Consumables & Cards
Keep your ID program running smoothly with genuine accessories.
Related Card Products
Standard PVC Cards
- CR80 30mil PVC – 500 cards per box
- CR80 30mil PVC – 1000 cards per box
- Pre-punched slot hole cards
Cost-effective option for basic applications
Composite Cards (This Product)
- CR80 30mil Composite – 500 cards per box
- Heat-resistant PET core
- Premium quality construction
Recommended for high-heat applications
Specialty Cards
- Magnetic stripe cards (HiCo/LoCo)
- Proximity/RFID cards
- Smart cards (contact/contactless)
Enhanced security options available
Printer Supplies
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Cleaning Kits: Maintain peak printer performance
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Color Ribbons: YMCKO full-color printing ribbons
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Monochrome Ribbons: Black, white, and specialty color options
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Retransfer Film: Required for retransfer-style printers
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Overlaminates: Add protection and tamper-resistance
Security Enhancements
Holographic Overlays
Tamper-evident security features
UV Security Inks
Invisible authentication elements
Microtext Features
Fine detail anti-counterfeiting
💡 Supply Tip: Use composite cards with genuine manufacturer ribbons and overlaminates for best results. The heat-resistant construction works perfectly with all standard ID card printer supplies.
500 Pack – Standard CR80 30mil Composite PVC/PET Cards (Shrink Wrapped in 100s)
🔬 What Are Composite PVC/PET Cards?
Composite cards combine the best of both materials: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) surfaces for excellent print quality, with a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) core for superior heat resistance and durability.
Key advantage: The PET core withstands up to 266°F (130°C) vs. 180°F for standard PVC — eliminating warping during retransfer printing and lamination processes.
High-Volume Composite Cards That Keep You Printing
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Eliminate reprints — PET core prevents warping under heat
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Protect your printer — Reduces abrasion and static buildup
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Professional results — Consistent quality every single time
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Heat resistant — Withstands up to 130°C (266°F)
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Industry standard — CR80 30mil works with all major printers
What You Get
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500 Cards Per Box — CR80 standard size (2⅛" × 3⅜"), individually shrink wrapped in packs of 100
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30mil Thickness — Industry standard professional grade
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60/40 Composite Construction — PVC surfaces over PET core
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Universal Compatibility — Works with Fargo, Evolis, Zebra, Magicard
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Ready for Security Features — Magnetic stripe, RFID, smart chip compatible
- Professional packaging with shrink-wrapped 100-card packs for easy handling
Perfect For
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High-volume ID programs — Schools, hospitals, corporations
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Laminated badges — Heat resistance prevents warping
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Retransfer printing — Superior heat tolerance
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Secure credentials — Access cards, employee badges
Eliminate reprints, protect your printer, and avoid card warping in high-heat applications
The 500 Pack – Standard CR80 30mil Composite PVC/PET Cards is built for nonstop printing. Each card features a 60/40 composite construction—standard PVC surfaces for crisp print quality, layered over a durable PET (polyester) core engineered to resist warping under retransfer or lamination heat. No bending, no jamming—just smooth, reliable output.
Protect Your Printer Investment
Low-quality or incompatible cards can damage printheads and rollers
Our composite PVC/PET cards reduce abrasion and static buildup, helping extend printer life and reduce maintenance downtime—especially on high-end retransfer and laminating printers.
Professional Results, Every Single Time
These CR80 cards meet industry standards in size and thickness (2 1/8″ × 3 3/8″, 30 mil), delivering edge-to-edge color accuracy and clean, consistent image quality across every batch.
Engineered for Heat, Built for Demanding Environments
The PET core withstands temperatures up to 130°C—double the heat tolerance of standard PVC. That means no warping, no "potato chipping," and no compromised badges during lamination or retransfer printing.
Optimized for Secure ID Programs
Print barcodes, encode magnetic stripes, or add lamination
These cards are compatible with most direct-to-card and retransfer printers from Fargo, Evolis, Zebra, Magicard, and more. Ideal for secure access cards, credentials, and professional ID badges.
Fewer Replacements, Lower Total Cost
These cards last longer, perform better under pressure, and help reduce waste from bad prints and failed runs. That's less time troubleshooting and more time getting the job done.
💡 SPID Pro Tip
Use composite cards with retransfer and laminating printers to prevent costly printer damage. The heat-resistant PET core saves you money on reprints and printer repairs.
Real-World Applications
Healthcare & Medical Facilities
🏥 Hospital Staff Badges
High-volume environments with frequent card swiping and strict hygiene requirements. Composite cards resist cracking and fading from repeated cleaning and disinfection.
- Withstands sanitization processes
- Professional appearance maintains credibility
- Lamination-ready for added protection
🔒 Secure Access Cards
Critical areas requiring reliable access control. Heat resistance ensures laminated security features stay intact and functional.
- Supports RFID and smart chip technology
- Tamper-evident lamination options
- Long-term durability for permanent staff
Education & Campus Security
🎓 Student ID Cards
Multi-year use requiring exceptional durability. Students carry these cards daily, swipe for meals, library access, and dorm entry.
