Integrated Cards

An integrated card consists of a base document (carrier), a backing laminate (back patch) and in some instances a face laminate. The document is produced by printing the carrier, applying the back patch, applying the face laminate (if required) and then die cutting the card shape through the face laminate and carrier but not through the back patch. The card can then be peeled from the carrier because the back patch holds it in place. Cards can also be produced in a perf-out configuration.

Benefits

Because integrated cards are not 'affixed' to a carrier, they are typically thinner and also do not have a substantial 'raised edge' that hinders imaging and processing. The thinner material also stacks and delivers better than typical 'affixed' products. Integrated cards generally have a higher degree of laser compatibility and are an excellent choice for almost any printer. · Exact color match from card to carrier is also achieved because there is no separate printing of the card. The card is part of the carrier and is therefore printed at the same time with the carrier. · Integrated cards are typically cost effective vs. other card types. Integrated cards typically require less handling to produce than 'affixed' card types. · Integrated cards can be easily combined on the same document with other applications for streamlined processing and greater handling efficiencies. For example, an integrated card/label combination greatly reduces handling by the end user; and an integrated card/coupon offer increases customer loyalty in a marketing campaign.

Markets/Applications

• ID cards
• Membership
• Insurance
• Health Care
• Temporary cards/passes for visitors/guests
• Marketing applications - such as frequent user/buyer

Types/Construction

Either one up or multiple up in regular cards or specialty card construction is available.

• Laminates - Gloss, clear, matte, laser top coated or uncoated are all available in varying thickness. Laminate type is dictated by many factors including: durability, signature compatibility, printer, handling equipment, additional processing steps, look and 'feel'.
• Dual-lam - after variable information is printed user removes card, turns it over, places card face down on back patch and punches it out the back. This process laminates the face of the card with the variable printed information under the laminate. High durability application.
• Butterfly - Allows for variable information on both sides of card with only a simplex image. After imaging the user removes the card (which looks like a side by side card with a score in between them), then the card is simply folded in half.

Helpful Info

General questions to ask about integrated card applications:

• What is the card being used for?
• What is the application?
• What type of printer will be used to image the card?
• Are there any additional handling steps for the card/carrier?
• What is the life expectancy of the card?
• What conditions will the card be subjected to?
• Durability?
• How is the card distributed to the end user? mail (inserted), handout, etc..?

Integrated Labels

An integrated label consists of a base document (carrier) and a backing laminate (back patch). The document is produced by printing the carrier, applying the back patch and then die cutting the label shape through the carrier but not through the back patch. The label can then be peeled from the carrier because the back patch holds it in place.

Benefits

Integrated labels reduce labor costs and errors. By incorporating a label into a document the cost of additional data entry or hand written entries is eliminated. Because integrated labels are not 'affixed' to a carrier, they are typically thinner and also do not have a substantial 'raised edge' that hinders imaging and processing. The thinner material also stacks and delivers better than typical 'affixed' products. Integrated labels generally have a higher degree of laser compatibility and are an excellent choice for almost any printer. Exact color match from label to carrier is also achieved because there is no separate printing of the label. The label is part of the carrier and is therefore printed at the same time with the carrier, which typically makes them cost effective vs. other affixed label types. Integrated labels typically require less handling to produce than affixed label types. Integrated labels can be easily combined on the same document with other applications for streamlined processing and greater handling efficiencies. For example, an integrated label can be combined with a packing list to greatly reduce handling by the end user in a shipping application.

Markets/Applications

• Shipping centers/departments
• Marketing - direct mail, stickers (build customer loyalty and brand recognition)
• Health care
• Invoices

Types/Construction

Either one label or multiple labels can be combined on one document.

• Back patch - Clear and white patches are available in varying thickness. Patch type is dictated by factors that include: printer, handling equipment, additional processing steps, and usage.
• Imaging - Integrated labels can be produced with self-imaging liners and NCR coated CB patches for impact printers.
• Adhesive - Labels can have many types of adhesive that include: permanent, removable, high aggressive, freezer grade (for health care, pharmaceutical, and cold environment applications), rubber based, and no silicone liners.

Helpful Info

General questions to ask about integrated card applications:

• What is the label being applied to? Paper, corrugated, glass, plastic, etc…
• What is the application?
• What type of printer will be used to image the label?
• Are there any additional handling steps for the label/carrier?
• What conditions will the label be subjected to?
• Durability?
• Environment?