Paper or Plastic? Why Printing ID Cards on PVC Makes All the Difference

Education, finance, government, healthcare, retail, and transport industries all regularly require on-site ID card printing for identification and security.

From functionality to quality, there’s a significant difference between PVC card printing and printing on a standard desktop printer. When trying to choose a solution, it helps to understand the process that is involved in both PVC printing and traditional printing with a desktop printer.

How Does PVC Card Printing Work?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a strong plastic material used in professional ID card printing. This material offers a smooth finished surface, meaning that colour and branding details show up vividly.

PVC card printers also known as Retransfer printers, print onto the reverse of clear film that is thermally bonded to the card. This process improves image consistency and precision to ID cards, including double-sided prints.

Inkjet Printer Limitations

By contrast, normal desktop printing is water-based. Regular inkjet printers are not able to print on standard PVC plastic cards.

Recently, a few suppliers have started offering inkjet PVC card kits, designed to allow ID card printing with an inkjet printer. These kits come with special inkjet-specific PVC cards and a replacement tray that works in conjunction with an inkjet printer. But despite claims, inkjet kit card printing is severely limited.

Boost Your Image with Superior ID Card Printing

First impressions can make or break a business, and your companies ID cards reflect your image everywhere you go. Don’t trust a household inkjet printer and paper to represent your brand. Project a professional image with an ID card printer from Cards Plus.

Ready to ditch sub-par printing for your business? Choose Cards Plus extensive knowledge in PVC card printing to take your business to the next level. Let us help you find the car printer that fits your business needs! Please get in contact with Cards Plus on 011 894 3914