Uk's leading Supplier of Integrated Card Products

Integrated Card Solutions

An integrated card consists of 2, sometimes 3 core elements, a base carrier which for example would be your introduction letter, a backing laminate for the back patch and in some cases a face laminate. The document is produced by printing the carrier then applying the back laminate (and face laminate if required), the carrier is then die cut through the card shape but not through the back laminate, the card can then be peeled out from the carrier because the back patch holds it in place.

Whilst this product has been around for some time, it is a fast evolving one that has caught the imagination of many organisations that see its potential come in many guises. Having a fully integrated card within a document gives a subtle quality, instantly encouraging interest from the recipient and simultaneously enabling them to retain your information.

The documents are fully laserable even on high speed mailing lasers making them an ideal solution to personalisation and a perfect marketing tool and as the entire document is produced at the same time in one pass, it ensures that the document and card shows a high level of consistency throughout its characteristics and in colour registration between sheet and card. Add to this the cost saving opportunities and the enhanced accuracy by not having to match separate documents and cards and the idea begins to speak for itself.

Because integrated cards are not "affixed" to the carrier, they are often thinner than a traditional card and therefore do not have a raised edge that hinders imaging and lasering, because its thinner it also stacks and delivers better than "affixed" cards.

Types of Integrated Card
1. Single Integrated Card
2. Plastic Integrated Card

For custom, bespoke
or printed integrated cards

Single Integrated Cards

Don’t be fooled by potential limitations because there really aren’t any, the “card” can be die cut in just about any size, shape, position and quantity as you wish meaning these bespoke built direct mail documents really are changing the way we think about print as they can be just about anything that you want them to be. They are totally unique in the way that they take a simple carrier and integrate a card into a single document.

The range of materials that are used are also as wide as they are varied, ranging from a 100gsm card similar to your office products right up to a 400gsm card – gloss, matt or silk, art, textured (laid) or even watermarked papers can be used to compliment the design of your mailing, however if laser personalisation is required, a 250gsm boards really is the recommended optimum weight – Most standard designs are produced on a material around the 130gsm / 150gsm mark.

Some of the Benefits are:

Fully laser compatible, even on high speed mailing lasers. Ideal for personalisation and mailing.
Cost saving, no need to produce cards and letters separately – all produced as one piece.
Total consistent quality and colour
Improved security – personalise in one pass.
Add variable Data
Custom Integrated Card

Plastic Integrated cards

PIC1 and PIC2 (plastic integrated card) are made from polyester and polypropylene, similar to standard everyday use credit cards.

The materials used to make the cards are specially coated to ensure that they are laser suitable, allowing black (mono) or full colour to be added onto a plain card from a standard desk top laser printer. Both sides are even ball point pen friendly perfect for a signature panel.

Cards can be made to any specific size or shape (custom cards); the most popular stock plastic integrated card is 56mm deep x 86mm wide and carried on a high white laser guaranteed 100gsm paper.

Supplied on a Laser A4 sheet of paper, Plastic Integrated Cards have a clean finger lift edge to allow for easy removal, removed the A4 sheet remains the same, unlike Integrated cards which have the card punched out of the sheet of paper and inserted, PIC1 and PIC2 cards are neatly tabbed on.

Most Credit cards are a 760 micron in terms of their thickness, Laserable plastic integrated cards are either 310 micron or 230 micron, visually only slightly thinner. The life span "out in use" are both very similar but Plastic Integrated cards are cheaper in terms of cost and have the flexibility to be personalized on much smaller quantities.

Stock or Custom size cards
Printed up to 7 colours each side
Security features can be added, Hologram, foils etc
Gloss or Matt finish
Single or Double Integrated Cards
Laser Suitable
Harder wearing than normal paper integrated cards
Cost effective and flexible

Names of different products within the Integrated card range:

CARDPEEL – A fully integrated peel-out-card, with high quality gloss finish. Designed to enable you to personalise both the letter and card with ease with a laser printer
CARDPEEL AND STICK – Personalise both the front and back of a card in one pass (Duplex printing). Once removed, the card is folded back to create a ready made rigid wallet sized card. Ideal when there is a need for that extra bit of variable data.
CARDPEEL & FOLD – A double width card which offers plenty of room for variable data on one side and client information/advertising on the other.
DUALAM SECURITY CARD – A fully integrated self laminating card. Personalise as normal and then encapsulate the data, and also a photograph is required, behind laminate. This then produces a secure membership or ID card. Current examples of uses are bus passes, student’s passes, ID cards etc. For extra security a Hologram can be added.
PUSH OUT CARD – A card that pushes out of a letter, ideal for duplex laser printers
FORMPEEL – Fully integrated laser able peel-out label. An ideal solution for all direct mail labelling needs. Especially useful for address labelling, barcode information or promotional use.
PIC CARD – A plastic integrated card, slightly thinner than a normal credit card a 230 & 310 Micron plastic card, fully laserable with properties to write a signature using a ball point pen. Add colour using your own design through a desk top laser printer.
SINGLE INTEGRATED CARD – one only
DOUBLE INTEGRATED CARD – two only

What Can I use my Integrated Card For?

There a various ways in which the document can be produced and here are just a few suggestions; however it’s worth bearing in mind that the possibilities are endless as you will see:

Integrated Cards:

Business Cards
Telephone
Promo
Helpline
Loyalty

Duo-Fold Card:

That require additional information
That need terms and conditions
Mini booklets
Where extra thickness is required

Photographic Cards:

Identity
Medical
Membership

Security Integrated Cards:

Security Pass, with fluoresent hologram and inks
Membership, tamper resistant
Admission
Entry Pass with unique ultra violet light (U.V) feature
Pressure seal Integrated card

Remember:
Cards do not just have to be produced to standard sizes. They can be produced to any size or shape, limited only by your imagination.

Integrated Card Solutions | JSB House | 9 Albion Place | Northampton | NN1 1UD