“Put it on plastic”. When you hear this expression, your mind probably goes to all the times you’ve tapped or swiped a credit card at the till. But after today’s post, you’ll find out why you can put your business’ security “on plastic,” too. Or, more precisely, PVC.
PVC is a tough material that’s the perfect option for ID cards. Here at Avon Security Products, we recommend that you use 100% PVC ID cards for an efficient and secure business.
What Does PVC Mean?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a strong plastic polymer. Roughly 40 million tons of it are produced each year, making it one of the world’s most widely used polymers.
Although you may not know it by name, there’s no doubt you’ve come across it long before you started investigating our PVC ID cards for security. You won’t even have to look very far to find it; PVC is in almost every room of your home. Spot it in plumbing and toiletry bottles stored in the washroom or food containers and cabinetry in the kitchen. It’s in laundry detergent bottles, rain jackets, boots, and more.
As for your security system, PVC makes up the ID badges that slip into pockets or hang conveniently from custom lanyards.
Why Do We Recommend PVC for Security?
PVC cards are generally considered the best solution for producing ID cards because it’s durable and flexible.
You’ll find it easy to print all the text, photographs, and graphics you need to keep your business secure. We’ve even made it possible to add holographic imprints and watermarks, two features that make your ID badges all but impossible to fake.
Not only does using PVC mean your badges harder to reproduce, but it also projects a professional image of your company. They’re quick to print with flawless accuracy, and you never have to worry about smudging or bleeding.
To a visitor, this seamless experience makes an exceptional first impression. First impressions are everything, so a smooth printing experience for guests and employees alike can make a world of difference.
Best of all, it promises significant cost savings. Once you add a PVC ID printer to your business, you’ll have a trusted identification system in use that reduces your need for security personnel and lowers your legal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions about PVC Cards
While one of our knowledgeable representatives is always ready to talk about our ID card systems, we understand you’re busy! You have a lot on your plate, so you may not have space in your schedule for a conversation just yet.
If you don’t have time to jump on a call — or you’re not yet sure if PVC cards are the right solution for you — keep scrolling. Here’s a quick overview of the most common questions about PVC cards.
1. Are there different types of PVC cards?
PVC cards can come in many different forms so that you can have the exact custom ID card solution that you need. This includes the size and the embedded features that your cards possess.
Also, for those organizations that wish to be as green as possible, you can obtain PVC card paper made of recycled materials.
2. How can PVC cards be secured?
A PVC ID card can be secured by the ID card security technology that you want it to have. This includes solutions like magnetic stripes and newer, more high-tech security features like smart chips.
3. Which PVC ID card security feature should I choose?
1. Visual Security
This should always be the first line of defense provided by your PVC ID cards. Maximizing the visual security capabilities of your PVC ID cards means going beyond a simple picture ID, which can be easily faked by anyone with basic printing technology, time, and a few household tools.
To get the most out of your PVC card security, we always recommend that your cards include holographic visual identification technology. This makes it incredibly difficult to copy a PVC card or alter it in any way without someone easily noticing a discrepancy.
2. Digital Security
The digital security features that a PVC card determines how people are able to access certain terminals, entryways, etc. within your organization.
Your best options in this regard are magnetic stripes, smart chips and RFID proximity communication capabilities. For example, proximity PVC cards are efficient, secure, and they can allow people access without even taking the card out of their bags.
4. Can a standard inkjet or laser printer be used for printing on PVC cards?
A PVC ID card is not compatible with standard printing solutions. If you tried this, you may have ended up damaging both the printer and your PVC ID card!
The best way to print on a PVC card is to use a specialized PVC ID card printer. Like standard printers, PVC ID card printers come with a variety of capabilities.
For example, if you only need basic one-sided PVC ID cards printed for a handful of employees, you can opt for a less expensive ID card printer that only has basic features and a moderate printing speed.
If, on the other hand, you need full colour ID cards with graphics on both sides, and you need a large volume of ID cards, then we recommend that you use a higher end dual-sided PVC ID card printer.
Strengthen Your Security with a PVC ID Printer
PVC cards are more than just a kind of plastic; they’re a dependable way to secure your business. If you’re ready to put your security on plastic — or you’d simply like to learn more about the benefits of PVC ID cards — get in touch with us today. One of our helpful representatives can answer any questions we didn’t answer in our FAQ above.