When it comes to creating ID cards for employees, students, visitors, or customers, ensuring their durability and security is crucial. While basic ID card printers can produce high-quality cards, adding a lamination feature takes your ID cards to the next level. Laminating ID cards offers a range of benefits, from increased longevity to enhanced security. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of laminating your ID cards, why it's a worthwhile investment for your organization, and highlight the Evolis Primacy 2 with lamination, a state-of-the-art solution for printing durable and secure cards.

What Is Card Lamination?

Card lamination involves applying a clear, protective layer of film over the surface of an ID card after printing. This layer can be applied to one or both sides of the card and is typically done automatically by an ID card printer equipped with lamination capabilities. The lamination process not only enhances the durability of the card but also provides added protection against tampering, fading, and everyday wear and tear.

Benefits of Laminating Your ID Cards

Increased Durability and Longevity

One of the primary benefits of laminating ID cards is the significant increase in card durability. Without lamination, ID cards are prone to scratching, bending, or fading due to exposure to daily use and environmental factors. Laminated cards, however, can withstand constant handling, outdoor conditions, and exposure to chemicals or liquids without degrading. This is particularly important for cards that are used frequently, such as employee badges, student IDs, or access control cards.

Extended Life Span

Laminated ID cards typically last two to five times longer than non-laminated cards, reducing the need for frequent reprints and replacements.

Protection Against Fading and Damage

Over time, exposure to sunlight, moisture, and everyday handling can cause the printed images and text on ID cards to fade or become unreadable. Lamination adds a protective layer that shields the card from UV light, dust, and water, helping to maintain the card’s appearance and readability for longer periods. This is especially useful for outdoor environments or cards that are exposed to harsh conditions.

Preserve Visual Quality

Laminating prevents the fading of photographs, logos, and other printed elements, keeping ID cards looking new and professional even after months or years of use.

Enhanced Security Features

Laminating ID cards also offers an added layer of security. You can incorporate holographic overlays, watermarks, or custom security patterns into the lamination, making it more difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate your cards. These visual security features are embedded in the laminate itself, making the card virtually tamper-proof.

• Anti-Tampering: A laminated card is more difficult to alter or forge, as attempting to remove the laminate would destroy the card's surface or leave visible evidence of tampering.
• Holographic Lamination: Custom holograms embedded in the laminate can serve as a verification method for identifying genuine cards and preventing unauthorized access.

Evolis Primacy 2 with Lamination: The Ideal Solution for Secure and Durable ID Cards

For organizations seeking the best combination of durability, security, and efficiency, the Evolis Primacy 2 with lamination is an excellent choice. This advanced ID card printer offers high-performance printing and built-in lamination capabilities, ensuring that your ID cards last longer and are resistant to tampering or damage.

The Evolis Primacy 2 is known for its:

• High-Quality Printing: Produces sharp images and crisp text with edge-to-edge printing.
• Efficient Lamination: The built-in lamination module applies a protective layer, either clear or holographic, ensuring your cards are secure and durable.
• Custom Security Features: Add holographic overlays or UV-blocking laminates to prevent duplication and counterfeiting.
• Fast Processing: Ideal for high-volume printing needs, with the ability to print and laminate up to 215 cards per hour.
• Cost Efficiency: Despite its high-end capabilities, the Evolis Primacy 2 provides a cost-effective solution by reducing the need for frequent card replacements due to wear and tear.

Whether you're in a corporate setting, managing student IDs at an educational institution, or overseeing security access in a government facility, the Evolis Primacy 2 is designed to meet your card printing needs with ease and reliability.

Cost Savings Over Time

While the initial cost of purchasing an ID card printer with lamination capabilities may be higher, laminating your ID cards can save money in the long run. Since laminated cards are more durable and less likely to require replacement, you’ll save on reprinting costs and reduce the need for additional card stock. Additionally, protecting the cards from damage reduces the risk of wear-related issues with card readers or access control systems.

• Fewer Replacements: By extending the life of your ID cards, lamination reduces the frequency of reprinting, saving you time, labor, and materials.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Laminated cards are less likely to cause damage to card readers, reducing maintenance and repair costs for your access control systems.

Improved Professional Appearance

A laminated ID card exudes professionalism. The glossy or matte finish of laminated cards enhances the visual appeal and gives the card a clean, polished look. This can reflect positively on your organization, whether it’s a business, educational institution, or government agency.

• Enhanced Visual Appeal: Laminated cards have a high-quality, sleek appearance that can enhance your organization's branding and leave a strong impression on employees, customers, and visitors.

Customizable Options

Lamination provides flexibility in customizing the appearance and functionality of your ID cards. You can choose from a variety of lamination films, including:

• Clear Laminate: A transparent protective layer that preserves the card's original design.
• Holographic Overlays: Custom holograms that provide a visual security feature, making the card harder to replicate.
• UV-Blocking Laminate: Offers protection against fading due to sun exposure, perfect for outdoor environments.

Is Lamination Right for Your ID Cards?

While laminating ID cards offers many benefits, it’s important to consider whether your organization needs lamination based on how the cards will be used. For example:

• High-Durability Needs: If your cards will be used in rough environments, outdoors, or handled frequently (e.g., construction sites, hospitals, universities), lamination is a must to ensure the cards last longer.
• High-Security Environments: Organizations that require strict security measures, such as government agencies, banks, or research facilities, should consider lamination with holographic overlays to prevent counterfeiting.
• Temporary or Low-Use Cards: For temporary badges or cards that won’t be used frequently, lamination may not be necessary. In these cases, a basic ID card printer without lamination will suffice.

Contact Us Today

Laminating your ID cards offers significant advantages in terms of durability, security, and cost savings. Whether you're running a small business, managing a large corporation, or overseeing a high-security facility, laminated ID cards provide the protection and professionalism you need to ensure that your cards remain functional and presentable over time. If your ID cards are frequently used, exposed to harsh conditions, or require enhanced security features, investing in an ID card printer with lamination capabilities, such as the Evolis Primacy 2, is a smart choice that will pay off in the long run.

Contact us today for more information on laminating your ID cards and to explore how the Evolis Primacy 2 with lamination can meet your organization's needs.