What type of printer is used to print the PVC card?

June 5, 2024

L'PVC card printing is a necessity for many companies, schools, and organizations seeking to create identity cardsand membership cardsor even loyalty cards. But what type of printer is best suited to this specific job? In this article, we'll explore the different options available and guide you towards the most practical and economical solution.

What is a PVC card?

Before diving into the details of printers, it's crucial to understand what a PVC card is. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic widely used in card manufacture because of its durability and flexibility. These cards are often used for identification badges, credit cards, loyalty cards, membership cards and much more.

Types of PVC card printers

1. Dye-sublimation printers

Dye-sublimation printers are among the most commonly used for PVC card printing. They work by using heat to transfer ink from the ink web to the card. This process produces high-quality printing with vivid, long-lasting colors.

Advantages :

Outstanding print quality
High resolution (up to 300 dpi and more)
Ability to print images and photos in precise detail

Disadvantages :

High initial cost
Regular maintenance required

2. Thermal transfer printers

Thermal transfer printers use a method similar to dye sublimation, but with one key difference: the ink is transferred from the web directly to the card using heat. This method is particularly effective for monochrome printing.

Advantages :

Less expensive than dye-sublimation printers
Ideal for printing text and barcodes

Disadvantages :

Lower image quality for color prints
Less suitable for photo printing

3. Direct-to-home (DTC) printers

Direct-to-Card printers are also popular. These print the image directly onto the surface of the PVC card. Although this method can produce high-quality results, it is generally less durable than dye-sublimation.

Advantages :

Less expensive
Faster printing process

Disadvantages :

Slightly lower print quality
Less wear resistance

Criteria for choosing a PVC card printer

When you choose a printer for PVC cardsseveral criteria must be taken into account:

Print quality : If you need cards with photos and detailed images, opt for a dye-sublimation printer.
Cost : Consider your initial budget, as well as the costs of maintenance and consumables.
Print volume : If you need to print large quantities of cards on a regular basis, a faster, more durable printer is essential.
Additional features : Some printers offer additional functions, such as encoding magnetic strips or RFID chips.

Outsource your PVC card production with Printags

If you have a PVC card production project and are looking for a card printer, Printags offers you a more practical and cost-effective solution. With our platform, you can centralize personalized printing, encoding, shipping and tracking services. This allows you to completely outsource your card printing, freeing you to concentrate on the most important aspects of your business while our experts take care of the rest.

Why choose Printags?

Lower costs : Eliminate equipment purchase and maintenance costs. Pay only for what you really need.
Flexibility and customization : Benefit from a wide range of formats, materials and printing techniques to meet your every need.
Efficiency and reliability: Thanks to an integrated system, you can manage your orders seamlessly and efficiently.
Ecological : Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing local workshops and sustainable practices.