A Quick Guide
With the ever-increasing need for reliable visual security on the line, the ID card printer industry is in a constant cycle of adding and upgrading security options. This applies to both visual security options as well as software and integrated security features. With so many different options and levels available, sometimes a quick guide can help narrow down choices.
What is laser engraving?
Laser engraving is a highly secure method of monochrome card personalization that etches features into the card surface with a black material. This provides tamper-proof and highly durable personalization, making forgery and manipulation virtually impossible. Attempts to alter engraved information will result in visually evident card damage. These security features are most commonly used on enterprise ID systems which are used by government entities and the largest corporations and any new inquiries go through additional scrutiny before any discussions of pricing.
One high-end solution for visual security is utilizing laser engraving options, which can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Below is a reference for the popular options available in the ID card industry right now.
Laser Engraving Options:
- Subsurface laser engraving – markings are below the top surface of the card.
- Tactile effect laser engraving – marking goes into the card body and also disrupts the top surface and can be felt as a raised area with your fingertip.
- Microtext laser engraving – a small font in which each character is defined at a size of less than 1 point, i.e., a height of less than about 0.3527 mm so as to be readable only with a loupe or magnifying glass.
Laser Image Engraving:
This effect is created by engraving two images into the card at 2 different angles. This creates a morphing image on the card when viewed at different angles, similar to a holographic type image. This requires a special card body with a lenticular area on the card to accept the engraving at two different angles.
- Changeable laser image – CLI is tilted on the lateral axis or short axis of the card.
- Multiple laser image – MLI is tilted on the longitudinal axis or the long axis of the card.
There are several laser techniques that organizations can use to give their cards different security features, depending on their needs. Laser etching, embossed raised type, laser monochrome printing, and two-image lenticular printing can all be used to create highly personalized and secure credentials.
If your organization is considering high-security features for your employee ID badges, contact us to learn more about our secure identification solutions for ID issuance, physical access control systems, secure login with multi-factor authentication, and custom visitor management solutions.
*Laser engraving is a legacy technology that is no longer available for purchase through ADVANTIDGE
