Understanding the Difference: Desktop card Printing vs. Factory Printing

When it comes to printing plastic cards, the choices available to businesses and individuals can be overwhelming. 

Whether you're looking to print a small batch of cards for a special event or need bulk printing for your growing business, understanding the differences between desktop card printing (such as Card Bureau) and factory printing is crucial in making the right decision for your needs. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences of each printing method, the advantages and limitations they offer, and how Card Monster can help you navigate the options to find the perfect solution.

Desktop Card Printing with Card Bureau

At Card Monster, we understand the need for convenience and effici

ency when it comes to printing small batches of cards. That's why we offer our Card Bureau service, where one person handles the printing process directly from our office using the DS3 Sigma Card Printer. We only print batches of up to 100 cards and these services are quite costly because of the consumables and time it takes.

Alternatively we sell our card printer range for our customers to choose from that are convenient and easy to use. If you print cards on a monthly basis, these card printers are a very good idea because not only is the card printer yours, you can print wherever and whenever you like. 

Here's what you need to know about desktop printing

Convenience and Premium Service

Card Bureau is designed for clients who require quick turnaround times and premium quality prints for up to 100 cards. With our in-house printing setup, we can efficiently process your orders and ensure that each card is meticulously printed to perfection.

Printing with your card printer is also a great option. You are not limited to 100 cards at a time. Meaning that you can print cards wherever and whenever you would like from your offices or at home. Making it a very convenient reason to buy your own card printer. 

Our card printers are very easy to use with full support videos on the Entrust range. We want to ensure that you get a full service for using your card printer and want to make sure its easy to set up and print straight away. 

Check out our videos and playlists on Youtube. We also have a few support blogs that you can go into for more information. 

Edge-to-Edge Printing

Our desktop card printer utilises direct-to-card printing technology, meaning that the design is printed directly onto the surface of the card. 

However, due to technical limitations, there may be a small white border around the edges of the card, limiting the design possibilities compared to factory printing.

Limitations in Colour Reproduction

While our desktop card printer excels in producing vibrant and high-quality prints, it may struggle with printing matt black colors and achieving the same level of richness and depth as lithotech printing used in factory printing.

Printing a black card with different card materials like spot UV print or matt cards is not possible with a desktop card printer. You will not get the same quality print like you would with a litho printer in the factory mainly due to the printer resolution and specialised techniques litho has. Please read our blog on exploring the printing techniques of digital vs litho printing cards. 

Resolution and Printing Quality

Despite its efficiency and convenience, desktop card printing may not match the printing resolution and quality offered by lithotech printing. 

This is due to the limitations of direct-to-card printing technology compared to the precision and accuracy of lithotech printing.

Speed

The desktop card printer is mainly for small to medium industries as the print speed is not as fast as a factory print. Depending on which card printer you choose, they all have features that determine the printing speed singl;e sided or dual sided printing. 

Factory Card Printing

In contrast to desktop card printing, factory printing offers a broader range of capabilities and options for businesses with larger printing needs. 

Here's what you need to know about factory printing with Card Monster:

Affordability and Bulk Printing

Our factory printing services are more cost-effective for bulk orders, making them ideal for businesses looking to print a large number of cards. While it may take slightly longer (typically 7-14 business days) to process and fulfill orders, the cost savings and flexibility make it a preferred choice for many clients.

Our factory card printers can print large runs and will consistently be good quality cards. 

Rich and Bold Printing

With lithotech printing technology, our factory prints deliver rich, bold colours and sharp details that elevate the visual impact of your designs. 

Unlike desktop printing, lithotech printing offers superior colour reproduction and consistency, ensuring that your cards stand out from the crowd.

Flexibility and Customisation

Factory printing allows for greater flexibility and customisation options, including the ability to print specialty finishes, embossing, and more. 

Whether you're looking for a sleek matte finish or a glossy sheen, our factory printing can accommodate your unique preferences and requirements.

Understanding Direct-to-Card Printing vs. Lithotech Printing

The key difference between direct-to-card printing (used in desktop card printing) and lithotech printing (used in factory printing) lies in the printing process and technology.

Direct-to-Card Printing: In direct-to-card printing, the design is printed directly onto the surface of the card using thermal transfer or dye sublimation technology. While this method offers convenience and speed, it may result in slightly lower printing resolution and limitations in colour reproduction compared to lithotech printing.

Lithotech Printing: Lithotech printing, also known as offset printing, involves transferring ink from a plate onto a rubber blanket, then onto the printing surface. This process allows for greater precision, colour accuracy, and consistency, making it ideal for high-quality prints with rich colours and fine details.

Depending on what is important to you will determine which option you choose. If you are happy with a desktop printer because of its convenience and ease of use, the card printers are for you. However, if you only print now and then and do not mind waiting, the factory print is for you.

How to print from a desktop printer 

Printing from your office or home is very convenient. We want to make sure that it is easy for you to set up at home. 

Equipment and Materials Needed

1. Canva account.
2. Computer with internet access.
3. Design specifications (e.g., logo, text, images).
4. Card printer, power cable and usb connection or network connection to printer.

