Depending on its purpose, a plastic card may need to withstand frequent handling, cleaning or repeated use. When it has rounded corners, the cutting radius and position of printed elements must be checked instead of simply reusing artwork created for a paper card.
Plastic cards with rounded corners can serve several corporate applications. The specification should reflect the actual material and use, without assuming that every plastic card uses the same printing technology.
Before printing: specify the finished dimensions, corner radius, thickness, finish, quantity and any numbering, code or variable-data requirements.
How is a plastic card different from a paper card?
A plastic card uses a different substrate from card stock. It may be better suited to certain repeated-use applications, but its resistance depends on the polymer, thickness, printing process and finish.
Which materials can be used?
Several polymers and synthetic substrates are available. They do not all support the same printing processes or finishes. If the card will be exposed to heat, water or cleaning products, check the technical specification of the selected material.
Size, thickness and rounded corners
Cards can use dimensions similar to a bank card or a custom format. The corner radius reduces the usable design area. Keep small text and codes away from the edge because part of the substrate is removed during cutting.
Matt, gloss and variable data
| Element | What to check |
|---|---|
| Matt or gloss finish | Reflections and surface feel |
| Numbering | Data matching and readability |
| Barcode or QR code | Reliable scanning at final size |
| Punched hole | Safe distance and material compatibility |
How to prepare the artwork
- Confirm the trim size, thickness and corner radius.
- Use a template that clearly shows safe areas.
- Leave sufficient margin around text and codes.
- Specify whether one or both sides will be printed.
- Check variable data using a representative proof.
- Approve colours and finishes on the final substrate.
What are plastic cards used for?
They may be used for identification, loyalty schemes, access or commercial presentation, depending on the project. Do not assume that a printed card includes a magnetic stripe, chip or electronic function unless it has been explicitly specified.
For coordinated campaigns, see our custom promotional product printing options.
Frequently asked questions
Do all plastic cards have the same thickness?
No. Thickness varies with the material, construction and intended use.
Can every card have a different number?
Potentially, depending on the printing system and the format and quality of the supplied data.
Do rounded corners affect the design?
Yes. The cutting radius must be included in the template and safe margins.
Need custom plastic cards? Tell us the dimensions, quantity, material, finish and variable-data requirements.
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