Choosing the right plastic card printer can be a tricky task, with so many options on the market. Whether you need to print identification cardsand membership cards or access cardsWhen it comes to plastic card printers, finding the right solution for your specific needs is essential. In this article, we'll explore the criteria to consider when choosing your plastic card printer, to ensure optimum results for your printing projects.

What type of PVC cards do you need?

Before choosing a plastic card printer, it's crucial to determine the type of PVC cards you need. Whether it's gift cardsWhether for membership cards, access cards or other types of badges, each application has its own specific printing requirements.

For example, for membership cards in a club, look for a printer for clear prints of member names and numbers. For access control badges in a company, opt for a printer adapted to security with RFID chips or unique identification codes.

How many cards do you need to print?

To find out how many cards to print and how long it will take, first assess the volume of printing required. If it's occasional, a desktop printer may suffice, but for large or urgent volumes, a faster solution is required.

Also, estimate the annual volume, which can vary from a few cards to over 30,000 per year. If this is the case, opt for a printer with a high feeder and hopper capacity. Also consider printing speed, especially if you need large quantities of cards quickly, such as for trade show badges.

How do you need to print your cards? 

To determine how you're going to print your cards, consider whether you need to print PVC cards individually, in series or using a self-service terminal. If you need individual personalization for each card, one-off printing is required. 

For mass production requirements, a printer capable of batch printing is recommended. Finally, if you prefer to offer your users the option of printing their own cards independently, a self-service kiosk is the ideal solution. Consider your specific needs and choose the method that best suits your situation.

Here are some considerations for each method:

Single PVC card printing :

• This method is ideal when you need individual personalization for each card.
• You can print unique information such as names, identification numbers or photos on each card.
• This approach is suitable for situations where each card is unique, such as staff identification cards or membership cards with details specific to each member.
• An alternative to purchasing a card printer for thesingle PVC card printing is to outsource the service to a company such as Printagswhich, in addition to printing, handles NFC encoding and logistics for shipping and tracking.

Serial printing :

• If you need to print a large number of cards with similar information, serial printing is more efficient.
• You can print several cards in a single operation, saving time and effort.
• This method is ideal for cards with standardized details, such as access cards with the same information for each user.

Single-sided or double-sided printing? 

The choice between single-sided or double-sided printing depends mainly on the amount of information to be included on the badge. If all the necessary information can be clearly displayed on the front without compromising legibility, a single-sided printer may suffice. In this case, it is always possible to print the second side of the cards manually, by reinserting the personalized cards into the printer to print the reverse, especially for small quantities.

However, if you need to include a lot of information on the cards, and the print volume is high, consider investing in a duplex printer for greater efficiency and time savings. 

Do you need card and badge encoding?

If so, you'll need to choose a plastic card printer capable of integrating this functionality. Data encoding can include the addition of barcodes, RFID chips or other elements to enable reading and recognition of the information stored on the card. 

Make sure you select a printer compatible with the encoding technologies needed to meet your specific plastic card requirements.

What level of security do you need?

The level of security required for your ID cards depends on the sensitivity of the data they contain and the rights they confer. For sensitive information or access to secure areas, an advanced level of security is crucial to prevent unauthorized reproduction and modification of cards. This applies to cards such as national identity cardsthe access control badgesthe PAYMENT CARDSthe driver's licenseand student cardsamong others. 

Advanced card printers offer different technologies to meet these requirements:

• Data encoding
• Holograms
• Micro-texts
• Advanced 2D codes
• Printing UV elements
• Safety laminations
• Specific encodings to prevent counterfeiting.

For less sensitive applications such as gift cards, a lower level of security may be appropriate. Be sure to consider your specific security needs, and choose a plastic card printer with the functionality to meet those requirements.

Services associated with plastic card printing

Finally, don't forget to consider the associated services offered with the printer, such as training, technical support and consumable availability. These services can help ensure a trouble-free printing experience over the long term.

By taking these different aspects into account, you can choose the plastic card printer that best suits your specific needs and guarantee optimum results for your card printing projects.

Outsourcing PVC card printing: a practical alternative

If purchasing a plastic card printer doesn't completely fit your needs or budget, a viable alternative is outsourcing PVC card printing. At Printags, we offer a complete solution for printing, mailing and distribution of PVC cards.NFC encoding and logistics forshipping and trackingThis service enables our customers to fully outsource their card production. Our service offers several advantages:

• Save time and money: Forget the hassle of managing physical printing equipment, consumables logistics and print quality issues. With Printags, you can benefit from the best prices without compromising quality.
• Robust, automated solution: Choose a robust, automated and cost-effective PVC card printing solution, guaranteeing impeccable professional quality.
• Long-term growth: By outsourcing your card production, you can ensure long-term business growth, focusing on your core business without worrying about the logistical aspects of card printing.

Trust Printags to take your card production needs to the next level. enhance your business development worldwide with our personalized plastic card printing solutions. Contact us today!