Printing process
Printing process for card personalization
Various modern printing processes are used for the personalization of plastic cards, magnetic stripe cards, chip cards, and RFID cards.
Rinas relies on modular printing systems that can be flexibly integrated into coding and personalization systems.
Each process offers specific advantages in terms of quality, durability, cost, and application—from monochrome thermal printing and DOD printing to industrial laser marking.
Card technologies in detail
Thermal transfer printing
In thermal transfer printing, the ink is transferred from a ribbon to the card surface with pinpoint accuracy.
The process is ideal for variable personalization such as names, serial numbers, barcodes, or QR codes.
- High edge sharpness thanks to precise dot transfer
- Monochrome or two-color print images
- Scratch and smudge resistant, especially when using overlay films
- Available in Rinas systems as a compact inline pressure module
The print image is robust and durable, but usually not completely borderless.
Thermal sublimation printing
In dye sublimation printing, the ink is vaporized directly into the plastic surface using heat.
This creates a photorealistic print image with high color depth, usually in the YMCK color model.
- Ideal for cards with graphic elements or photos
- Smooth color transitions and brilliant display
- Use in ID card and customer card production
Rinas-Systeme können Thermosublimation und Personalisierung kombinieren. Daten, Bild und Codierung in einem Arbeitsschritt.
Re-transfer printing
In the re-transfer process, the print motif is first printed in mirror image on a carrier foil and then laminated onto the card.
Advantages:
- Borderless print image, even on cards with uneven surfaces (e.g., contact chip)
- High image quality and color accuracy
- Mechanically resilient, resistant to scratches and chemicals
This process is preferred for premium ID cards, security badges, and long-lasting applications.
Thermo-Rewrite-Druck (TRW)
With rewritable special cards, the print image is thermally generated, deleted, and rewritten up to 500 cycles per card.
Ideal for:
- Season or visitor passes
- Parking systems
- Access solutions with changing usage data
TRW modules from Rinas offer fast cycles, precise temperature control, and long material life.
Other printing processes & combinations
Offset and screen printing
These classic processes are used in the pre-production of card layouts—e.g., for logos, color areas, security patterns, or holograms.
- High resolution and color stability
- Metallic, UV, and special effects can be achieved
- Ideal for large series and OEM production
- Rinas systems then add variable data, laser engravings, or coding to pre-printed cards
Digital printing
Digital printing is mostly used for small series or sample production.
It is flexible, fast, and inexpensive, but less resistant to abrasion.
It offers a cost-effective solution for prototypes or short-term customization.
Quality, protection, and durability
The lifespan of cards depends largely on how they are treated afterwards.
For thermal processes, Rinas recommends the use of:
- Transparent overlay layers or laminates for scratch and UV protection
- Data protection-compliant destruction of used ink ribbons (thermal transfer)
- Surface sealing for high-security or outdoor applications
Durch die Kombination von Druck- und Codiertechnologien entstehen individuelle, fälschungssichere und langlebige Kartenlösungen.
Printing modules and systems from Rinas
Rinas offers various printing technologies as standalone modules or integrated into complete personalization systems:
- CS laser: for permanent engraving and marking on plastic, wood, or metal
- CS-DOD: Drop-on-demand ink printing system for variable data and serial numbers
- Thermal transfer modules: for monochrome personalization inline
- Combined systems: Printing, coding, and checking in a single cycle
The modular architecture allows adaptation to almost any production line – from desktop systems to high-performance industrial systems.
Modern printing processes make the difference
In card personalization, the printing process determines appearance, durability, and security.
Rinas combines precise printing technology with integrated data verification and coding to produce fully customized cards with maximum process stability.
Whether for security badges, public transport tickets, or OEM component production, Rinas printing modules stand for quality, efficiency, and industrial reliability.
Let's talk about your project
We analyze your application, recommend the appropriate systems and modules, and demonstrate the integration, including realistic cycle times.