Tag Archives: HID Cards

HID Prox Card

HID Prox Card IIHID Prox Card

The HID prox card contains an integrated circuit that a reader on the same frequency scans. As part of an access control system, the card is a critical component in managing secure facilities or networks. When presented to the reader, the card transmits encoded information. A specialized controller or software application interprets this information, then compares it to a set of rules and permissions. These rules allow the software to determine whether or not the card holder should have access to the requested resource.

Types of Prox Devices

The ISO HID prox card combines the printable properties of standard PVC cards with the access control features listed above. While these cards are more expensive than standard PVC cards, most users consider their dual purpose to be a good value.

The clam-shell HID prox card is not a printable prox card. To serve as a visual ID, it requires the application of a printable pressure sensitive card.

Tags and keyfobs cannot serve as visual IDs but use the same technology as other prox devices for access control purposes. These are especially popular in housing developments for access to common areas such as pools, gyms, and laundry facilities.

How to Acquire Prox Devices

Safe-Card ID Services offers HID prox cards that are pre-encoded to match a user’s system specifications. To make issuance easier, many users print on these pre-encoded ISO cards or apply an overlay to clam-shell cards.

A wide range of printers feature optional encoding modules. These modules enable the on-demand encoding of ISO HID prox cards to match the specification of an access control system. Current Fargo printers that can encode HID prox cards are the Fargo HDP5000, Fargo HDP5600, Fargo DTC1250e, Fargo DTC4250e, and Fargo DTC4500e. For information about cards that can be used with identification applications, visit our HID prox-card page.

Practice Safe Handling With HID and Access Cards

HID Access Cards

HID and access cards are typically shipped to you shrink wrapped and since they can cost significantly more than traditional PVC it is important to follow these tips;

Take care not to scratch the cards when opening the wrapping, especially when using a sharp implement.

Handle cards by the edges, not by the flat finished surface.

Use lint free gloves or finger cots to prevent hand oils from transferring to the
cards, which can cause smudging, fingerprints or other distortions
when printing.

Card image quality may vary even with careful card handling. This can be due to printer setup variations, lot to lot material variations, environmental changes, printer types, background color selections and other variables.
HID and access cards have been quality tested to meet requirements for high quality images. Failure to achieve a desired image quality is typically not the fault of the card.

For more information contact an expert at Safe-Card ID Services today.

 

Access & Proximity ID Card Design Tips

Proximity Cards are made with layers of PVC and a glossy surface intended for Photo ID printing. Proximity cards and contactless smart cards contain an antenna coil and integrated electronic chip. Care should be taken to follow these printing recommendations for best results.

As you may encounter color variations or printing voids with direct to card printers due to surface imperfections caused by the embedded chip and antenna you should;

  • Avoid large areas with solid or half-tone backgrounds when designing card artwork and use artwork with varied color or pattern to minimize these color variations and printing voids.
  • If the design must print over the internal chip, we recommend the use of a reverse transfer printer such as the Fargo HDP5000.
  • Do not place a photo portrait over the chip location or opposite the edge of a magnetic stripe.

When designing card artwork it’s best to print a few test cards, and be ready to make artwork adjustments as needed.
If your printer is capable of edge-to-edge printing, test several cards to check the printer’s capability. For more infrmation contact an expert at Safe-Card ID Services.

ID Card PVC Sizes

ID Card and Badge printers come in all shapes and sizes but are limited in ability in terms of the card sizes they can print. Todays’ card printers are made to print on standard CR80 size cards, with a number of them also capable of printing on CR79 and only a very few that can print CR100 size cards.

– CR79 cards measure 3.303″ x 2.051″ and are slightly smaller than a standard CR80 size card. CR79 cards typically have an adhesive back and are commonly used for printing and adhering to a clamshell HID Proximity card.

• CR80 cards are 3.375″ x 2.125″ (exactly the same size as a credit card) and are the standard, most commonly used size of PVC card. They are great for almost every ID card application.

• CR100 cards are much larger measuring  3.88″ x 2.63″ – that’s 42% larger than a standard CR80 card, making them easier to see from a distance but too big to hide in a wallet. CR100 size cards are often referred to as “oversize” or “military-size” cards. These are great for event passes. Printers that can handle these cards such as the Fargo HDP600 are usually manufactured to order and are very expensive.

Before ordering any type/size of PVC cards it is very wise ensure your printers specifictions to ensure it can handle them or call a specialist at Safe-Card ID Services.