Printing is one of the most important aspects of any business and organization. It’s how we share our ideas and vision with the world. When it comes to choosing the best material for printing purposes, plastic is always a top contender. There are many reasons why plastic is the best material for printing purposes. Some of these reasons include its durability, affordability, and versatility. Plastic is strong and resilient, making it ideal for a wide range of printing applications. In addition, plastic prints quickly and easily, ensuring that your projects are completed on time.
But with so many different printing methods available, which one is best for your needs? Here, we’ll explore six effective ways to print plastic cards, and we’ll help you decide which method is right for your business.
Six of the most effective ways to print plastic cards
1. Thermal transfer printing
Thermal transfer printing is a printing technique that uses heat to transfer an image from a thermal print head to a specially coated paper. The thermal print head is used to apply heat directly to the substrate and the ink is vaporized, then transferred onto the substrate. The heat causes the coating on the paper to change color, so the image is transferred.
Thermal transfer printing produces clear, sharp text and images that are highly durable. The process uses heat to fuse ink onto the surface of a card, creating a print that is both weatherproof and scratch-resistant. Additionally, thermal transfer printing is a more cost-effective option than other forms of card printing, making it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
2. Inkjet printing
Inkjet printing is a type of digital printing that involves the spraying of tiny droplets of ink onto paper to produce images and text. As opposed to earlier printing technologies such as hot metal typesetting and lithography, inkjet printers can generate printouts in any color imaginable.
Inkjet printing produces high-quality results with sharp images and vivid colors. Additionally, inkjet printers are relatively affordable and easy to use, making them a popular choice for home users and small businesses.
There are several different types of inkjet printers, but all of them work on the same basic principle. The process of inkjet printing starts with a printhead that contains thousands of tiny nozzles. Each nozzle is responsible for spitting out a single droplet of ink. As the paper moves through the printer, it passes under the printhead so that the droplets can form an image on the page.
3. Screen printing
Screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas blocked by the mesh. A screen is made of a thin cloth stretched on a wooden frame. A stencil is cut into the screen, and unwanted areas are blocked out with a blocking material. Ink is forced through the mesh screen and onto the substrate by pressing down on the screen with a squeegee. A squeegee or blade is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh with ink, and a reverse image is created on the substrate.
Screen printing offers high-quality, durable prints that are also affordable. With screen printing, each color is applied separately to the card stock, which results in vibrant and accurate colors. The process is also very versatile, so it can be used to create a variety of designs and graphics. Plus, because the ink is heat-sealed into the cardstock, it won’t chip or peel over time.
Screen printing is also a method of textile printing. It is often used to create multi-colored prints.
4. Laser printing
Laser printing is a type of printing that uses a laser to produce an image on a printer drum. The drum then transfers the image to paper, providing a sharper and crisper print than other types of printers.
Laser printing produces high-quality graphics with sharp, clear text. The heat of the laser beam fuses the ink to the card, providing a durable image that won’t smudge or fade over time. Additionally, laser printers can print on a variety of card materials including PVC, ABS, PETG, and composites.
Laser printing is often used for graphics and text documents because it can produce high-quality prints with precise detail.
5. UV Litho printing
UV litho printing is a printing process that uses ultraviolet light to cure ink on the printed surface. It is an indirect digital printing method that creates a high-quality image on a substrate by exposing selected areas of an image carrier to ultraviolet light.
UV litho printing results in greater image clarity and vibrancy, as well as superior durability. UV litho printing also produces a high-quality print that is resistant to fading, scratching, and smudging.
6. Pad printing
Pad printing is a printing technique that involves pressing ink onto a surface using a pad made of textile, foam, silicone, or cork. The pad is then pressed against the printing surface, which transfers the ink from the pad to the surface.
Pad printing offers a high degree of detail, clarity, and vibrancy. It also produces very sharp lines and edges, making it the perfect choice for logos, text, and other intricate designs. Additionally, pad printing is a versatile process that can be used to print on a wide variety of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, and glass.
Pad printing is often used for printing on uneven surfaces or delicate objects that cannot be printed using other methods.
Printing on plastic cards can be a great way to increase brand awareness and promote your company or organization. By using the right printing techniques, you can create beautiful and effective printed cards that will help you reach your target audience.
If you are looking for a reliable and professional printing company to handle your plastic card needs, Mixto is here for you. We offer a wide range of customization options and our team of experts is always available to help you create the perfect printed cards for your needs. If you have any questions about our printing service, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
