Most schools at the elementary school level do not currently provide their students with ID cards due to child safety and security concerns. However in regions with large immigrant populations it is common for school photographers to provide students with photo ID cards for use in interstate travels on school vacations.

To meet the needs of local communities, many school photography studios offer parents a springtime promotion on student travel photo ID cards before the summer travel season begins. These ID cards use the same data and photos taken during the fall student photo ID card season, and simply require the design of a new ID card template suitable for this application, and the printing of the cards using an inhouse ID card printer.

In addition to providing a valuable service to clients, the creation and sale of student travel ID cards is a proven solution for increasing photography studio revenue streams during school ID card printing off seasons. These travel ID cards typically sell for $5 to $10 each and when purchasing ID card printing supplies from Advantidge you can expect your cost to be well under $.50 per card.

For more information about creating travel ID cards for your clients please contact one of our Photographer Channel Experts at 800-965-5932 x107 or email us at sales@advantidge.com. We offer excellent customer service and look forward to hearing from you!

Expand your School Photography ID card printing operation by incorporating the printing of numerous community-oriented ID cards in addition to the student and staff ID badges you already create, using just one ID card system!

A great additional ID card printing operation for school photographers is the personalized creation of Community Discount ID Cards for school staff, students, families and the greater community. Schools receive funding, local merchants gain advertising space and community members receive great deals at local retailers!

Photographers work with multiple schools and local merchants or retailers to create professional discount cards that can benefit everyone involved! Community Discount Cards can be printed on basic PVC cards or can incorporate advanced technologies such as magnetic stripe encoding or barcodes for the easy and automated tracking of card usage by member cardholders.

Generally, merchants will offer financial contributions to a school to cover the costs of ID card printing, and in exchange for their support of these costs, the school will offer the local businesses a portion of marketing space on the back of the ID card where they can offer community discounts or add other promotional information of their choosing.

For more information about community discount card printing or other school photography photo ID solutions call 800-965-5932 to speak with one of our industry experts, we offer excellent customer service!

Expand your School Photography ID card printing operation by incorporating the printing of numerous community-oriented ID cards in addition to the student and staff ID badges you already create, using just one ID card system!

Creating personalized Emergency Preparedness Cards for elementary school age children ensures that in the case of an emergency, young kids who don’t yet carry identification cards or ID Badges of their own can be clearly identified if the need arises.

Elementary school-age children are not given ID cards to carry for obvious safety reasons, but Emergency Preparedness ID Cards printed with an ID card printer can be securely held on to by teachers or school officials in on-site emergency preparedness kits, to be distributed to students in the event of an emergency at school or within the community.

Emergency Preparedness ID Cards can be given to kids attached to ID neck lanyards for easy wearing and identification, and cards can be printed on colored core PVC cards for color-coded organization of students by the class, grade, neighborhood in which they live, etc.

For more information about school photography photo ID solutions call 800-965-5932 to speak with one of our industry experts, we offer excellent customer service!

UHF is a long range proximity card technology which allows technology cards to be read from a distance of several feet instead of from just a few inches away from a card reader. With UHF technology cardholders don’t need to walk right up to a card reader in order for their cards to be read. This makes UHF technology perfect for use in access control at sporting events and large-scale entertainment industry productions such as live concerts. UHF technology can also be used for access control (the most popular application for proximity cards) and tracking people and objects, etc.

The frequency used for ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID systems varies between 860 and 960 MHz (902 and 928 MHz in North America, 868 MHz in Europe and at 950 MHz in Asia / Japan). The extended read range capabilities of UHF technology enables faster and more accurate tracking, and it is widely used for secure access control, waste management, shipping and receiving, fleet management, and pallet and goods tracking systems.

UHF can also be used in ID card systems for securely protected door access control. In the cases of vehicle access to secure parking areas using UHF technology, cardholders may remain in the safety and comfort of their vehicle while their credentials are automatically authenticated or denied by the UHF system. The powerful reading capabilities of UHF eliminate the need for cardholders to stop at the door of a facility and manually swipe their magnetic stripe card or proximity card.

Perhaps the greatest strength of UHF in RFID applications is the marriage of long read range with anticollision technology, which allows several hundred RFID tags to be read simultaneously. Traditionally, slow data transfer speeds limited the need for a significant memory capacity in each ID card, but UHF has attained read rates levels that enable instantaneous data transfer, of even larger amounts of information, at any time. The advance of UHF technology is creating incredible opportunities for the security industry to continue helping to maintain a more secure world.

To see how UHF technology works within the ID Card Printing Industry see UHF with Zebra and Jolly Technologies.

