Plastic Card Blanks

Introduction: What Are Plastic Card Blanks?

Plastic card blanks are thin, durable plastic sheets used to create personalized plastic cards such as ID cards, loyalty cards, loyalty credits, or cards for special events. Primarily made from PVC, ABS, Polycarbonate, and PET Summit plastic material, they come in various sizes and shapes and consist of a clear or semi-clear blank onto which a card graphic design is printed.

Different Types of Card Blanks

There are various types of plastic card blanks available for a variety of purposes. Common card types include: credit card-sized blanks, which are perfect for creating standard-sized ID cards, loyalty cards, hotel keys, business cards, event badges, and gift cards; custom-sized blanks, which are perfect for special events or loyalty credits and larger format cards; and composite blanks, which are made from a combination of materials such as PVC, ABS, and Polycarbonate, making them highly durable and perfect for use in a harsh environment.

Features of Plastic Card Blanks

Plastic card blanks offer a variety of features that provide a great printing experience. For example, they are non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for use in medical environments. Additionally, some blanks are specifically designed for direct-to-card (DTC) printing, allowing for a smart card option. Card blanks can also be printed with RFID tags or magnetic stripes, making them suitable for contactless payment systems.

Benefits of Plastic Card Blanks

Plastic card blanks offer several benefits over traditional paper-based cards. They are extremely durable due to their thick plastic material, meaning they won't tear or wear down like paper cards. Additionally, they are waterproof and resistant to breaking, bending, or snapping, making them extremely long lasting.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Card Blanks

Plastic card blanks offer clear benefits, but there are also some downsides. On the pro side, they are durable, waterproof, and resistant to breaking, as well as being able to take advantage of contactless payment systems and handle DTC printing. On the con side, they are more expensive than paper cards, and they are not suitable for inkjet printers, as the ink may smudge or run.

Case Studies

Case Study 1:

A Bank Issues Loyalty Credit Cards

A bank wants to reward its loyal customers with loyalty credits, so it turns to plastic card blanks to create personalized cards. The clear blank allows for various designs to be printed onto the cards, giving the cards a personal touch. The bank then adds unique codes to each card so that customers can redeem their points for goods and services. The plastic material makes the cards durable and long lasting, ensuring customers can use them for a long time.

Case Study 2:

A Hotel Creates Room Keys

A hotel needs to create room keys for its guests and decides to use plastic card blanks. The credit-sized blanks allow for a standardized design, which makes it easier for guests to find the right key. Furthermore, the plastic material ensures the cards are waterproof, durable, and long-lasting, so the hotel can rest assured that their guests won't have trouble accessing their rooms.

FAQs

Q1: What is a Plastic Card Blank?

A plastic card blank is a thin, durable plastic sheet used to create personalized plastic cards such as ID cards, loyalty cards, loyalty credits, or cards for special events. Primarily made from PVC, ABS, Polycarbonate, and PET Summit plastic material, they come in various sizes and shapes and consist of a clear or semi-clear blank onto which a card graphic design is printed.

Q2: What are the Different Types of Card Blanks?

Common card types include: credit card-sized blanks, which are perfect for creating standard-sized ID cards, loyalty cards, hotel keys, business cards, event badges, and gift cards; custom-sized blanks, which are perfect for special events or loyalty credits and larger format cards; and composite blanks, which are made from a combination of materials such as PVC, ABS, and Polycarbonate, making them highly durable and perfect for use in a harsh environment.

Mistakes People Make

One of the most common mistakes people make when using plastic card blanks is buying the wrong type of blank. It's important to ensure you are buying the correct size and material for your cards to ensure they last. Furthermore, some people forget to consider DTC printing and RFID tags when selecting blanks, so it's important to factor these into your decision-making process.

Best Practices

When selecting plastic card blanks, it's important to consider the purpose of your cards, the environment in which they will be used, and the types of printing or functional features you may want. Furthermore, it's important to invest in high-quality blanks as they will last longer and provide better protection for your cards. Finally, it's important to select blanks that are versatile and have features that support the functional needs of your cards, such as DTC printing or RFID tags.

Conclusion

Plastic card blanks are a great option for creating personalized plastic cards. They are durable, waterproof, and resistant to breaking or bending, making them highly long-lasting. Additionally, they can take advantage of features such as DTC printing, RFID tags, and magnetic stripes. With the right selection, plastic card blanks can provide a great printing experience for any purpose.