If you recall the old days of cutting and pasting your ID card together, lamination may confuse you a bit. You might wonder why you would need lamination when printing directly to plastic.
Lamination is an additional layer that is applied after your card has been printed. Adding lamination extends the life of your card significantly, as well as making the card tamper proof. Lamination also gives your ID card a more professional, finished look.
Fargo HID DTC4500
With the standard direct to card printing process, a clear overlay is applied after the image has been printed. Not to be confused with lamination, this clear overlay simply seals in the printed image. With a lamination capable printer, such as the Fargo DTC4500, an additional 0.6 or 1.0 mil clear or holographic layer is applied.
If you are looking for something slightly more durable than a standard ID card, but do not have room in the budget for lamination, try the Fargo HDP5000. This printer uses re-transfer technology, which prints onto the underside of a film and then heat rolls the image onto the card surface resulting in a more durable print without the additional protection lamination provides. The film is available in clear or holographic.
ID Wholesaler can help you determine if lamination is necessary, and can also suggest printers that can be upgraded later should your needs change. ID Experts are standing by to assist: (800)321-4405 x2.
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