Purchasing Guide: Buying Zebra Technologies ID Cards
When purchasing ID cards for use with Zebra Technologies card printers, choosing the correct type of card is important for print quality, durability, and compatibility. This guide outlines the key factors to consider before buying.
1. Card Material
Most ID cards are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), but different environments require different materials.
Common options
- PVC Cards – Standard, cost-effective cards suitable for employee IDs, membership cards, and visitor passes.
- Composite PVC-PET Cards – More durable and heat-resistant. Recommended for retransfer printers or cards that will be laminated.
- PET or PET-Composite Cards – Highly durable and better for long-term use or harsh environments.
Tip: If your printer uses lamination or retransfer printing, composite cards usually perform better.
2. Card Thickness
ID cards are measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). The most common options include:
| Thickness | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 10–20 mil | Temporary visitor or event cards |
| 30 mil | Standard credit-card thickness (most common) |
| 40 mil | Extra durability for long-term cards |
30 mil cards are the standard for most organisations.
3. Card Surface Finish
The surface finish affects print clarity and durability.
- Gloss Finish – Standard finish that produces sharp images and text.
- Matte Finish – Slightly textured, good for writing on the card with a pen.
- Adhesive-Back Cards – Used to convert proximity cards or access cards into printable badges.
4. Technology Options
Some ID cards contain embedded technologies for security or access control.
Common types
- Magnetic Stripe Cards – Store data on a black magnetic stripe.
- Contact Smart Cards – Require physical insertion into a reader.
- Contactless RFID / Proximity Cards – Communicate wirelessly with card readers.
These are often used in access control systems, payment systems, and secure identification programs.
5. Pre-Printed vs Blank Cards
- Blank Cards – Printed entirely by the card printer. Best for flexible badge designs.
- Pre-Printed Cards – Include company logos, backgrounds, or security features before printing.
- Holographic Cards – Used for higher-security environments to prevent counterfeiting.
6. Printer Compatibility
Always confirm the cards are compatible with your Zebra printer model.
Typical printer categories include:
- Direct-to-card printers
- Retransfer printers
- Laminating printers
Using the correct card material ensures reliable feeding and consistent print quality.
7. Quantity and Packaging
ID cards are usually sold in packs of 100 or 500.
Consider:
- Number of employees or users
- Expected replacement rate
- Future expansion
Ordering slightly more than current needs helps avoid production delays.
8. Environmental and Storage Considerations
To maintain print quality:
- Store cards in a cool, dry environment.
- Avoid dust, humidity, and direct sunlight.
- Keep cards sealed in original packaging until use.
Improper storage can affect ribbon adhesion and print clarity.
Quick Buying Checklist
Before purchasing Zebra ID cards, confirm:
- Card material (PVC or composite)
- Thickness (usually 30 mil)
- Surface finish (gloss or matte)
- Technology type (blank, mag stripe, RFID, etc.)
- Printer compatibility
- Quantity required