Contact us today to learn more about incorporating UHF technology into your ID card system. We offer excellent customer service! 800-965-5932

iCLASS was specifically designed to make access control more powerful, more versatile and more secure. iCLASS 13.56 MHz read/write contactless smart card technology provides versatile interoperability in applications such as access control, network log-on security, cashless vending, time and attendance, event management and biometric identification. iCLASS technology ensures high security with mutual authentication between card and reader, encrypted data transfer and 64-bit diversified keys for read/write capabilities. Securely separated files enable multiple applications and support future growth.

iCLASS ID cards feature graphics quality surfaces optimized for Photo ID card printing, and are available in standard PVC or composite polyester/PVC construction for more demanding high wear and tear environments. iCLASS ID cards can be produced with visual security and anti-counterfeiting features such as holograms, ultra-violet fluorescent inks, micro-printing, or custom logos to quickly and easily identify genuine and authentic Identification cards.

iCLASS Smart Card Key Features:

- HID 125 kHz Prox and iCLASS 13.56 MHz read/write contactless smart card technology in a single card – provides high-speed, reliable communications with high data integrity.

- iCLASS technology ensures high security with mutual authentication between card and reader, encrypted data transfer, 64-bit diversified keys for read/write capability.

- Meets ISO standards for thickness for use with direct image and thermal transfer printers.

- Offers the ability to add a magnetic stripe, barcode, anti-counterfeiting features, custom artwork, or photo ID.

- Available in 2k bit (256 byte), 16k bit (2K Byte) or 32k bit (4K Byte) memory configurations.

- Supports all existing HID card formats, including Corporate 1000.

- Supports field programming of any existing HID format into the secure HID access control application area on the card.

Typical Smart Card Features:

• 13.56 MHz read/write contactless smart card technology with high-speed, reliable communications and high data integrity.
• iCLASS technology that ensures high security with mutual authentication between card and reader, encrypted data transfer & 64-bit diversified keys for read/write capability.
• Meets ISO standards for thickness for use with direct image and thermal transfer ID card printers.
• Offers the ability to add a magnetic stripe, barcode, anti-counterfeiting features, custom artwork or photo ID.
• Available in 2k bit (256 byte), 16k bit (2k byte) or 32k bit (4k byte) memory configurations.
• Supports all existing HID card formats, including Corporate 1000.
• Supports field programming of any existing HID format into the secure HID access control application area on the card.
• Typical Read Range*- R10 2.0-3.0″ (5.0-7.6cm), RR30/RW300 2.0-3.5″ (5.0-8.9cm), R40/RW400 2.5-4.5″ (6.3-11.4cm), RK40/RWK400 3.0-4.0″ (7.6-10.1cm). *Dependent upon installation conditions.
• Dimensions- 2.127″ x 3.375″ x 0.033″ max (5.40 x 8.57 x 0.084 cm).
• Card Construction- Thin, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) laminate or composite polyester/PVC.
• Memory Type- EEPROM, read/write.
• Multi-application Memory- 2k bit (256 byte) card 2 application areas, 16k bit (2k byte) card 2 or 16 application areas, 32k bit (4k byte) card 2+ 0r 16+ application areas.

Smart cards are a more advanced form of ID card technology featuring a memory chip which is embedded into the surface of the card, allowing a single card to be used in multiple applications, in addition to storing data in a more secure format. Just as a magnetic stripe card can hold a significant amount of information compared to a traditional barcode, a smart card can hold a lot of information compared to a prox card.

When most people think of a smart card they think of a physical chip visible on the ID card surface. This is a contact smart card, which requires contact with the card reader in order to activate the memory with electrical current to read information stored or write information back to the chip. However in most cases these days the memory chip is actually layered beneath the outer surfaces of the card and is called a contactless smart card, as the card communicates through the air when it gets near a reader, without actually having to make contact with it. This means the card surface shows no signs of any technology, and the antenna runs around the inside edge of the card, powered by a small battery, all of which is not visible to the untrained eye.

Smart cards carry a set of binary numbers (ones and zeros) that identify assigned cardholders. Smart card readers in ID card systems can only communicate with corresponding ID card types, because each card technology is unique. When the controller receives data from the card reader its access control visitor management software begins the process of deciding whether or not to grant access. If the data from the card is too long or too short the controller may ignore it completely or deny access. If the length is acceptable, the controller will break down the binary code into its component parts (Facility Code, Site Code, Card Number) and when everything is verified as correct, access is granted. Some controllers can support multiple Facility Codes, or multiple formats.

The most typical configuration of contactless smart cards are similar to programmed proximity cards:

– 2k chip and 2 application areas
– 2k chip / 16 app areas
– 16k chip / 16 app areas
– Unprogrammed cards to be programmed onsite

iCLASS Smart Cards

iCLASS was specifically designed to make access control more powerful, more versatile and more secure. iCLASS ID cards feature graphics quality surfaces optimized for Photo ID card printing, and are available in standard PVC or composite polyester/PVC construction for more demanding high wear and tear environments. iCLASS ID cards can be produced with visual security and anti-counterfeiting features such as holograms, ultra-violet fluorescent inks, micro-printing, or custom logos to quickly and easily identify genuine and authentic Identification cards.

