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               A tripod is used as a platform for your camera so you can ensure stability while shooting photos. Camera tripods are a necessary equipment piece not only for professional photographers, but for photo enthusiasts of all levels. Check out these five top reasons why you should invest in one:

Slower Shutter Speed

The main reason for using a tripod is to utilize lower shutter speeds without ruining your photos. When you adjust to a slower shooting speed, your lens stays open for longer and you’re exposing your camera to added elements that can negatively impact your final shot. These types of photos can’t be taken with any shakiness, no matter how minimal. Slower shutter speeds allow you to capture still objects a lot more clearly and gives you the ability to create light trails as you’re photographing. Without using a camera tripod, you’ll need to have super-steady hands and rely on the vibration control on your camera. Both of which are not as effective as a sturdy tripod.

The Timer

The timer function on your camera is another great feature to use hand-in-hand with a tripod. It’s very easy to mount your camera then set the self timer so you can snap some shots with yourself in them. Alternatively, you could use a table or shelving unit, however when you use a camera tripod, it allows you to set up perfectly, increasing the height and changing the angle until you get your preferences right.

Telephoto Lenses

When you’re using lenses from 200 mm onwards, you’ll notice that any movement changes will cause your camera to shake and essentially shift the position of your frame. A camera tripod fixes this issue by allowing you to take your time focusing in on your subject before taking higher-quality, vividly clear shots.

Work Flow Slows Down

Undeniably, lots of new photographers get over-excited when first starting out and tend to take photos of everything. Sometimes this leads to projects of value and sometimes it doesn’t. When camera tripods are used to position shots correctly, you’ll end up spending time getting more useable shots instead. Tripods allow you to think more about the subject matter you’d like to capture, and the locations you’ll need to be in.

Framing and Composition

Framing and composition can be pertinent to getting that perfect shot. When a tripod is used, and your work flow slows down, you’ll automatically free up time to compose your shots exactly as you’d like. A lot of great photography work comes from knowing when to deploy a camera tripod to capture certain lighting or focus on scenes like moving waterfalls.

Ready to purchase a camera tripod right for you? Contact us today!

            Launching a new ID card program can seem like an overwhelming task. The tips below will help make the process as smooth and easy as possible. 

Consider How the Cards Will Be Used

            The first step in implementing an ID card program is deciding how the cards will be used. Consider the ultimate goal of the program. Will the cards simply serve as identification, or will they be used for other purposes as well? Will everyone use the same type of card? How many cards will you need each year? Taking these factors into account will help you select an ID card printer and software designed to meet your specific needs. 

Decide How the Cards Will Be Displayed

Will your cards need to be visible at all times? If so, you employees will need an easy way to access the card for scanning or swiping. Consider a wearable solution such as lanyards, clips, pins, magnets, and badge reels. 

Decide What to Print on Cards

Once you’ve decided how your ID cards will be used and displayed, you’ll need to consider what kind of information to include on the card (i.e. company name and logo, cardholder name, employee ID number). If you plan to use barcodes, magnetic stripes, or smart chips, you’ll need to plan your ID card design around these features. 

          Secure Your ID Card Printing Equipment

Ensure that your ID card printing equipment and related supplies are protected from unauthorized use. Printer ribbons, blank ID cards, and the printer itself should be stored in a locked room or secure vault when not in use. Limit access to these supplies to a few pre-authorized and supervised employees to prevent the production of unauthorized or counterfeit ID cards. Some ID card printers include software that can track detailed information on card issuance, including how many cards were printed, when they were printed, and who printed them. 

           Create an ID Card Policy

Once you’ve introduced an ID card program, it’s a good idea to write up an official ID card policy to ensure the system runs smoothly. Some decisions you’ll need to make during this step include figuring out who will print the cards, who will issue them, how often new cards should be issued, and whether cardholders will be required to display ID cards at all times.  You’ll also want to think about how lost and stolen ID cards will be handled. While cardholders are generally responsible, it’s inevitable that someone will lose a card or have it stolen. Having a procedure in place for quickly issuing replacement cards will prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to company property. 

            Contact us today to learn more! 

