Organizations often want the security benefits of a proximity or access control card while also giving employees a professional photo ID badge. However, many clamshell proximity cards are not designed to be printed on directly with a standard ID card printer.
Blank adhesive back cards provide a simple solution. These thin, printable cards can be printed with employee information and then attached to an existing clamshell proximity card or other access control credential. AnythingID.coms.com offers CR80 adhesive back cards specifically for this type of application.
What Are Blank Adhesive Back Cards?
Blank adhesive back cards are thin printable cards with an adhesive backing. Unlike standard 30-mil PVC ID cards, these cards are designed to be printed and then attached to another credential or card surface.
For example, a CR80 10-mil adhesive-backed card is designed to be printed with an ID card printer and adhered to a clamshell or other proximity/technology card.
This allows organizations to add:
- Employee names
- Employee photos
- Job titles
- Company logos
- Department information
- Other visual identification details
without replacing the underlying access control credential.
How Do Adhesive Back Cards Work With Clamshell Prox Cards?
A clamshell proximity card contains the technology necessary to communicate with a compatible access control reader. The adhesive back card does not replace that technology.
Instead, the adhesive card acts as a printable identification layer.
The process is generally:
1. Design the ID badge - Create the employee badge design using compatible ID card software.
2. Print the adhesive card - Print the employee's photo, name, company information, and other desired details onto the printable surface.
3. Remove the adhesive backing - Once printing is complete, carefully remove the protective backing from the adhesive side.
4. Align the card - Position the adhesive card over the front of the clamshell proximity card.
5. Apply the card - Press the adhesive card firmly onto the clamshell, working carefully to avoid bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignment.
The result is a clamshell access credential that also functions as a visible employee ID badge. AnythingID.com describes this approach as a way to combine the security functionality of a prox card with the appearance of a traditional employee ID.
Does the Adhesive Card Change How the Proximity Card Works?
The adhesive card is primarily being used as the printable identification layer. The access control technology remains in the underlying proximity card.
This means organizations can add employee identification without changing the credential's existing programmed format.
However, compatibility should still be considered when selecting the underlying proximity card. Proximity credentials can use different formats, including 26-bit H10301 and other formats, so the card itself needs to match the organization's access control system.
Why Use an Adhesive Card Instead of Printing Directly on the Proximity Card?
Many clamshell proximity cards are not intended to go directly through a standard ID card printer. Adhesive back cards provide an alternative that allows the organization to use an existing clamshell credential while adding personalized identification.
This can be particularly useful when an organization wants to:
- Keep its existing access control credentials
- Add employee photos
- Display employee information
- Maintain consistent badge designs
- Avoid replacing functioning proximity cards
- Create badges in-house
AnythingID.com specifically notes that CR79 adhesive back cards can be used with existing clamshell cards, while CR80 adhesive-backed products are also available for applications involving printable ID cards.
CR79 vs. CR80 Adhesive Back Cards
Card size is an important consideration when choosing an adhesive back card.
CR79 cards are slightly smaller than standard CR80 cards and can be used as an adhesive printable layer for clamshell proximity cards. AnythingID.com recommends this approach for adding printed identification to existing clamshell credentials.
CR80 is the standard ID card size commonly used with ID card printers. AnythingID.com carries CR80 10-mil adhesive-backed cards, including products intended for attaching to clamshell and other technology cards.
The appropriate size depends on the card or credential being covered and the desired finished appearance.
Can You Use Adhesive Back Cards With Other Access Control Cards?
Yes, adhesive-backed printable cards can be used with more than just clamshell credentials. The underlying credential may be a proximity or other technology card, provided the physical dimensions and application are appropriate.
The important distinction is that the adhesive card provides the printed identification, while the underlying technology card continues to provide the access control functionality.
This makes the solution useful for organizations that want to combine visual identification with electronic access control.
Things to Consider Before Applying an Adhesive Card
Before starting a badge project, consider:
Card Size - Make sure the adhesive card is appropriately sized for the credential underneath it. A proper fit creates a cleaner appearance and helps prevent edges from catching or peeling.
Printer Compatibility - Confirm that your ID card printer can handle the specific adhesive-backed card you plan to use.
Card Design - Leave enough space for the employee photo, name, logo, and other required information while maintaining a professional layout.
Application - Take care when applying the adhesive card. Align it properly and smooth it onto the underlying credential to minimize bubbles and wrinkles.
Existing Credential - Most importantly, don't confuse the printable surface with the access control technology. The underlying proximity card still needs to be compatible with the organization's reader and access control system.
A Simple Way to Add Photo Identification to Access Credentials
Blank adhesive back cards provide organizations with a practical way to personalize existing clamshell and access control credentials. Instead of replacing a functioning proximity card simply because it cannot be printed on directly, organizations can print employee information on an adhesive-backed card and attach it to the credential.
This creates a badge that combines photo identification and electronic access control in one credential.
Upgrade Your Proximity Card Program
For organizations already using clamshell proximity cards, adhesive back cards can provide an easy way to add employee photos, names, logos, and other identification information. The adhesive card serves as the printable layer, while the underlying proximity credential continues to handle access control.
Before ordering, make sure you select the appropriate adhesive card size and confirm that the underlying access credential is compatible with your existing access control system.
Looking for blank adhesive back cards or proximity credentials? AnythingID offers adhesive-backed printable cards, clamshell proximity cards, and a variety of access control credentials for organizations building or updating their ID badge programs. Browse our selection of proximity and adhesive-backed cards to find the right solution for your ID badge needs. Contact us today for more information or if you have any questions.