What stops someone from copying your ID cards? With cards printed from most ID card printers absolutely nothing, but with personalized ID cards made with Magicard ID card printers, ID cards have an extra layer of protection with their unique HoloPatch highly reflective gold ‘super-diffuser’ patch.

Magicard’s HoloPatch places the HoloKote security watermark logo on the front of your personalized ID cards, clearly visible under any lighting condition and completely unique to Magicard. HoloKote with HoloPatch has an appearance that is similar to holographic patches, but available at a fraction of the cost because HoloPatch ID cards with HoloKote increase the security of your ID cards easily and cost-effectively.

HoloKote protects all kinds of ID cards from tampering and forgery, and the watermark image on the front of HoloPatch ID cards requires arms-length inspection in order to confirm that the frosted security logo is authentic and intact, ensuring through several levels of security that your ID cards are safe from tampering. Including Magicard’s HoloKote to your ID cards creates a more secure ID card system for your organization.

For even greater security, HoloPatch ID cards combined with standard, Custom HoloKote or Custom HoloKote Flex provide a mark that allows long-distance visibility and verification. By combining the ultimate in card security with clear simplicity security guards at entertainment events or receptionists at corporate offices can easily verify event and corporate ID badge authenticity from distances of six feet or more.

HoloKote and HoloPatch can be used with all Magicard-direct-to-card ID card printers as these security features are selectable as printing options via the driver of your Magicard ID card printer. HoloPatch ID cards come in packs of 100 as 100% Blank White PVC cards CR80/30mil standard credit card size (85.6 mm x 54 mm) with Gold foil patch. Magicard HoloPatch cards are also available with HiCo or LoCo magnetic stripes for securely encoded magstripe ID name badges.

Magicard HoloPatch ID Card Printers from Advantidge:

• Magicard Pronto
• Magicard Enduro
• Magicard Rio Pro

To learn more about Magicard HoloPatch ID cards call us today, 800-965-5932.

Bring advanced technologies to your personalized ID cards! Rewritable ID card printing technology does not use regular ID card printer ribbons in order to create personalize ID cards.

Rewritable ID cards contain a clear thermochromatic material that becomes visible, or vanishes, according to applied temperatures. This heat-sensitive material is applied as a plastic layer over a substrate (most commonly PVC for 30 mil ID cards or PET for 10 mil ID cards), which turns visible when heated to a temperature of 356° F (180° C) and then rapidly cooled. When lower temperatures are applied in the 230-320° F (110-160° C) range, color patterns on a rewritable ID card are erased, so that the same plastic ID card can be reused and reprinted on, up to 500 times!

Rewritable ID cards work great for applications where a cardholder’s data changes often, or for re-using already printed ID cards. Rewritable ID cards can be updated as frequently as desired, up to 500 times, making it possible to re-issue them to new cardholders once they have been rewritten. Rewritable technology eliminates the costs incurred by traditional ID card printing, which require the use of brand new ID cards and printer ribbons. The revolutionary rewritable ID card printing technology requires no ribbons, translating into valuable savings for your organization! Rewritable ID card printing is also an eco-friendly approach as there is no need to throw away used ID cards every time they need to be updated. With Rewritable Technology, simply erase and reprint the same ID cards over and over!

Rewritable ID cards are perfect for making Loyalty ID Cards, as you can update the status of a customer’s loyalty points and add personalized promotions as well as special offers directly to the customer’s ID card. They are also great for reprinting Visitor ID Badges, which are often only used once. Simply rewrite them with the new user name, company name and visit date. For Holiday and Ski Resorts re-use ID badges that are reprinted with new name, photo, barcode and date valid, and use the same Student ID Card for a student’s entire enrollment at a school! Every year, semester or quarter update the student’s ID card with their current information, as needed. Rewritable Technology can also be used as a cutting -edge marketing tool when customizing plastic ID cards on the spot.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective, no ribbon purchase necessary and cards can be reused up to 500 times.
• Cutting-edge marketing tool, enhances performance of multilevel marketing programs, and latest promotional offers can be printed on plastic ID cards in a snap.
• Quick update feature, data can be edited on the spot, whenever needed.
• Multiple applications, suitable for magnetic stripe and contactless applications.

Applications for rewritable ID cards are numerous and growing rapidly. They work great for:

• Student ID cards with class schedules
• Library cards with due dates
• Patient ID cards with healthcare appointments and schedules
• Temporary visitor ID cards
• Transit cards with ticketing details
• Retail cards with loyalty points
• Membership cards and Salon Cards with appointments
• Casino customer loyalty cards
• Hotel Keys for short-term use

Advantidge is happy to offer the following ID card printers capable of Rewrite Technology:

Evolis Tattoo RW: an out-of-the-box solution, ribbon-free ID card printer that uses rewritable plastic ID cards. With 300 dpi resolution, automated adjustment for card thickness, quick erase/print cycle and encoding on magnetic stripes or contactless chips.

