Comparison of technologies for card printing applications

Abstract

The printing of identity cards differs significantly from other printing technologies in that the substrate is well-defined, generally PVC or polycarbonate, and relatively small, typically 2.125'' x 3.370.'' Because the substrate is non-porous, the dyes and pigments used must penetrate into the substrate or be held in place by an adhesive or binder that adheres to the surface or penetrates into it. The simplest printing system capable of producing a printed plastic card is dye sublimation. In this process dyes penetrate into the substrate producing a durable dye-based image. Requirements for edge-to-edge printing as well as the need to print technology cards that may not be perfectly flat have led to retransfer dye sub printing systems, which uses an intermediate transfer ribbon. Finally, electrophotographic and inkjet systems are also present in the market. This presentation will provide a technological assessment comparing advantages and disadvantages of various printing systems, allowing the user to identify the preferred technology for different applications.