            Your company brand message is very important for attracting new clients, as well as for maintaining your current customers. In fact, your brand helps to distinguish your business from other competitors. When established correctly, a powerful brand message can help elevate your company to the next level. The trick, however, is to keep your brand consistent through your organization. Whether creating a marketing campaign, introducing new products, or developing customer relations, you want to make sure your brand message is consistent throughout. This is where personalised lanyards can help.>

Personalised Lanyards

Personalised lanyards are made to your required specifications. Most companies include the name of their business, along with any custom logo or tagline. In most cases, these custom logos or tagline become synonymous with the company name, which means that both loyal and non-loyal customers will recognize your organization with just a quick glance. This level of personalization is especially important for organizations with multiple locations and for those running several joint marketing campaigns.

Build Trust and Confidence with Consumer

Most brand marketing campaigns are designed to build a level of trust and confidence with the consumer. The primary goal of these campaigns is to bring the customer through the door. Don’t make the mistake, however of letting your brand message stall after the marketing stage. Instead, intensify that level of trust and confidence, by using Personalised lanyards to strengthen your brand message. > As customers walk through your doors and see your staff wearing lanyards that proudly display your company logo or tagline, the customer will instantly connect with the message your marketing campaign has built. This creates an instant bond with the consumer and makes them more willing to take the next step and make a purchase or hire your services. This will boost consumer confidence in your goods or services and boost sales or enrollment.

Brand Promotions

Personalised lanyards also can be used for promotional purposes. Many employees across the country use lanyards to hold their name badges, but not all employers provide these lanyards. Using your custom lanyards as promotional products can help to spread your brand throughout your local area. Just one of your lanyards in the right hands has the potential to reach thousands of prospective customers throughout the year, with relatively little cost to you. This way you are spreading the same message across all mediums. Best of all personalised lanyards are very attractive and affordable. You can purchase these lanyards in any colour, with any wording or graphic you desire. When looking for a high-quality customized lanyard, look no further than Avon Security Products. You will find a wide array of quality lanyards that are ready to be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs and branding goals.

            While there’s been great progress in the ID card printing industry toward making ID cards more secure, counterfeiters have always found a way to copy company cards. Creating a card that is 100% secure may be impossible, but there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent amateur forgers from duplicating your company’s employee card. Below are our top tips for designing ultra secure ID cards. 

Lamination

Most ID card printers provide an option to apply a clear polyester laminate onto the surface of the plastic card using pressure and heat. Lamination serves as a barrier that prevents the card from being tampered with. Laminates are also available in holographic varieties, which add an additional layer of security to the ID card. 

Fluorescent or Ultraviolet (UV) Printing

One of the best ways to prevent counterfeiting is with ultraviolet (UV) or fluorescent printing. These printing methods use special ribbons to create text and images that are visible under a black light, but invisible to the naked eye. Fluorescent and UV printing enhance security of ID cards, as the printed security markings are virtually impossible to copy. 

Ghost Images

Some ID card printers have a “ghost image” feature, which allows the user to add semi-translucent images to the plastic card during the printing process. This image is basically a smaller image of the cardholder, printed onto the surface of the ID card. If your printer supports them, ghost images are a quick and inexpensive way to add a visual security feature to ID cards.

Holograms

Incorporating a hologram into the protective overlay or laminate of your card will make the design difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. Holograms are available as peel-and-stick decals and pressure-sensitive seals, making them a cost-effective way to enhance an ID card’s security without the need for any special equipment.

Company Logo

A strategically-placed company logo is one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to deter would-be forgers and create ultra secure ID cards. Your company logo adds a recognizable visual security feature to your ID cards, thereby making any unauthorized persons on the premises easy to identify.  Designing ultra secure ID cards doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. While you can’t guarantee absolute security, there are many simple visual and non-visual design elements that you can incorporate into your ID cards to make them harder to copy.

Contact our ID card printing experts for assistance in implementing one or more of the security options listed above.

           High-tech fabrications in printer ribbon have led to a new generation of products that last longer, resist smudging, and reduce melting temperatures. In plain English, that means your printing will be easily scannable, long lasting, and crisp. You can leverage technology to your benefit without weighing too heavily on your budget if you understand the features of each ribbon.

