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Guide to Making Plastic Cards
Here’s what you need to get started with creating plastic cards:
Here’s what you need to get started with creating plastic cards:
- Embosser (~$800 USD)
Used to punch numbers on the front of the card. Opt for a manual embosser compatible with standard card formats, such as those used in healthcare. - Tipper (Optional)
Applies a silver or gold finish to the embossed numbers. Many cards don’t require tipping, and you can achieve a similar effect by printing a gold or silver outline around the numbers with precise alignment for a cost-effective alternative. - Holograms (~$10 USD each, depending on vendor)
Common designs include dove or world holograms for added security and authenticity. - Card Printer (~$2,000–$5,000 USD)
A high-quality ID card printer is essential. Prices vary based on brand and features. - Heat Press (~$1,000–$5,000 USD)
Used to embed holograms into the card for a smooth finish. Both new and used models work effectively; used presses can save costs without sacrificing quality. - Signature Stripe
Source signature stripe materials from a vendor, or print them directly using your card printer and apply signatures with a permanent marker. Alternatively, purchase PVC cards with pre-applied signature strips. - M and V Embosser Characters
These are specialized characters for embossing card fronts and can be harder to source. Options include ordering custom keys locally, using rapid prototyping services, or creating molds with acrylic. - PVC Blanks (~$15 USD for 100)
Use 30mil high-coercivity (Hi-Co) PVC blanks for durability and compatibility with magnetic stripe encoding. - Card Scanner
A card scanner is necessary for reading and verifying card data during production.