What is a Manufactured Card?

You might be familiar with direct-to-card and reverse transfer card printing, but what is a manufactured card?

DIRECT-TO-CARD

With direct-to-card the ribbon is heated and the ink vaporizes and bonds with the plastic card.

REVERSE TRANSFER

With retransfer printing the graphics are printed on a clear film and then fused onto the card.

MANUFACTURED

Graphics on a manufactured card are "built-in" to the card during the production process.

BENEFITS OF MANUFACTURED CARDS

Each printing process is unique and comes with it's own set of benefits, but here are some of the benefits of having your cards manufactured instead of printing them yourself.

QUALITY

Since the graphics are layered into the card during the manufacturing process, the graphics on a manufactured card tend to be more vibrant.

TIME

Outsourcing your card manufacturing means you don't have to worry about printing your own cards. Working with the right card provider, you can cut down on print expenses and eliminate issuance headaches.

DURABLITY

With graphics "built-in" to the card itself, manufactured cards are more durable to normal wear and tear compared to direct-to-card printing.