The ID cards and badges you print on your ID card printer look great, but have you ever wondered what the cards are made with and why those materials are important to card durability? We’ve got your key to understanding ID cardstock materials.
Standard PVC Cards
Standard ID cards are made from a durable PVC plastic – this popular and common material means you can get cards in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles for the most options when printing ID cards. PVC cards are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, but will bend and break under pressure.
PVC/Poly Composite Cards
Because the lamination process requires a card to withstand more heat from the printhead during the printing process, you’ll need to use PVC/Poly composite cards instead of a standard PVC card. This combo material is designed to withstand the higher temperatures without warping so your cards will come out looking great.
Earth-friendly Cards
Earth-friendly cards are a great option for organizations who want to be more environmentally conscious with their business operations. When it comes to ID cards, you’ll have two options:
- BioPVC – made from a biodegradable material
- Recycled PVC – made from recycled plastic
Both options offer the same durability and quality of standard cards with less of an impact on the Earth.
Additionally, plastic ID cards come in different thicknesses and colors. Learn more about ID cards in the AlphaCard Learning Center.
