Most companies, events, and membership clubs choose to use cards or passes throughout their organisations for security reasons. It prevents the likelihood of unauthorised access and therefore greatly enhances the safety of employees, delegates, or members.

However, with standard printed cards and passes, there is a possibility of cloning and forgery. If the original cards have no security features, any forged cards will be difficult to spot and security may be breached.

If you need a higher level of security for your staff ID, membership cards or event passes, there are plenty of print processes and features that can be applied to your card design to ensure that you reach a level of security that your organisation requires.

1.    Fineline or Microprinting

Fineline printing – also known as microprinting – is the process of adding small, thin printed characters or words onto cards that look like a continuous line to the naked eye. However, when magnified, you will see that the line is made up of tiny letters.

The characters that are used to create microprinted lines cannot be recreated using conventional ID card cloning methods, and therefore non-genuine copies can be identified using a magnified lens. 

Microprinting is a security feature to prevent ID card cloning.

2.    UV Print

UV printing is the most common security feature used on ID cards and membership cards. This is due to the fact it is cost effective, and can be implemented on both in-house printing and outsourced printing. 

Adding UV text or images adds an extra layer of security by creating designs that aren’t visible to the naked eye – they are only visible when a UV light is shone over the card. This cannot be recreated by cloned cards, meaning the only equipment you need to verify any suspicious cards is a cheap UV torch.

UV print is a cost effective way to ensure secure ID cards.

3.    Hologram

The hologram print feature involves placing a holographic design onto your card design, which presents as 2 or 3-dimensional. It will change colour when viewed at different angles, but is always visible. This makes it incredibly difficult to counterfeit.

Hologram designs make it difficult to counterfeit ID cards.

4.    Magicard HoloKote Watermarking

Magicard printers offer users the HoloKote® feature, which allows you to print a thin holographic layer to create an ID card watermark. It is printed during the regular print run and therefore does not require any special equipment, and creates a holographic watermark that is visible when tilted towards the light. All other printed items on your cards will still be clear.

HoloKote® is patented to Magicard and therefore sets these printers apart from other manufacturers on the market, and there are number of design options available, including custom HoloKote® designs – such as your logo or company name.

The Magicard Holokote® feature is a great way to achieve secure ID cards with in-house printing.

The HoloKote® security feature is available on the Magicard Pronto, Magicard Pronto100, Magicard 300, Magicard 600, and the Magicard Ultima ID card printers.

5.    Guilloche

Guilloche can be used for security reasons and for aesthetic purposes. It is a pattern of thin lines that are interwoven geometrically, usually used on bank notes and other highly secure items. 

Guilloche is a pattern made up of fine lines to prevent card cloning.

The complexity of the guilloche prevents counterfeiting as it can only be recreated by a series of complex codes. This means that cards featuring guilloche are near enough impossible to forge, and organisations can make this security feature even stronger by creating their own unique pattern that can only be used by them.

For more information on the security features that can be printed on your staff ID, membership cards or event passes, please get in touch with one of our experts today.