Plastic cards with a hologram

In plastic cards, a hologram is used as an element protecting the card against attempts to counterfeit it, or as a decorative element emphasizing its uniqueness.

Hologram – basics

A hologram is nothing more than a three-dimensional image created as a result of overlapping several layers of images. The hologram can contain various effects, e.g.:

• motion animation – a hologram simulating the movement of objects
• microtext – text invisible to the naked eye, font height in microprint is usually only 20-80 µm
• flip-flop effect – the hologram contains two different images, visible after changing the viewing angle
• 2D/3D effect – image on several planes while maintaining a high depth of field
• gradient

Some of these effects can only be seen with a magnifying glass or even a microscope. Thanks to the complex technique of hologram production, they are a very effective method of protection against counterfeiting. The hologram is virtually unforgeable, and an attempt to remove the hologram results in its destruction and leaves a clear mark on the product.

Hologram cards

In the case of plastic cards, the hologram has two functions:

• as a security element which protects the plastic card against forgery attempts. The originality of a plastic card is confirmed by an attached hologram, which is much more difficult and expensive to counterfeit than printing the plastic card itself.
• And also as a decorative element, increasing the prestige of the card, e.g. a club or VIP card.

Holograms on plastic cards can appear as self-adhesive stickers or elements on metallized foils, applied to the card using hot-stamping technology, a method referred to as hot-embossed hologram.

Hologram pattern – standard or custom?

There are standard hologram patterns for both application methods, which makes the price of a sticker or hot-stamping foil relatively low. Of course, it is possible to order an individual hologram, but this involves higher costs, which is unprofitable in the case of small quantities.

For example, an embossed hologram with an individual pattern requires an order of at least 10,000 m2, with the price per square meter being several zlotys. Additionally, there is a long waiting time for the production of such foil.

The same applies to individual holograms in the form of stickers. In this case, the minimum order is 20,000 pieces. The processing time for holograms is also increased by an additional 5-6 weeks due to the need to wait for the matrix.

Hologram on a standard background or on request?

Holograms with a standard background are a very good solution, especially when you need from 200 to several thousand cards. You can additionally print your company logo or numbering on the sticker, e.g. in silver or black. This makes the hologram unique.

For hot-embossed holograms, a matrix with an individual logo can be prepared. However, please remember that such a logo will not be printed, but “cut out” from the background of the holographic foil.

If you are not sure which type of hologram to choose, contact us, we will be happy to help you choose the right solution. Also, check out other card security options – UV/IR print.