How are plastic cards printed?
There are varying processes for printing on plastic. These include
thermal, flexography, offset litho, hot stamp, ink jet and silk
screen. Special inks and equipment are required for compatibility
with the many types of polymers being used in plastic cards. Cards
may be printed with one or two colors or complete "photographic"
quality finishes, depending on the process used.
Are all plastic cards the same size?
No. Although plastic cards are available in a variety of sizes,
there are several standards. The most frequently used card size
is the CR80 (credit card size 2 1/8 x 3 3/8).
How thick are plastic cards?
Plastic cards come in a variety of standard weights. (7, 10, 12
and 15 mil - "thin cards" and 20, 24 and 30 mil - "Thick cards")
Weight determination is based on function and application or perceived
value requirements.
What are laminated cards?
Lamination is the process whereby several layers of poly are fused
together. Some cards are produced to a specified thickness through
the lamination process. On others, a thin clear laminate is applied
over the printed card to increase durability and enhance appearance.
What is an affixed plastic card?
A card that is attached, normally with fugitive-type glue, to
a form or tag. Cards are affixed in order to feed through a printer
or for marketing purposes.
What is a "blown on" card?
"Blown On" is another term for Affixed Cards.
What is a PIN number?
An umber assigned to an account which serves as a secure access
to that account and must be "entered" before that account can
be opened. On phone cards it is attached to an 800 number for
access to an activated block of time.
What is variable imaging?
The process of printing variable data such as personalization,
pin numbers, bar codes, account numbers, addresses, etc. Usually
printed with impact, laser, ink jet or thermal imaging devices.
How are signatures, names, etc. added to cards?
Some variable imaging is printed directly to the plastic card
with ink jet and thermal transfer printers. In the absence of
this type equipment, signature or computer panels can be hot stamped
or silkscreened on the card by the manufacturer. These panels
can be printed with impact printers or signed with most ballpoint
or felt tip pens.
What is embossing?
A process whereby names, addresses, account numbers, etc. are
physically embossed from the back of the card resulting in a raised
letter print on the face. Most major credit cards are embossed.
Embossing is normally reserved for thick cards.
What is a Mag Stripe?
A multiple-track magnetic strip of material affixed to the rear
of a plastic card, which stores information such as account numbers,
room numbers, membership numbers, etc. Encoders, readers and sorters
are used to encode and read mag stripes. Mag stripes are available
in a variety of densities depending on level of security required.
What is "scratch off" security ink?
An inked coating used to overprint sensitive areas on a document,
which can be scratched off to reveal sensitive information such
as access codes, PIN numbers, account numbers, etc.
What are pre-paid phone cards?
Fixed-value calling cards that have a preset expiration date.
How is time tracked on a phone card?
Each time the card is used, an audio account balance prompt indicates
the current balance on the card.
When time runs out on a phone card, is the
call terminated?
Yes. However, the system provides the user with a verbal message
that the card "has one minute remaining" prior to the termination
of the call.
Are there restrictions on call destination?
Yes. Some cards are set for specific call destinations; however,
standard cards may be programmed for both national and international
calls. Rates for international calls vary depending on the country.
Are there special phones for phone cards?
No. In order to use a pre-paid phone card, simply dial the 800
number that is printed on the card and follow the voice instructions.
If a card is lost, can it be replaced?
No. The card is the same as cash. In fact, if someone were to
memorize the 800 number and PIN number from a pre-paid card; they
could use the assigned time.
What are pre-paid promotional phone cards?
Custom printed phone cards that serve as a miniature billboard
promoting a company, event or product, the customer carries in
a wallet or purse. They can also be used to advertise through
the use of pre-recorded custom audio greetings the caller hears
after activation of the card. The greeting is heard each time
a call is made.
What is a "Retail" Phone Card?
A card generally sold in a retail outlet, designed strictly as
a functional phone card and used for inexpensive phone calls.
Retail cards are often rechargeable, meaning the user can recharge
the card with additional time through the use of most popular
credit cards.
What is a "Collectors" Phone Card?
Usually produced in smaller quantities, Collectors cards are produced
to commemorate special events, or recognize entertainers and/or
sports personalities. They are often sold as limited edition cards
and may be packaged in very colorful and sophisticated ways. They
are seldom used since their use would negate their value as a
collectable item.
What is a phone card survey?
A means of gathering marketing data about a product or company
through the use of a recorded survey the caller is asked to fill
out prior to using the phone card the first time. After dialing
the PIN number, the caller is given up to five multiple-choice
questions that are answered using the push buttons on the phone.
Once the survey is completed, it does not repeat on successive
calls.