Datacard SP25 Plus: engineered with innovative rewritable ID card technology that fully erases and rewrites each ID card in just over 10 seconds. Prints 300 dpi monochrome text and photos on rewritable ID card stock. Users feed rewritable ID cards manually.

Magicard Enduro: offers single or dual-sided ID card printing with magnetic stripe or combi encoding and Magicard’s HoloKote visual security in 4 watermark designs. The hand-fed Enduro now offers Rewritable ID card printing technology.

Magicard Pronto: features quality dye-sublimation ID card printing as well as Rewritable ID card printing technology at a great price. Incredibly easy to use with drop-in dye film and manual ID card loading. Magnetic stripe or combi encoding options and includes built-in HoloKote visual security with a choice of 4 watermark designs.

See more ID card printers with Advantidge.

PVC plastic cards have long been the industry standard for making ID Cards, but regular PVC is not a renewable resource. Taking care of our planet is important! Advantidge is proud to offer you Biodegradable PVC ID cards for your ID card system. These earth-friendly identification cards are available as blank, white, graphics quality ID cards, or with HiCo magnetic stripes, to serve your multiple system requirements.

BIO-PVC ID cards naturally biodegrade when placed in fertile environments where microorganisms are present, such as in compost, waterways, the ocean, dirt, landfills and places where there are naturally occurring bacteria and fungi. While traditional PVC ID cards are not biodegradable, BIO-PVC cards completely biodegrade within one to five years when exposed to the above environments, making them an eco-friendly solution for keeping your organization safe and secure!

If BIO-PVC ID cards are not exposed to specific environmental elements they will not biodegrade, however BIO-PVC cards can still biodegrade in landfills when exposed to the appropriate conditions (e.g., water, soil, nutrients, and naturally occurring bacteria and fungi). The biodegradability of BIO-PVC in landfills is slower than in composting environments because of the lack of oxygen within landfills, however anaerobic bacteria (microorganisms that do not require oxygen) support the biodegradation of BIO-PVC cards. Please note that BIO-PVC cards that are isolated from the environment, for example those that have been placed in a non-biodegradable plastic garbage bag, will not be exposed to the proper elements and will not be able to biodegrade.

The bioPVC® material of BIO-PVC cards has been tested under aerobic (with oxygen) conditions in controlled composting tests, and the results of these tests demonstrated that bioPVC® is biodegradable in aerobic conditions. Additionally, a laboratory test simulating the anaerobic conditions found in municipal landfills (as oxygen is expected to be essentially absent in a typical landfill), tested the ability of the bioPVC® material to biodegrade in anaerobic conditions.

The results of this test were consistent with the principles of environmental microbiology. After the introduction of the anaerobic microbial community to the environmental conditions of the lab (moisture content, soil type, nutrient levels, oxygen levels, temperature, and food source), there was a time delay before the microbial community reached its peak performance in biodegradation, so although the rate of biodegradation is higher under aerobic conditions, this study confirms that BIO-PVC will biodegrade under anaerobic conditions as well.

The results of these studies are certified by ENVIRON, who recognizes that the conclusions from their studies represent their professional judgment based upon the available information and conditions existing during the course of the study. For further information about BIO-PVC ID cards or any other eco-friendly ID products call us today! 800-965-5932

ID card printers are an investment and, much like an automobile, need regular maintenance to keep them running at optimal levels. While specific recommendations vary by manufacturer, here are some useful tips that can help extend the life of any ID badge printer and preserve consistent print quality in your ID card system.

Tips For a Healthy ID Card Printer:

1. Use the recommended ID card printer ribbon for your printer and make sure it is installed correctly. A properly installed ribbon will be aligned and fit securely.

2. Always use good quality blank ID cards that are clean and make sure they stay free from dust on the shelf and in the ID card printer.

3. Routinely clean the ID card printer. A good rule of thumb is to clean your ID card printer every time you replace the printer ribbon. Be sure to use the cleaning products and procedures recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Always keep your ID card printer located in a clean environment where it won’t be exposed to excessive dust, moisture, coffee, soda, etc…

These simple steps can prevent the most common complaints including printer ribbons breaking, plastic PVC ID cards jamming, general print failures and card feeder issues. For more detailed information regarding your ID card printer see our ID Card Printers Support Page or contact us at 800-965-5932.

If your ID card printer requires more intensive troubleshooting and repair, Advantidge has factory trained and certified technicians prepared to handle any repairs or issues for you. We also sell a full range of ID card printer cleaning products to help keep you on track. Together we can work to ensure your ID card printer has the longest lifespan possible!