When selecting a new ID card printer for your business, one question is should you laminate your cards? Your answer drives what type of ID card printer you need, the type and cost of supplies, and whether you need badge accessories.
Many companies shy away from laminating employee ID cards until they hear the many benefits that far outweigh the cost.
Two ways to laminate ID cards
If this is your first ID card solution, lamination is the process of coating the surface of your ID cards with a somewhat thick layer of laminate. You can choose from clear laminates or ones with a watermark or a holograph for more security.
You also have options for laminating your cards:
- Laminating module. You can choose an ID card printer with a laminating module that adds the laminate directly to the card after you've printed it. This is an all-in-one solution that works well when you print a lot of laminated cards. However, it is more costly.
- Laminating machine. You can purchase a separate laminating machine and individual pouches. After you print your ID cards, you slide each card into individual pouches and place them in the laminating machine. Pouches and laminating machine are less costly, but are a more time-intensive and laborious process.
Benefits of laminating ID cards
While laminating costs more in equipment and supplies, the benefits of a laminated card far outweigh increased costs over time. Here's how:
Your ID cards will last longer
Adding an extra layer of laminate to your cards gives it durability that results in longer lasting cards. Standard, non-laminated ID cards don't last nearly as long as their laminated cousins. Here's what happens when you choose lamination.
- Add strength to your cards. A standard ID card is usually 30 mil thick. When adding a laminate to your cards, you increase that thickness and create a much more durable card. Lamination protects the card from common physical damage they're prone to.
- Protect your cards' surface. One of the biggest reasons to laminate a card is to protect what you've printed on your cards. For example, do your employees or staff wear their ID cards on job sites, in manufacturing plants, or other locations where they're exposed to water, dirt, dust, and other debris? Laminating keeps elements that can scratch, damage, or get your cards dirty while still keeping the images on display.
Lamination can be more cost effective in the long run
Most companies interested in a return on investment choose lamination. While the upfront costs are greater because of the cost of equipment and supplies, over time, the number of cards you must reissue are greatly reduced.
Wear and tear on ID cards, especially if your employees or staff are in harsh environments, result in cards needing reissued more frequently. And individuals are somewhat careless with their cards, getting scratches on the surface or leaving a card out in the sun to fade.
Consider the costs of reissuing only 10 cards a week. It costs a little over one dollar each in materials to reprint each card. By the end of 52 weeks, those reissued cards will cost you between $520 and $600 a year.
Lamination drastically increases the strength and longevity of all your ID cards, resulting in few reissued cards needed. Your lamination equipment and supplies will eventually pay for themselves.
Your ID cards will always look professional
Regardless of the environment your employees and staff wear their ID cards in, they will remain looking professional thanks to lamination. The images on the card won't fade from sun exposure, and the card won't get scratched or damaged beyond recognition. Lamination makes your business operation appear more professional.
Your employees undoubtedly wear their ID badges when meeting clients. If your employees also wear their ID cards before and after work and at lunch time, they come in contact with the public. Lamination keeps them looking professional in all environments and helps other recognize your company as a highly professional organization. ID cards and badges are usually the first thing a guest or the public sees when they meet your employees. Keep yours looking pristine.
Final thoughts
A laminating ID card printer offers benefits that outweigh the upfront costs. If you're still looking for the durability of lamination but your budget doesn't have room for a laminating module, consider a reverse transfer printer. It prints the contents of your ID cards on the underside of a film that is then heat rolled onto a blank card. You get more durability than a standard ID card without the investment.
Whichever way you choose to take your ID card printing solution, an Idesco ID Expert can help you find the perfect solution for your business needs and your budget. For over 75 years, we've helped companies just like yours look professional, stay secure, and do it all for the guaranteed lowest price. Call Idesco today and ask about our price guarantee. Or visit our showroom for a hands-on demonstration of a laminating ID card printer. Our ID Experts are here for you either way.