A key concern for many ID programs is card security. You want to make sure your cards are well-protected from threats such as tampering and illegal duplication. There are a number of ways to go about this, and not all of them require a high-end card printer. Certainly the top-shelf ID card printers are ideal for high-volume, high-security projects, but there are also plenty of low-cost options for ID card programs on a budget.
Consider hologram stickers and overlays, for instance. These self-adhesive stickers can be manually applied across the surface of your ID cards, offering increased security and durability. Holographic overlays actually cover the entire card surface, so you can get many of the same benefits of card lamination even if you don't own a laminating ID card printer.
For ID programs wishing to incorporate sophisticated encoding technologies to increase card security, thin adhesive-back cards are a great option. Not all ID card printers can print on the thicker technology cards which contain embedded electronics. That's where adhesive-back cards come into play. With sticky-back thin cards, you can include all the necessary personalized info in your design, then print and affix to a thicker technology card that's already encoded. This is a great idea for those who wish to use smart cards or proximity cards, but don't have a printer that supports thick technology cards.
Another easy way to better personalize and protect your ID cards is to include additional security elements such as barcodes and signatures into your card design. For more card personalization tips and secure ID options, visit AlphaCard.com.
