Those doing research into modern card creation will constantly come across the PVC card and its more premium cousin, the acrylic card. While they look similar in a wallet, they behave very differently when it comes to printing and durability, and in the real world. This guide provides students and the interested public a “pvc card, acrylic card” decision guide without the marketing fluff.
What Card Standard Means in the Real World
Most ID, access and loyalty cards are made in a common physical format referred to as ID-1 (CR80). This is a standard bank card size of approximately 85.60 mm × 53.98 mm and a thickness of around 0.76 mm. In real production, this common size impacts printer compatibility, laminating choices, and card (bending, heating, humidity) stress.
With this card size plastic, PVC and others that meet similar card performance specifications, begin to vary. The difference comes in the feel, finish choices and material stress (everyday) handling.
In many different situations, a PVC card can be very useful because it is inexpensive, easy to print, and flexible. It can be laminated and used in personalization. Furthermore, PVC provides a PVC that can be used in everyday programs like employee ids, student ids, and educational institution membership cards. It can be produced rapidly, and is easy to produce to any custom size. It can be produced virtually anywhere.
Printing PVC Cards and Finishing
Many companies print PVC cards using dye-sub and re-transfer systems.
Dye Sublimation and Re-Transfer Systems
Dye sublimation is a proven technology that is used in most ID systems. The re-transfer process colors a thin sheet of plastic and then heat seals it to the PVC card, which this can be a little bit better in terms of consistent coverage. This is better for cards that have attached proximity chips.
Over the years of experience, PVC is usually a better option when resticting cards in order to print multiple colors. It provides a quick turnaround and is compatible with all the standard plastic card encoders.
Foundational Characteristics of Acrylic Cards
Acrylic cards usually refer to PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Acrylic cards are usually see-through or frosted and used in specialty and premium merchandise like business cards, VIP badges, and designer membership cards to advertise visually. This is because acrylic has a glass-like smoothness, a rigid feel and a visually pleasing appearance.
Acrylic Cards: Durability and Handling
Acrylic has the ability to hold a visually premium look, because Acrylic cards stay flat and keep visual edges. Some Acrylic cards can also resist scuffing and stay new in appearance longer than other less soft cards, especially when handled lightly.
With that visual benefit, there are drawbacks. Acrylic can also be more brittle than flexing materials with sudden impact like usage of flexing materials in wallets or tape cards, impacting edges, and rough handling. In real life and in manufacturing, Acrylic is mostly selected for visual appearance over rigidity, and extensive daily swipe and bend usage, with risks in thickness, are for heavy use design cards that are made with acrylic.
Comparing PVC Cards and Acrylic Cards
Cost and Scalability
PVC cards are cheaper and easier to scale than acrylic cards. Materials, packaging, and extra finishing steps are additions to the acrylic cards that result in higher overall costs.
Visual Impact
When you want a more modern and premium look, acrylic cards are the way to go. Clear cards, and frosted finishes with sleek designs are cards PVC cannot compare with. PVC still looks professional, but, and can make it feel a lot more standard to those seeing it.
Print and Personalization Compatibility
Acrylic can be printed, but PVC is the better of the two options. It is easier to print on, and acrylic creates more restrictions to finishing, surface protection, and bond of the print to the material.
Daily Use: Flex vs Rigidity
In real world carrying situations, PVC cards perform better. PVC cards are more flexible and can withstand bending and bending better than acrylic.
Determining Which Material Suits Your Use Case Best
There are a few things to consider for a PVC card. It allows for reliability when working with access systems and can withstand frequent handling. It can be replaced economically.
Other cards are more expensive, yet can be more suitable for your use case. Cards from a design perspective, more suited for design and premium branding, can be more aesthetically pleasant with an acrylic card.
Conclusion: The Material Is the Message
PVC cards are great for practicality, while acrylic cards stand out more visually. Matching this to your intended use case, be it for daily use or to exemplify your brand, provides cards that truly encompass their intended purpose.
FAQs
Are PVC cards still predominant when it comes to IDs?
They are in many ID programs. Because PVC is cheap and does the job, many ID systems still use PVC.
What gives acrylic cards a premium look?
The combination of acrylic cards clear prints, smooth edges and a glass-like feel definitely improves over the plastic cards, which tend to feel much cheaper.
What printing method gives the best edge to edge results?
Retransfer printing is used in situations where edge to edge coverage and better quality is needed. Because the image is transferred from a special film to the card, it minimizes the edge issues which are common in direct-to-card printing.
