Quick$hots

Integrated Cards

Ok, here's an experiment. Open your wallet or purse and take out every card...paper or plastic. Now lay them out in front of you and eliminate your credit cards. What you probably have left will be phone, membership, ID, blood donor, video rental, insurance, voter registration and frequency buyer's cards. All of these are integrated card opportunities. An integrated card is created by applying a patch to the back of the document, and then a die cut is made to the face creating the card. The liner gives a dry lift effect for removal of the card and adds a full back laminate at the same time. Face laminates are available including laser compatible, pen write-able and holographic for security or impact.

Many of the applications above are short life cards, that is, the card has a short expiration date or will be pulled and shown very few times. For example, most auto insurance cards are only good for six months before they expire and you get a new one. During that time, with any luck, you will never pull the card out. (Unless you have a really bad driving record!) These cards can be simple paper cards and are often just punch out styles. Our Tri-laminate material is especially popular for this application as it is actually a layer of poly material layered between two plies of paper. This gives a flat pack of laser forms, excellent printability and durability.

On the other hand, a golf club membership card may be used repeatedly. These will be handled often which means body oil, perspiration and rain may all be a factor to consider. This type of integrated card must be protected from the elements and still be printable. A laminated face and back design is excellent for this type of application. This is also a great format to include integrated window sticker advertising the country club membership. Both can be created from the same laser sheet.

In addition to the laminates, we can also apply a thin magnetic patch to create a card/magnet product. This is often sold to video rental stores, pizza delivery or other service companies. The card can be placed in a new member welcome letter or direct mail piece. The receiver removes the magnet as you would any integrated card and then adheres it to a metal surface.

Companies have learned that typical 30 mil plastic cards are not being used for these applications as they take too much space in wallets and purses. Thin, durable cards printed in high color can have the advertising impact needed and still reduce bulk. Let Ward/Kraft help you on your next integrated card opportunity! And be sure to ask about our Inlaid Card and Magnetic Messages, both second cousins to integrated cards!

Click here to request Integrated Card samples!

Roger Buck, CDC
National Sales Manager, Forms Divisions
rbuck@wardkraft.com