Integrated cards and real cards are similar but not identical. Read this information to help you decide which one to buy.
We have three types of integrated cards.
Material:
Integrated cards are made from heavy-duty laminated polyester, matching the form material.
Real cards combine heavy 7.5 mil paper with a plastic card.
Structure:
Integrated cards come as a single sheet with no cut-offs and one attached card.
Real cards are produced from a paper sheet with a one-third cut at the bottom, which is then replaced with a plastic material. The area where the plastic is attached has a small tape segment on the back that cannot be printed over.
Design:
Real cards feature a thumb notch design, making it easy to grip and remove the card from the form.
Benefits:
Integrated cards with a backer and duplex printable integrated cards are quite similar. The main difference is that the integrated cards with a backer are not duplex printable. People who don't need printing on both sides often prefer these cards because they are more affordable. Additionally, when the card is removed, it doesn't leave a hole in the form, making it easier to store.
Duplex printable integrated cards are made from the same material as the entire page, so when you want to print nice graphics across the whole page, it will look better than the real card, which is a combination of two materials. Also, the fact that it's not a plastic card makes it a better choice for environmentally conscious people who care about the planet.
Real cards are the same thickness as the card and the form, allowing them to lay completely flat. This way, you can easily load a big pile of a few hundred forms into your printer and walk away. With the other integrated cards, you won't be able to add such a large pile at once. The real card will also look nicer because you will see less of the punch holes around the edges, but that's a matter of personal taste—whichever material you prefer more.
If you're still undecided, contact us and we'll help you choose what suits you best.
