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Most other sites use a different (older and cheaper) method of printing called DTC (Direct To Card). The difference between the two is that HDP (High Definition Printing) sandwiches the image between the card surface and a clear protective layer onto which the image is initially printed, whilst a DTC printer prints directly onto the card surface. HDP printers produce much higher quality prints (the best you can get in fact..) and produce very durable cards. Do a search on Google for 'HDP card printing' for more info. We are currently using several of the latest model Fargo printer, the Fargo HDP 600LC.

We have 8 ID card printers in total, of which 3 are operational and set-up to print our current card range. This depth of backup printers means it is very unlikely a printer breakdown will cause a delay to production.

The printer type we use:

We use three types of overlay hologram and a foil stamp hologram.

Overlay Hologram 1
Reflective overlay hologram featuring a 3D globe repeat design. Multi-colour under bright light. Used on the EU Student and A.G.E. cards.

Overlay Hologram 2
Reflective overlay hologram featuring a 3D world flag repeat design. Multi-colour under bright light. Used on the National Identity + European Union of Students cards.

Overlay Hologram 3
White reflective key design hologram. Was used in our old style National Identity Card.

Foil Hologram 1
Foil stamp patch hologram. This is similar in style to the holograms you often find on credit/debit cards. Used on the Check It! AGE card.

Smartchips
A smartchip (like some bank cards) is on your card. The smartchip is not encoded with any data (no UK novelty ID has data encoded in the smartchip).

Magnetic Strips
The card has a magnetic strip on the back the same as Credit/Debit cards. The magnetic strip is not encoded with any data (no UK novelty ID has data encoded in the magnetic strip).

Photo
Your photo is scanned at 300dpi and printed onto the ID card.

Signature
Your signature is scanned at 300dpi and printed onto the ID card. If your card features a transparent signature then this transparency is created after scanning using professional graphics software.

More general ID card answers in the FAQ:

FAQ HERE