Tag Archives: Custom ID Cards

Can I Pre-Punch My PVC ID Cards?

pvc cardsThe simple answer to that question is yes. All you need to do when ordering  your Image Grade PVC card stock is to ask to have them pre-punched. We will ensure the card expert that punches the cards on your behalf maintains the graphic intergrity of the cards by wearing gloves to ensure the oils from the skin do not touch the surface of the card.

If you would prefer to punch the cards yourself, Safe-Card ID Services offers a wide range of slot punches for all volumes of cards to all budgets. Remember no matter which slot punch you use, it can and will only punch one card at a time.

The catch about pre-punching you cards is that if you are using a direct to card printer you run the risk of damaging the print head causing a nce white line appear across your printed card. A print head will cost about $500-700 to replace.

One solution to this problem is to use a re-transfer card printer, such as the Fargo HDP5000. Re-transfer printers print onto the underside of a film that is heat rolled onto the card surface, so the print head never touches the card.

To learn more about pre-punched cards or a re-transfer printer give an expert at Safe-Card ID Services a call today.

 

Emergency Services Uses FARGO ® HDP5000 Card Printer and Encoder for Durable ID Cards

Action Ambulance of Eastern Massachusetts provides 24-hour emergency and non-emergency medical services  from 13 different locations. The identification cards worn by emergency personnel face challenging conditions, not only from extremes tempuratures and inclement weather, but also from blood and other fluids, of patients being treated.

In addition to printing its own ID cards, Action Ambulance Services also prints photo ID cards for other government entities involved in collaborative efforts with the organization. The challenge was to find a printer that provided lamination, high quality printing and quick turnaround that could run off of the company’s existing computer network. 

An detailed search lead to the  FARGO® HDP5000 Card Printer/Encoder as the solution.

To learn more about the Fargo HDP5000 or any of the ID Card Printers in the Fargo line up call an expert at Safe-Card ID Services today.

The Evolis Dualys and the Cruise Ship Industry

Passengers use one single card for identification, access control and payment.

With over 2 million passenger travelling on their cruise ships in 2010, the Costa Crociere group, relies on smooth organization at every stage to ensure the customer experience is top notch. To make certian that guests are welcomed in the most hospitable way and everything exceeds expectations is the goal and it is one reason all guests are issues a Costa Card upon boarding. The Costa Card serves as an identification badge but it alsocontains personal details of its holder, text and photo. This card is also used to access passengers’ cabins and as a payment card thanks to a barcode and a magnetic stripe.

To read the complete story and learn how Costa Cruises uses 120 Evolis Dualys printers to issue over 3.5 million cards a year and exceed customer expectations  click here.

To learn more about how an Evolis Card Printer can help exceed the expections of your card project call Safe-card ID Services today.

 

 

How to Take ID Card Photos

custom idSo you are in charge of taking ID card photos for your organization. Of course, you know what you will hear. “This looks worse than my driver’s license.” Don’t worry, we have collected some tips that will guide you through taking best possible ID card photos.

To get the best pictures possible of your members, set up your camera in the following way:

  1. Set the digital camera to low resolution 640 x 480. You do not need a large picture to fit on an ID badge. Large pictures take up additional space on the computer.
  2. Set the flash to “flash fill”. Turn time and date stamps on the camera off.
  3. Test the camera by taking a few pictures prior to the picture shoot. This will help you feel comfortable with the particular camera and how it shoots. You can review the test shots to make sure that the pictures are correct in lighting and distance from the camera. Make sure that you photograph the person from the chest up and leave some room above the head.

For lighting and the setting we recommend the following:

  1. Have the person photographed stand against a neutral backdrop. (We use light blue.)
  2. For best results, the subject should wear clothing colors that compliment and contrast with their natural skin tone and hair color (i.e., brunettes should not wear brown; blondes should not stand in front of a beige wall).
  3. Make sure there is enough light in the room. Natural light will produce the best results. Often that is not possible. In that case, consider setting up various light sources around the room to provide the best results for your pictures.

When taking ID card photos, try these steps:

  1. Talk with the person prior to taking the picture. Let the person know if they need to smile or be serious. Let then know if something about their hair or clothing may need to be adjusted prior to the picture.
  2. Make sure that you photograph the person from the chest up and leave some room above the head.
  3. Hold the camera steady or use a tripod for best picture results.

If sending the pictures to a service bureau for custom card printing.

  1. Rename the .jpg picture to the person’s name, i.e., marysmith.jpg
  2. Send ID card photos to the ID badge service bureau through the method provided by your account representative.

Safe-Card ID provides all equipment and supplies needed to make IDbadges in house. We have ID card printers and ID software, cameras, and card making supplies. For more information on in house ID card systems or custom id cards for your organization, contact our experts toll free at +1 888-485-4696 or +1 704-535-5200.

The Process to Make Custom ID Cards

custom id

Needing id badges for your group or organization? Badges in the current market are made on a smooth finish PVC card. The cards are printed on specialized printers that usually print direct to card. The cards are 30 mil and are the same size as a standard credit card or driver’s license. The process to have id badges made is fairly simple. By answering a few questions about what is needed, an id card service company can design and make your cards hassle free.

One of the easiest questions to answer is what the purpose(s) of the badge is. Some badges are made for identification purposes. An example of this card may be a loyalty card that a retail organization would supply to returning customers. Other badges may authorize someone to enter a restricted area such as authorization for backstage at a concert. Some cards are multi purpose cards and provide an id as well as service more complex requirements such as door access or to debit an account. Larger corporations and higher educational facilities often incorporate a number of functions into their id card.

Once the service company is aware of the card purpose, the id card company will need to begin collecting information and needed items to begin the badge design process. The badge design will need to incorporate items required on the badge. Some of these may be the organizational logo, what types of text or bar codes are needed, if a picture is needed and other specific requirements.

When the id card design is finished and approved, specific card holder information and photos are imported into the badge design for individual card production.

Our badge design specialists can assist you with your custom id card requirements and provide pricing for your id card needs. Contact them toll free at 888-485-4696.