Procedure

Accessing Canva

Canva is a design program that is meant to make it easy for you to design your cards online with your branding quickly and easily.

1. Open a web browser on your computer. 
2. Navigate to the Canva website.
3. Log in to your Canva account using your credentials.

Selecting Template Size

1. Once logged in, click on the "Create a design" button.
2. In the search bar, type "86mm x 54mm" or "plastic card" to find templates in the appropriate size.
3. Select the appropriate template size: 86mm x 54mm (Landscape) 54mm X 86mm (Portrait).

Designing Artwork

1. Utilise the various tools and features within Canva to create your artwork.
2. Choose templates that Canva gives you.
3. Incorporate design elements such as logos, text, images, and graphics as per the provided specifications.
4. Ensure all design elements are positioned correctly within the designated area of the template.
5. Customise colours, fonts, and other visual aspects to align with branding guidelines or preferences.
6. Double-check spelling, grammar, and design consistency before finalising the artwork.

Saving Artwork

1. Once the artwork is complete, click on the "Download" button located in the top-right corner of the Canva interface.
2. Save the artwork in a compatible file format PDF Print and save it as CMYK.
3. Optionally, rename the file to include relevant information such as project name or date.

Bulk Cards or VDP

If you need to print multiple cards at a time with different information on them, then VDP is definitely the way.  Please follow our Youtube video on how to do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2BdT4U7ZIM 

Printing Process

1. Make sure the document is in a PDF print format.
2. Select the print icon on adobe. 
3. Ensure you select the correct printer.
4. Go into settings and make sure that the layout is correct.
5. Go into printer properties and select landscape or portrait design
6. Select printers and scanners on your search bar and go into the card printers properties by left cl;icking on the device. Make sure that the settings are the same here too by choosing printer preferences. Go into the advanced tab and select printing defaults and make sure the changes are the same here too.
7. Select print and choose how many you’d like to print.
8. Follow the prompts if you are printing on both sides. Trial and error is usually the best way to know which way to print the card printer. 

Factory Printer Artwork Guidelines

Factory printing includes a bleed for the design, this is included because cards are usually created on an A4 PVC card board and then dye cut into cards so that the quality is kept to standard. 

A bleed is necessary so that the design is not cut off or damaged when the cards are being prepared. 

Artwork Layout Guidelines

• Size of CR80 card: 54mm x 85.6mm.
• 3mm bleed all around the card for safe zones.
• CMYK colour mode and high-resolution print (+300dpi).
• Acceptable formats: PDF, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, CoreIDraw, Affinity Publisher/Design/Photo, Inkscape.
• Fonts must be converted to curves, and all links must be embedded.

You are always welcome to design your cards on Canva or any other design software that you feel comfortable with. But you need to make sure that you have bleed on the card to ensure that it is printed properly. 

Database Layout Guidelines

• Standard layout for database information to ensure smooth printing.
• Variable data (e.g., name, ID number, position, date employed) must be included.
• Images (e.g., logos) that remain the same should not be included in the variable database.
• Images must be supplied in .jpg format with consistent size and formatting.

Please follow the outline below when laying out your database. You can use google sheets or excel for this.

Column headings must be in the first row and must speculate the type of information that you are including on your card.

Here is an example of what the headers will look like:

IMPORTANT: Please make sure that the images inserted in your database match the name of the file associated with the information in that row. Incorrect image names will result in incorrect images printed on the card. Please check your spelling.

Please make sure that you spell all your names correctly. Names that need to be printed in all caps must be put in all caps. Incorrect spacing or misspelled names will appear on your card if you do not check them before sending.

Magnetic Stripe Guidelines

• No start and end symbols in magnetic data.
• Magnetic stripe placement: 5mm from the top of the card, 12.5mm tall.
• Core values for Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3.

• Signature panel placement: 3mm or lower from the magnetic stripe, with standard panel sizes available.

Embossing Guidelines

• Embossed letters available in 12 or 16 points, with a maximum of 25 characters per line.
• Three foil colors for embossing: Black, Silver, Gold.
• Limit of three lines of embossing to reduce warping.

Overall, the factory printing is much more in depth. We want to make sure that your cards come out beautifully and vibrantly.

If you follow the steps above you will be very satisfied with the end result. 

Choosing the Right Solution with Card Monster

At Card Monster, our mission is to provide you with the right solution for your printing needs. Whether you opt for the convenience of desktop card printing with Card Bureau or the versatility of factory printing with lithotech technology, we're here to help you achieve your printing goals. 

Consider purchasing your own card printer for small, on-demand printing needs or trust our factory printing services for larger orders that demand premium quality and attention to detail. Whatever you choose, you can count on Card Monster to deliver exceptional results every time.

Understanding the differences between desktop card printing and factory printing is essential in making informed decisions about your printing needs. 

With Card Monster's range of printing services and expertise, you can confidently choose the option that best suits your requirements and budget, knowing that your designs will come out perfectly every time.

Contact us for more information.