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.