Determining whether to laminate your ID cards is a key question to answer before you choose an ID card printer. Why? Because not all ID card printers can laminate, which will somewhat restrict your choices. Beyond that, laminating cards offers a variety of benefits, adds extra costs, and takes more time than non-laminated cards. Weigh each option carefully before you make your decision.
Here are a few thoughts to consider when deciding whether to laminate your ID cards.
How long do you need cards to last?
A laminate is a protective film that covers the entire card, front and back. It helps cards resist the destructive forces of dirt, debris, water, the sun's UV rays, and other elements that damage them. If your employees use their cards frequently, like running magnetic stripe cards through readers often, lamination can reduce the number of cards you need to reissue as it makes the cards stronger.
If you reissue employee ID cards every year, lamination won't affect your card's longevity. But for technology cards like smart or proximity cards, lamination means they'll last longer, saving you time and money.
Is security important?
While any business's security is important, some require an added layer. You can add a custom holographic lamination layer that makes it almost impossible to duplicate or alter. It's clear when nefarious individuals try to change a laminated ID card; holographic images can't be replicated easily, making them an added security layer that looks as good as it performs.
Is a professional looking ID badge important for your company?
Scratches, fading, and normal wear and tear leave ID cards looking less than professional in a short period of time. If representing your company and your brand professionally is important, consider laminating to keep employee badges looking crisp and professional longer. The badges you issue are the first thing guests and others see when they visit your facility or meet your staff outside the office.
Especially if your staff travels to job sites, the quality of your IDs make your business and brand look more professional. Having a faded, damaged ID card can be a deal breaker in some situations. Present your company's best face forward by protecting them with lamination.
Types of laminates you can choose from
Lamination comes in a variety of thicknesses from 0.50mm to 1.0mm. Obviously, thicker laminates will protect your ID cards for longer, sometimes as much as 5 to 10 years. Beyond choosing thickness, you must decide if you want a lamination module for your ID card printer. You can also choose a laminate pouch and a separate machine that seals it around the card. Each has pros and cons.
- Printers with lamination modules. This is the most convenient, quickest way to apply lamination to your ID cards. Laminating modules apply the laminate as part of the regular printing process. While they churn out laminated ID cards fast, they're also more expensive.
- Laminate pouches. These pouches come in standard ID card sizes, but you must physically put the printed ID card into the pouch and run it through a separate laminating machine. While this option is more time intensive, it's also much cheaper than purchasing an ID card printer with a laminating module.
Laminating film comes in a variety of options. You can choose film with a cut out for a magnetic stripe. It protects your ID cards from wear and tear and other damaging elements while still allowing employees to swipe conveniently. There are also cut-outs for smart cards that function similarly.
Or you can choose a holographic laminate to tighten your security. Holographic laminates come in a variety of designs or you can have your laminate customized.
Some laminates come with built-in UV protection. If your employees spend a lot of time outdoors, this can keep your ID cards from transferring the card's image to the badge holder or fading in the sun's rays.
Final thoughts
Laminating your employee ID cards can save you money and time over the long haul. You'll reissue fewer cards because of scratches, damage, fading, and normal wear and tear. Because replacement cards can be expensive, especially if you produce technology cards, reducing the number of cards you must reissue can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars each year. And this will obviously pay for your investment in a laminating ID card printer or pouches and a laminating machine in no time at all.
If you decide you want to laminate your employee ID cards, you might not need to purchase a new printer. Some manufacturers offer models that are field upgradable, meaning you can easily add a laminating module in your office and start issuing laminated cards immediately.
Maybe you're unsure if your current ID card printer is upgradable or you're questioning if you really need lamination. Idesco's ID Experts are always available to discuss your needs, your options, and your budget to help you make the best business choice. Call an ID Expert today at 212-889-2530.