Introduction to Plastic Cards

Plastic or ID cards are used in a multitude of contexts, ranging from access control in factories and other business premises to secure identification documents such as driver's licenses. They are comprised of sturdy, durable plastic, and they come in various sizes and shapes, making them versatile in a wide range of uses.

Features and Benefits

Synthetic plastic cards come with a variety of features and benefits. For one, the plastic is resistant to water, thus making the cards more durable than standard paper cards. Furthermore, they can be printed in full-color to include a range of graphics and text. This makes them ideal for customer loyalty programs as they can be easily customized for branding purposes.

Integrated security measures such as embedded chips, straps, holograms, and magnetic strips can also be added to the cards, and these make them difficult to forge and more secure than other types of cards. This makes them ideal for uses such as driver's licenses and access control cards.

Pros and Cons

The main benefit of using plastic cards is that they are cost-effective. Thanks to their sturdy construction and long lifespan, plastic cards usually cost less in the long-term than alternative card materials such as paper or cardboard.

The downside is that plastic cards are not as environmentally-friendly as other materials. Their production also poses numerous health risks due to the toxic chemicals used in the production process.

Case Studies

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company uses plastic cards for its keyless entry technology, which requires the use of a physical card instead of a traditional key. This has allowed the company to save money on production costs while improving the overall security of the vehicles.

Broadgate Tower

Broadgate Tower is a London-based office building that uses plastic cards for access control. The cards are encoded with information concerning the holder's identity and access rights. This ensures that only authorized personnel are allowed to access the premises.

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney has switched from paper cards to plastic cards for its student ID cards. The cards are chip-enabled and feature a range of integrated security features that ensure the cards cannot be forged.

FAQs

How long do plastic cards last?

The life expectancy of plastic cards depends on how and where they are used. Generally speaking, plastic cards should last anywhere from a few months to several years.

Are plastic cards secure?

Yes, plastic cards can be printed with a range of integrated security measures, such as embedded chips, straps, holograms, and magnetic strips. This makes them difficult to forge and more secure than other types of cards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using plastic cards, it's important to ensure that they are produced in accordance with local regulations and legal requirements. It's also important to use materials and processes that are certified as safe.

Best Practices

When designing and ordering plastic cards, make sure to use a reputable and experienced provider. It's also important to consider the cost and lifespan of the cards. It's usually best to opt for higher-quality plastic cards that are more durable and secure.

Conclusion

Plastic cards offer a range of features and benefits that make them ideal for a variety of uses. They are durable, inexpensive, and highly secure, making them versatile and reliable. It's important to consider the features and benefits of different types of plastic cards before making any purchasing decisions.