            Thermal Printing

            Direct thermal printers and thermal transfer printers are not the same thing. Only the latter requires a printer ribbon.

            Sizing Your Ribbon

            Printer widths vary enormously. The width of your ribbon needs to be the same as or less than the width of your printer. The length is equally important and is measured in inches.<

            Ribbon Materials

            While there are recommended materials for different types of printers, you do get the freedom to be somewhat flexible.

·       Wax ribbon is budget-friendly and long lasting. It’s ideal for packaging labels and retail tags. It can only be used with paper labels because it causes smudging on synthetics, rendering bar codes and text illegible.

·       Wax/resin hybrids combine the best features of wax and resin, offering an economical way to gain better quality than wax alone. The result is smudge and scratch-resistant enough for outdoor locations and warehouse usage. They’re ideal for retail, warehouse, and shipping environments and can be used on synthetic labels as well as paper.

·       Wax can be enhanced by resin to achieve a balance between wax and wax/resin hybrids.  

·       Resin is the most durable, expensive option, and is thus used in environments that expose labels to chemicals, abrasion, and water. Resin is durable enough to use on synthetic labels and for medical device tracing. Its high definition quality also makes it ideal for bar codes, although it’s typically limited to computer and micro label printing.

            Selecting Your Media

            Your ribbon needs to be chosen according to the medium you’re printing on as well as the label’s function. Adhesive labels are remarkably forgiving, so it’s pointless to choose expensive resin ribbon for them. Cardboard tags are just as easy to print on, so wax will suffice. However, when printing barcodes on smaller media that are exposed to the elements, a wax/resin hybrid will serve you better. Wristbands and clothing labels must withstand plenty of wear, so the expense of resin might be a necessity, particularly in hospital environments where errors can cost lives.<

            Label Materials

            Your goal when choosing your printer ribbon is to obtain a clear, lasting print, and your label materials are highly influential on longevity.

·       Paper and wax is only a useful combination if your label won’t be exposed to humidity and wear.

·       Polypropylene is a rugged synthetic that resists tearing. It usually suits a wax/resin hybrid.

·       Polyester is the hardiest labelling material available, so a resin/polyester combination is ideal for environments that expose tags to the elements. It’s used for vehicle tagging and the labelling of chemical containers. It can also be used in laboratories and for certain medical applications.

           Longevity

          Some labels only need to last as long as they stay on the shelf, whereas others are a part of a product’s functionality and need to have extreme longevity. The latter are best served by full resin ribbons and polyester combinations. Wax/resin hybrids are ideal for labels that are used indoors but will be exposed to light handling, sunlight, and temperature changes.

           Thermal transfer printers can leverage an enormous range of ink formulas and other features, so although general guidelines will work for most businesses, some expert advice and a little trial and error will get you past the finishing line of your project. 

           Contact us to buy the printer ribbon you need today! 

Security is important whether you’re working at a school or running a company. One way to improve the security of your facility or grounds is to implement mandatory ID badges or cards for your employees. However, the cost of an ID card printer can be off-putting to some, especially if you’re not sure whether or not ID cards will be a good fit for your business. Fortunately, you can rent ID card printers and see how they work for you without making the financial commitment of a purchase, a choice that has many benefits.

Financial Savings

The most obvious benefit of renting an ID card printer is the financial savings you can enjoy. Purchasing a printer outright can be cost prohibitive, and many businesses can’t afford that kind of risk. However, if you rent your printer you can experience all the benefits of the printer itself but only risk a small portion of the overall cost. Over time, of course, this route could become more costly than the price of a printer itself, so many companies will allow you to rent for a certain period of time and then pay off the remainder. Either way, you’re still limiting the lump sum you’re required to pay for the printer.

Expanded Opportunities

For some business owners the decision to purchase an ID card printer isn’t a matter of choice but one of financial inability. Even if you’re willing to take the risk, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have the capital available to purchase a printer. Being able to rent an ID card printer means you can experience the benefits of having ID cards for your employees much sooner than you would be able to if you had to wait for the capital required to purchase a printer.

Upgrade Sooner

Even if you already have a printer you could still benefit from the ability to rent an ID card printer. For instance, let’s say you have an old model, and you’re not able to keep up with your growing company. You can easily upgrade your printer by renting one that has the capacity to meet the demands of your growing staff.

