HOME | PRODUCTS | ABOUT US | QUOTE REQUEST | FAQs | CONTACT
FAQs

How much do Plastic Cards cost to make?

The cost of Plastic Cards depends on the quantity you order and the features and options you require. Things that determine how much plastic cards cost are whether you need things like Magnetic Stripes and Signature Panels as well as if you need any finishing steps such as printing member names and numbers and if you need any packaging such as card attaching, inserting and mailing. Give us a call and we can discuss your requirements and be able to provide accurate pricing.

Top

How long does it take to make Plastic Cards?

Again, it depends on the quantity you order and the features and options you require. Simple orders can be finished in 5 to 10 working days. More complicated projects take longer. We can provide timelines during quoting and artwork stage.

Top

What is the standard size of a Plastic Card?

The exact International Standard size is 85.72mm wide x 53.92mm high however manufacturing tolerances allow for variation and so to make things simpler, our knife size is 85mm x 54mm. This size is within tolerance of International Standard Organisation 7810 and therefore our cards will work on all Card Printing/Reading machines on the market.

Top

How should I send my artwork?

Everything you need to know is on our artwork page. This page has been provided so that together we can achieve the best possible result. Check out our production notes as well, there are some very handy hints and tips.

Top

What if I don’t have Artwork, can Precision Data design it for me?

We sure can, we have very experienced designers on hand using the latest Graphic Design software. Our designers are experienced with established brands, often dealing with style guides ensuring colours are accurately matched and work perfectly with our manufacturing process.

Top

How will I know if your cards will work on my system?

Our Plastic Cards are manufactured to international standards and conform to ISO Standard 7810. Our cards will work on any ID Card Printer, EFTPOS Machine, Swipe Reader or ATM worldwide. The best way to know for sure is to ask for samples and test them yourself. Our cards have a superior finish; they are laminated with Credit Card Quality PVC film. This means you get flat cards that can be printed on, and encoded with, desktop card printers from all the major suppliers of card printers such as Evolis, Eltron/Zebra, Fargo, CIM, Datacard, Magicard and many others.

Top

What thicknesses do plastic cards come in?

Plastic cards come in a variety of thicknesses:

Thickness is determined by the function of your card. If you need a card with a magnetic stripe and you need to print on it with your card machine then you are safest with a .75mm thickness. If you want a card to have a barcode you aren’t as limited. If you’re unsure of what you’re after, give us a call and we can advise you on the thickness best suited to your requirements, we have many specialty thicknesses for Laser-printable cards, car park ticketing machines and vending machines.

Top

Can I make Plastic Cards in different sizes or shapes?

Of course! However, it depends on the intended use of the card. For example, if you wanted a card to be twice the size of a normal credit card, you wouldn’t be able to use it in an everyday EFTPOS unit or an ATM. Within reason, Plastic cards can be made to most required sizes but there are standards to be used for financial and membership applications. If you are putting together a promotional package and the card you want to issue has no need for components such as magnetic stripes, we can make a card to most sizes and shapes that you can think of. In order for us to cut custom shapes, a knife is needed. Unlike a normal forme, used for cutting paper, a knife to cut plastic cards is made entirely of metal and custom made knives start at around $900. Exact cost will depend on the complexity of your shape and size. Don’t be discouraged though, over the years we have made a range of knives to cut different shapes so let us know what your aim is as we may already have a knife to cut what you want or something at least very similar.

Top

So what’s the process if I want to go ahead with an order?

Once we get artwork sorted out, we will issue you with a PDF production proof that will show the front and back of your artwork as well as any features you require such as Magnetic Stripes and Signature Panels. An order confirmation will come with your proof via Email, Courier or Express Post. The order confirmation will outline the total costs for your job. Once we receive signed copies of both from you, production time begins. Once your job has been scheduled we will provide you with an estimated delivery date. While production is taking place we will liase with you to sort out if data is to go onto your cards once they are ready. If data is required, we will issue you with a data proof to show you the positioning of your members names and numbers etc. Once we receive a signed copy from you, your data will be printed onto your cards. Once the data is printed, your cards will be boxed, labelled and ready for delivery.

Top