surface, of which the design is transferred through the thermal print head via a printer ribbon. Voila! Now, you have your printed plastic ID card.
However, there are three slightly varying plastic ID card printing technologies, each of which comes with a slightly different printing process. Let’s explore these plastic ID card printing technologies and their working.
Direct-To-Card Plastic Card Printers
Well-known for printing ID cards, direct-to-card plastic card printers, including PVC ID card printers, have an impressive print speed ideal designed to meet the demands of high card production. Being the most common type of plastic ID card printer, it uses a process called dye sublimation for printing.
As the printer is set up with the printer ribbon, it moves beneath a print head that uses heat to activate the ribbon. As the ribbon reaches the appropriate temperature, it releases ink onto the card through dye sublimation.
The printer ribbon is guided by two spools, enabling it to go over the card multiple times until the design is completely printed on the plastic card. Once the printing is finished, the card will be ejected from the printer.
Retransfer Plastic Card Printers
Also known as reverse transfer printers, these printers, including PVC ID card printers, use a different printing process compared to direct-to-card printers. In retransfer printing, the design and information are first printed onto a clear film, which is then thermally bonded to the surface of the card.
The retransfer printing process involves two steps. First, the printer prints the design and information onto the clear film in a mirror image. Then, a heated roller applies the film onto the card, creating a permanent and durable bond. This process allows for edge-to-edge printing, as the film is slightly larger than the card itself.
Inkjet Plastic Card Printers
Inkjet printers for plastic cards, such as PVC ID card printers, use a similar technology to regular inkjet printers. These printers utilise inkjet cartridges containing liquid ink, which is sprayed onto the card’s surface through tiny nozzles. The ink droplets form the desired text, images, and graphics.
Inkjet plastic card printers can produce full-color prints with high resolution and detail. They are suitable for printing on different card materials, including PVC and synthetic materials. However, it’s worth noting that the printing speed of inkjet printers may be slower compared to direct-to-card or retransfer printers.
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Benefits of Using Plastic ID Card Printers
Cost-effective for businesses
Imagine needing new employee ID cards every time a fresh hire joins your team. Relying on outside vendors for every little batch can quickly add up. By investing in your own plastic ID card printer, you cut out that middle cost. Over time, the savings are substantial — especially for companies that frequently update staff cards, membership cards, or access badges. It’s like having your own mini print shop in the office.
On-demand printing convenience
Ever had a new employee show up on their first day, but their ID card hasn’t arrived yet? That awkward wait disappears with an in-house printer. With a plastic ID card printer, you can create cards instantly, whenever the need arises. Whether it’s for a new team member, a lost badge, or a last-minute visitor pass, you’re always ready.
Enhanced professionalism
Your ID card is more than just a piece of plastic — it’s a representation of your brand. With your own printer, you can add logos, choose company colors, and create consistent layouts that reflect professionalism. When employees, clients, or visitors carry these cards, it reinforces a sense of belonging and strengthens your brand identity at every touchpoint.
Stronger security
Security is no longer optional — it’s essential. Plastic ID card printers allow you to embed advanced features like holograms, magnetic stripes, or even RFID chips. These elements make it much harder to copy or forge your cards, ensuring that only authorized people have access to secure areas. For schools, hospitals, and corporate offices, this extra layer of protection can make a world of difference.
Scalable solutions
Whether you’re a small startup needing a handful of cards or a large enterprise producing thousands every month, plastic ID card printers grow with you. Entry-level models handle simple printing needs, while advanced systems can churn out high volumes with sophisticated features. This scalability makes them a practical solution no matter where your business is on its growth journey.
Conclusion
Thus, plastic ID card printers, including PVC ID card printers, are essential tools for efficient and customised card production. Their ability to produce cards on-demand, cost-effectiveness, and integration of security features make them indispensable for organisations requiring identification cards.
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FAQs: ID Card Printer
1. What are plastic ID card printers?
A plastic ID card printer is a machine that lets you print employee & membership ID cards and badges on a plastic (PVC) card, unlike a traditional printer that uses paper.
2. What are the different types of plastic ID card printers?
The different types of plastic ID card printers, including PVC ID card printers, are:
- Direct-to-card plastic card printers
- Retransfer plastic card printers
- Inkjet plastic card printers
3. How does a plastic ID card printer work?
The working of a plastic ID card printer involves inserting a blank plastic card on the surface, of which the design is transferred through the thermal print head via a printer ribbon. Voila! Now, you have your printed plastic ID card.
4. What are the features of plastic ID card printers?
Features of plastic ID card printers, including PVC ID card printers, include high-quality printing, various encoding options, dual-sided printing, security features like holograms and UV printing, and compatibility with different card materials and sizes.
5. What are the advantages of plastic ID card printers?
The advantages of plastic ID card printers, including PVC ID card printers, include on-demand card production, customization options, cost-effectiveness for small to medium-scale card printing, faster turnaround time, and the ability to integrate security features for enhanced card durability and protection.
6. Can PVC ID card printers print on both sides of the card?
Yes, many advanced PVC ID card printers come with dual-side printing (duplex) functionality. This allows you to print information or branding on the front and back of the card in one go, saving time and ensuring professional output.
7. What types of organizations benefit most from PVC ID card printers?
PVC ID card printers are widely used in schools, universities, hospitals, corporate offices, gyms, and event management companies where quick and secure card issuance is essential.
8. How long does it take to print a PVC ID card? On average, a PVC ID card printer can print a single card in 20–40 seconds, depending on whether it’s single-sided or dual-sided, and the design complexity. High-volume printers can print hundreds of cards per hour.
9. What is the lifespan of a printed PVC ID card?
A standard PVC ID card lasts between 2–5 years with normal use. Using overlays, lamination, or protective coatings can extend the card’s lifespan by protecting it from scratches, fading, and everyday wear and tear.
10. Can PVC ID card printers be integrated with access control systems?
Yes, many PVC ID card printers can encode smart cards, magnetic stripe cards, or RFID-enabled cards. This makes them ideal for integrating with office access systems, time attendance systems, or secure facility management.