Access to Service

When you purchase a piece of equipment you usually have access to customer service. However, the equipment itself is yours, so the person who benefits the most from keeping it working and functional is you. If you’re renting, the equipment still belongs to the company from which you rent, meaning they will probably have some kind of maintenance or service plan included in the rental agreement. The reason, of course, is that they want to keep their own equipment working and performing at the highest level possible in the event the unit you’re currently renting winds up being rented by someone else down the road. As you can see, there are many benefits to renting an ID card printer as opposed to purchasing one. The benefits of ownership are plentiful, to be sure. However, if owning your own printer is cost prohibitive or a financial impossibility, you can still experience the benefits and added security of having an ID card printer on site without having to make a large payment. For some companies, having an ID card printer is more than just a nice-to-have, it’s required by law. In these situations, being able to rent a printer could mean the difference between opening your doors or having to wait to start your business until you can afford your own unit. Look into the benefits and decide if renting a printer is right for you, and contact us today!

             An ID card holder is needed to keep the card in place and to also protect it against the elements. Card holder designs vary and these pieces can be made from a wide array of materials. Some of the materials are cheap and short-lived while others can be particularly durable.

If you’re looking for ways to increase the longevity of ID cards, you should opt for the right holders. The following materials are recognized for their durability and stylishness.

Metal

Metal card holders usually have a frame and a clip used for the attachment of the ID card to a piece of clothing. Depending on the model, they can come with a protective plastic panel in the front.  Needless to say, a metal ID card holder is the most durable option out there. It’s a good idea to have the accessory painted or coated. Such a top layer will reduce the risk of clothes getting stained due to normal changes in the metal. Metal card holders are made of aluminum, which is a lightweight and particularly durable metal. A few of the more stylish (and a bit more expensive) options can be crafted out of stainless steel. Such ID card holders look more like accessories and they can be used to create a certain corporate image. They’ll remain in a good condition almost indefinitely because of the ruggedness of stainless steel.

Molded Rigid Plastic

Unlike the regular plastic that’s soft and flexible, rigid plastic is quite tough. Depending on the molding process, some of the ID card holders made of such rigid plastic can withstand even the toughest of environmental conditions. As such, these items will be ideal for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoor and the ones that work under tough conditions. Unlike metal, molded rigid plastic is incredibly lightweight. The material can be either completely clear or frosted, which will have some impact on the aesthetic appeal of the presentation. Some of the mold rigid plastic card holders can feature an open-face design. This means there will be no protective covering over the ID card. In this instance, the plastic may be coloured and the colour could be used as a visual indication of hierarchy level in the organization.

Environment-Friendly Plastic Materials

These ID card holders look like plastic ones but the material is an environment-friendly alternative. This material is just as durable as standard plastic and it can also be used to add to the green image of a business. Usually, such an ID card holder is from phthalates and BPA. The material used is EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). EVA is a much more environment-friendly possibility than the common PVC (polyvinyl chloride). As a result, EVA is a material that meets the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) requirements without making a compromise with toughness. Other than these differences, cards made from EVA are quite tough and long-lived. They’ll remain in a good condition for a long period of time without tearing or losing their clarity.

Acetate

Acetate is another lightweight and tough material. This is a plant-based material that looks like plastic. It consists of multiple fibers that make it incredibly durable and capable of withstanding an array of adverse influences. Acetate is often used for the creation of eyeglass frames and ID card holders. Acetate is flexible and hypoallergenic. It can be either transparent or coloured richly (like the rigid molded plastic). ID card holders made of this material will maintain their shape and clarity, even when regular PVC begins deteriorating.

To learn more, contact us at Avon Security Products!

            Convenience and efficiency team up to form a powerful pair when you use high-quality non breakaway lanyards to organize employee check-in or outfit attendees. For any setting, whether for informal gatherings or in various professional business scenarios, you can find the ideal lanyard to suit your unique needs. Customize your experience by taking advantage of the many options available from a trusted security product line. What style of lanyard allows attendants or employees to garner the best experience possible? Below are some of the best styles of lanyards to facilitate successes at any venture!

