	Plastic Cards
	EnviroCards^SM
	KeyTags
	Snap Off Cards
	Imaging & Encoding
	Affixing & Packaging
	Mailing & Fulfillment
	Teraco Special FX
	10 Day Card Printing
	Luggage Tags
	Badges

Testimonials

Quote &
Sample Request

Products & Services for Plastic Cards

Art Specs Design Templates Ideas & Applications

Imaging & Encoding

Imaging and encoding, also known as card personalization or the individual treatment each plastic card receives to include variable data. Different card programs require different solutions.

Imaging refers to the application of variable data to the surface of the pre-printed plastic cards. The inclusion of variable data via this feature is commonly used for:

Bar codes
Names and unique numbers

Imaging Options

DOD/UV Inkjet

High speed application
Most durable option
Pricing in midrange
Best with laminated card surfaces

MEK Inkjet

High speed application
Lowest cost solution
Printable on laminated and non-laminated surfaces
Least durable method not recommended for extended use programs

Thermal Imaging

Highest resolution yields best visual and scanning quality available on the market
Slowest and most expensive form of application
Limited to laminated card surfaces
Not recommended for keytags

Embossing refers to the raised lettering with color toping that is still the industry standard for many credit card and other plastic card products.

Encoding refers to the process of embedding unique data onto the magnetic stripe which enables the plastic cards to be linked to the processing component of your stored value or points based program.

Let Teraco help you find the best solution for your program!

NOTE

Card programs that require encoding also require imaging. This provides necessary protection for the functionality of your program if a magnetic strip was unable to be processed.
Hotel keycards do not require imaging or encoding. A unique numbering sequence is by added by the hotel locking system at the time of issuance.