Start Your ID Printing Biz

Identification Cards or IDs are now very important. It is used to verify aspects of a person's identity. It is no longer just a requirement when you do some personal transactions but it is already a must for everyone. However, in some countries, the issuance of IDs is compulsory while other countries, it is voluntary. Since everyone needs a personal identification card, why don't you ride on the momentum and earn some extra income producing IDs?

This kind of venture will be divided into different posts so that you will also have reasons to come back. Basically we will be discussing here some basic steps on how to go about producing IDs, what equipment and materials needed, and the kind of ID that we will intend to make.

First, let me talk about the different kinds of identifications cards according to how they are made and the materials being used. What is very common process is the lamination method. In this process, the ID is first printed then cut into its standard size and laminate. Lamination is the process of applying a film to both sides of the printed document. The purpose of lamination are the following:

1. It adds gloss to the printed document.
2. It allows the document to become durable.
3. It protects the printed document from moisture and scratch.

The method of laminating that we commonly use is the thermal lamination. The laminate is consist of 2 plies with each ply is made up of film. A heat source and pressure are necessary during the lamination process. The printed ID is placed between the two plies of film and then sent through the laminating machine. When it comes out from the machine, the film and the printed document now becomes pressed permanently. However, the process is too long and sometimes complicated. It also consumes more electricity because of the laminating machine. And sometimes if the process is not done properly, moisture gets in and it damages the ID. A very clear indication of poor lamination is when the color of the IDs is faded.

On my next post, we will be talking about another process of producing IDs- the direct printing process.