Stylize Your Experience

Premium lanyards are designed for comfort and longevity. Here are some features that perpetuate the need to incorporate the non breakaway design into differing conventions, meetings or social gatherings:

·        Quality materials make the best lanyards comfortable around the neck with a continuous unbroken design to ensure the lanyard slides along the neck unimpeded when needed.

·        Attachments to the lanyard like the swivel hook, the split ring or the bulldog clip ensure identification, items like keys or various types of badges are within easy reach and visible when necessary. The best style of lanyard gives you multiple options for use.

·        When there are clasps to hold the lanyard secure around the neck, wearers may experience irritation from such clasps. The design of non breakaway lanyards negates that issue.

·        Non breakaway lanyards are ideal because they provide you with versatility for important tasks and daily use. Without versatility a lanyard becomes a one-time impulse purchase rather than a viable investment.

·        For employees who need badges scanned, the lengthier non breakaway lanyards with sturdy split rings are a good choice. For one time conferences, or brief events, some might prefer the easily detachable options such as the bulldog clip. 

Bringing Function to Convention

What do non breakaway lanyards represent to businesses across the country? They represent professionalism and simple, effective solutions to complex problems. Thousands of conferences are put on each year in Canada and the United States. Millions of attendants need a way to find their place among the crowds. Putting together large conventions is not simple, but lanyards are affordable and embody the idea that a simple solution can and does solve difficult issues. Sorting seating, distinguishing roles, allowing for recognition and easily communicating information at a glance is important to the success of a conference.

Non breakaway lanyards are durable and reliable vessels to display information such as badges, passes, or secure keys, whistles, or other tools when necessary. When you need Event organizers and businesses alike enjoy having options and multipurpose tools that function uniformly for various tasks. From utilizing the bulldog clip for easy detachable options like in name tags for conferences to utilizing a more permanent fixture as in the split ring for badges or keys, whatever the occasion non breakaway lanyards cater to individual and universal needs. Planning an event can be tumultuous at best. Lanyards are the easy solution to encourage smooth transition for event attendees, organizers and in numerous business dealings. Any tool that makes the process time efficient and effective is the right choice. 

Contact us to purchase your non breakaway lanyards today! 

Datacard printers are capable of outstanding quality prints to handle all your security needs. Some models are multi-taskers, able to laminate, print in full color, and handle two sides of the same card. Others offer more basic functionality, but all units can be upgraded.

Components

Your Datacard printer will usually include:

·         A print ribbon cartridge

·         Replaceable cleaning sleeve

·         Manual advance knob

·         A printhead that transfers using a ribbon

·         A USB and network connection

·         A ribbon

Ribbon

The Datacard brand manufactures entry level and high volume models, letting you choose the ideal ribbon material for your application. Full CMYK ribbons are carefully calibrated to perform at their peak, and YMCKT options can print in both monochrome and color. Choosing genuine Datacard ribbons will assure you of sharp, error-free cards and engineering precise enough to keep your printhead in good condition for longer. Black printer ribbons are easier on your pocket, while overlaminates ensure a smudge-free, lasting result.

Laminates

Lamination gives you a durable alternative to expensive synthetic printing. Holographic films provide extra protection from scratches and sunlight. Single and dual sided lamination is also possible. Durashield overlays and clear topcoats make useful replacements if you prefer a refined finish.

ID Card Systems

You needn’t buy every accessory separately. A more budget-friendly and convenient way to handle your purchase is through a specially prepared kit containing everything from your cleaning materials to your digital ID camera.

Software

The drivers you need will vary depending on your operating system. Most users choose a generic driver, but it’s best to limit yourself to original Datacard software for optimal performance. Your Card Printer driver powers your device and lets you specify how you want to impress your cards. TrueCredential Suite programs by Datacard can manage a wide range of credentials from visitor IDs to government membership cards. Multi-station editions give large enterprises the functionality they need to serve more than one workstation. Preconfigured templates are easy to customize, but generic card management systems have been developed by independent software groups to handle more specialized templates and computers running Linux.

