Have you thought about starting your own business, but don’t know where to start? It should be immediately noted that today there is a fairly large number of diverse ideas that need only be implemented.
And among them one can single out the production of plastic cards. This product is very popular, which continues to grow rapidly. So why not declare yourself in this field of activity? In our review, we will talk about equipment used in the presented field of activity.
Standards to be considered
The production of plastic cards is characterized by a fairly simple process. In this case, you must be guided by the requirements that the ISO 7810 standard carries in itself. In addition, it is worthwhile to understand that it is necessary to use high-quality materials for the production of plastic cards. Polyvinyl chloride is commonly used.
How to solve the problem of lack of raw materials?
Among the disadvantages that this material has, one can highlight the high cost. Therefore, some companies are trying to find another that would be a replacement. For example, plastic may be used. For plastic card manufacturing Some novice entrepreneurs also use polycarbonate or polystyrene. In such a situation, cost is reduced. Therefore, competitors can be circumvented.
The basics you need to know in any situation
The process of creating cards can be divided into two main parts. You should know this when choosing equipment for the production of plastic cards.
- Workpiece design procedure.
- Drawing images on the product obtained at the previous stage.
The main stages in the production of cards
In order to establish the production of cards, you must perform the following steps:
- Find all the necessary equipment. We are talking about special cutters. They can be mechanical type, and can be electric. In terms of performance, the units are almost equal. However, the main difference is the cost. Therefore, when choosing equipment for the production of plastic cards, it should be understood that a mechanical device costs about 10 thousand rubles, and an electric one will cost 30 thousand more. The choice will be made by each individual entrepreneur. In addition, it is worthwhile to understand that for a mechanical device you will also need to hire an operator. One installation will be able to issue one card in about 2 seconds.
- In order to get a blank, you will need to purchase plastic. For the production of plastic cards, the material is sold at a price of 5 rubles per sheet of size A3. From one such sheet, it is possible to produce about 26 blanks.
- In order to apply the image to the resulting blank, you can use two methods. An image can be applied to the finished surface by using a thermosublimation method. To do this, you will need to buy a special machine for the production of plastic cards, the cost of which reaches about one hundred thousand rubles. You can also pay attention to the inkjet method. To do this, you will need to buy a special printer, the cost of which reaches 10 thousand rubles. This method involves applying the image on the surface of the workpiece. Then you need to use the sintering method and glue the card with a pattern or with a magnetic strip.
- Any type of card has magnetic tape.In order to apply it, you need to purchase a roll of this material. The price for it reaches 5 thousand rubles. For application, it is worth using a special machine for the production of plastic cards - an applicator or a laminator.
These are all the main aspects that need to be considered. Now it’s worth talking about some of the nuances that will help organize production.
The need for equipment
As already mentioned, cutters are of two types. Moreover, an electrical device is 4 times more expensive. Therefore, in order to increase productivity, you should buy several mechanical cutters. For the price it will be equal to the cost of an electric machine, but in terms of productivity you can take a fairly large step forward.
The need for a semi-automatic machine
You can also purchase a semi-automatic hydraulic cutter. Its cost reaches about 310 thousand rubles. His kit includes several matrices, which are enough for 10 cards. To save money, you can purchase multi-colored blanks. You have to pay about 7 rubles for one piece.
Everything will depend on the color, as well as the material used. You will also need to purchase several reciprocating cutters in order to bring the size of the resulting blanks in full compliance with the standards. The cost of such a device reaches about 4 thousand rubles. What do you need for the production of plastic cards yet?
Drawing an image using a special device
It is worth considering the purchase of a thermal press-laminator. It is necessary for printing the image on the workpiece. In addition, in order to insert a chip, you will need to use sintering technology. The cost of a thermal press-laminator reaches about 22 thousand rubles.
In this case, you will also have to spend money on the purchase of special raw materials from polyvinyl chloride. Through the use of this material, a wear-resistant layer is formed. Thus, the card will be protected from erasing the image.
What methods for applying magnetic stripe can be used?
The application of the magnetic strip can be done through the use of lamination. And you can do everything manually using roll applicators. Some also use the pressing method, which is divided into two methods - LoCo and HiCo. The first case is characterized by low reliability and high destructibility of the magnetic tape.
However, the price of equipment for the production of plastic cards in the first method is lower - only 3.5 thousand rubles per roll, the length of which reaches 1220 meters. This technology is used in the manufacture of discount cards and is quite rare.
The second technique is characterized by higher reliability and durability. It is used in the production of bank cards, passes and much more. The cost of equipment in this situation will reach about 6 thousand rubles.
A profitable venture to open your own business
The production of plastic cards can be a very profitable venture when it comes to business. Revenues from such an enterprise will be quite high. Especially if you produce quality products. The thing is that some cards may become worthless after several months of their active use.
The production of such low-quality products reduces confidence in the company, which is engaged in the production and sale of such cards. Therefore, in your activity, you must try to do everything so that you have no complaints. Otherwise, you will day after day approach your own bankruptcy.
