What materials are used in the production plastic cards?

  • by Plastic Card Services
  • 30.06.2014
  • Articles

If you are considering using a plastic card system in conjunction with your business, then it is important that you choose a design which is both functional and durable. Fortunately, this is something that plastic cards have in abundance as they have an exceptionally long lifespan, especially when compared to their paper alternatives. So regardless of what you are using your cards for, you can be sure that they will not become damaged during regular use.

Plastic cards are an important aspect of modern society and they are used for a number of differing purposes, so when it comes to choosing a design you need to choose a manufacturer who can provide you with a reliable card. Depending on which variation of plastic you use in the production of your cards it could have an effect on your customers’ experience, so for that reason it is vital that you consider all your options before making a decision.

With this in mind, there are a number of materials which you could look to use when choosing a suitable plastic card for your business needs, with some common examples including:

Styrene Card

Seen as a cheaper alternative to a PVC card, styrene cards are ideal for cards which needn’t require a long wallet life such as gift cards. Available in a multitude of sizes, including credit card size (2 1/8″ X 3 1/8″), they are rigid enough and light enough to be stored on your person. They can be used for any purpose if required and you also have the option to include a chip, barcoding and numbering – making them ideal for membership cards.

PVC Card

PVC or ‘polyvinyl chloride’ is one of the best materials you could use when choosing a plastic card and although it may be a little more expensive than styrene, it is more flexible and durable. Although similar in appearance, that’s where the comparisons as PVC is superior in practically every conceivable area. This material is recommended for applications requiring personalisation and security such as ATM cards and membership cards.