Cleaning Kit

To keep your card printer in good condition, Datacard has created some easy cleaning techniques that don’t require you to pull your entire printer apart. Adhesive cleaning cards, sleeves, and swabs cleanse contact points inside the machine. They come in roll form that must be saturated with the recommended solution and then passed through the machine.  The magnetic head, reading contacts, and card readers need to be regularly maintained so that your images remain clear and crisp. Routine maintenance won’t take you longer than a few minutes to complete.

Cables

Datacard printers usually use USB 2.0 cables, which may need replacing as time passes. USB cables are offered in a range of lengths, so adapting to your office layout is remarkably easy. Parallel printer cables and ScanShells might be needed, too. The latter must be compatible with your machine model.

Upgrading

Your Datacard Printer can be upgraded in several ways:

·         The Go Green upgrade makes your machine more economical and eco-friendly. A simple, free firmware update is all that’s needed. You can make your system even more environmentally friendly by choosing eco-friendly ribbons.

·         An upgrade kit for contactless SMART card encoding is available.

·         A card encoding engine provides the software you need to align and encode chips and magnetic stripes.

·         A simple spring pressure arm prepares your Datacard printer for spring loading.

As security needs evolve and technology improves, your card printing needs will change and grow. Datacard is a dynamic business, keeping you up to date with contemporary standards.  Contact us to learn more about Datacard printers today!

When it comes to high-volume printing and sheer variety of forms, Zebra is a must-have in your business office. This unique brand is capable of handling cards, receipts, labels and others; additionally, the print engine provides barcode options for really high volume printing jobs. Indeed, Zebra printers are optimized for wireless connections, so that you needn’t worry about tangled cords running throughout your office space. The following is a selection of some of the best Zebra printers with wireless connectivity.

1. Zebra ZXP Series 9 Retransfer ID Card Printer

With a superb-rendered print quality, the ZXP line of Zebra printers is an industrial powerhouse of a copy machine. The resolution is a game-changer, you can’t find anything remotely like this in the run-of-the-mill options available for personal home use. In particular, the ZXP is marketed as the premier printer for high-security applications, and can print almost 200 tamper-resistant, long-lasting business cards per hour. Did we mention that there’s a dual-sided feature? Pair with the laminating option to achieve the professional print quality for which the series is renowned.

2. The Zebra ZXP Series 7 ID Card Printer

This next professional printer is slightly more economical than the Series 9, and is tailor-made for businesses that print less volume, as reflected by its price. The Series 7 comes in two models: the single-sided variant, and the double-sided printer. With either option, you also have additional choices that scale with need:

·         You can choose to work with an Ethernet connection (there’s are 3 USB connections on the front panel), or for a little extra, upgrade to wireless connectivity.

·         For certain professional applications, lamination is desirable. The Series 7 Zebra comes with both single-sided or dual-sided laminate features.

·         There is a range of encoding options that span from Magnetic stripe to ultra-high frequency encoding.

3.The Zebra ZXP Series 3 ID Card Printer for SMBs

If you run a small-to-medium-sized business, then the optimal ID card Zebra printer comes in the small package of the Series 3. As with most of the Zebra line, it comes in both single-sided and dual-sided versions. Although it neither version supports wireless connectivity, they do take Ethernet and support USB downloads. Choose to add a magnetic stripe encoding function at checkout, or a contact station. Depending on your business needs, you can also choose both.

4. Zebra ZXP3 ID Card System

A popular Avon Security Card option, this system is sold as a suite of tools to get your printing station set up immediately. There’s an included Microsoft LifeCam (a webcam), specialized Avon Photo ID software, and a Zebra brand ribbon good for up to 200 prints. The network options include both USB and Ethernet.

5. Zebra ZXP Series 8 ID Card System

As of 2017, this is one of Avon Security Products’ most advanced printers. It arrives with a YMCK ribbon that will print 625 copies before it needs to be replaced, as well as cardPresso photo ID software and a LifeCam from Microsoft. Just like other upper class Zebra printers, it has the option of USB, Ethernet or Wireless connectivity.

Zebra has been around for some time as the go-to wireless printer for industrial barcode printing. Avon Security Products stands by the machine’s ability to deliver time and again; if you’re looking for more information and a greater selection of Zebra Printers, contact us at your earliest convenience.