- Survives 4+ years of daily use
- Photo quality remains crisp
- Compatible with campus meal plan systems
👩🏫 Faculty & Staff Credentials
Professional appearance essential for representing the institution. Often requires advanced security features for building access.
- Maintains professional appearance
- Supports proximity card technology
- Heat resistance for laminated security
Corporate & Government
🏢 Employee Badges
Daily use in professional environments where appearance matters. Must withstand frequent swiping and maintain security features.
- Professional brand representation
- Supports multiple security technologies
- Reduced replacement costs
🏛️ Government Credentials
High-security applications requiring advanced features and long-term reliability. Often subject to strict compliance requirements.
- Meets federal durability standards
- Platform for advanced security features
- Cost-effective for large deployments
🎯 Application Tip: Any organization printing more than 100 cards per year will see measurable cost savings from using composite cards. The convenient 100-card shrink-wrapped packs make inventory management easy.
Printer Compatibility Guide
✅ Fully Compatible Printers
🖨️ Fargo Printers
- DTC1250e, DTC4250e, DTC4500e
- HDP5000, HDP5600, HDP6600
- C50, Connect Series
Especially recommended for HDP retransfer models
🖨️ Evolis Printers
- Primacy 2, Zenius, Badgy series
- Avansia retransfer line
- Quantum, Lamination modules
Perfect for Evolis lamination systems
🖨️ Zebra Printers
- ZC100, ZC300, ZC350
- ZXP Series 1, 3, 7, 9
- P330i, P430i, P520i
Excellent for high-volume applications
🖨️ Magicard Printers
- Prima 4, Prima 8 retransfer
- Enduro3E, Rio Pro series
- 600, 300 direct-to-card
Ideal for Magicard's HoloKote security
🌟 Where Composite Cards Excel
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Retransfer Printers — Heat resistance prevents warping during film transfer process
Standard PVC cards often warp at 280°F+ — composite cards handle it perfectly
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Laminating Printers — PET core maintains flatness under lamination heat
Essential for tamper-evident overlays and protective lamination
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High-Volume Operations — Reduced static and debris protects printer components
Fewer jams mean less downtime and lower maintenance costs
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Outdoor/Harsh Environments — Superior durability against temperature extremes
Won't crack in cold weather or warp in hot conditions
🔧 Setup Requirements
No special setup required! These cards work with your existing printer settings. However, for optimal results:
- Use manufacturer-recommended temperature settings
- Ensure proper card thickness settings (30 mil)
- Clean printer regularly to prevent dust buildup
- Store cards in climate-controlled environment
🔧 Compatibility Tip: If you're using retransfer or laminating printers, composite cards aren't just recommended — they're essential for preventing costly printer damage and ensuring consistent results.
Best Practices for Professional Results
📦 Storage & Handling
Proper Storage Conditions
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Temperature: 65-77°F (18-25°C) — avoid extreme temperatures
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Humidity: 40-60% relative humidity — prevents warping and static
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Environment: Clean, dust-free area away from magnetic fields
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Handling: Always handle by edges to prevent fingerprints and oils
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Packaging: Keep shrink-wrapped packs sealed until ready to use
🖨️ Printing Optimization
Getting Perfect Prints Every Time
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Printer Settings: Use manufacturer settings for 30mil composite cards
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Temperature: Follow printer manual — composite cards handle higher temps
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Speed: Slower printing often yields better quality for complex designs
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Ribbon Quality: Use genuine ribbons for optimal color and adhesion
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Test First: Always print a test card before large batches
🛠️ Printer Maintenance
Protecting Your Investment
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Regular Cleaning: Clean printer every 500-1,000 cards or ribbon change
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Cleaning Supplies: Use manufacturer cleaning kits and supplies
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Printhead Care: Never touch printhead with fingers — use cleaning pens
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Roller Maintenance: Clean rollers to prevent debris transfer
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Quality Cards: Composite cards reduce printer wear compared to cheap alternatives
🔒 Security Features
Adding Advanced Security
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Magnetic Stripes: HiCo (high coercivity) recommended for durability
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RFID/Proximity: Composite cards provide stable platform for embedded chips
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Lamination: Heat resistance essential for tamper-evident overlays
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Visual Security: Holograms, UV printing, microtext compatibility
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Smart Cards: Contact and contactless chip card applications
💰 Cost Optimization
Maximizing Your Investment
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Bulk Ordering: 100-card shrink-wrapped packs allow you to open only what you need
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Proper Storage: Prevents card spoilage and reduces reprints
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Design Optimization: Simple designs print more reliably and use less ink
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Quality Control: Inspect first cards of each batch before continuing
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Maintenance Schedule: Regular printer care prevents costly repairs
📊 ROI Tip: Organizations typically see 15-30% cost savings within the first year of switching to composite cards due to reduced reprints, less printer maintenance, and longer card lifecycles.
Common Questions
Should I Choose Composite or Regular PVC Cards?
Choose composite cards if you:
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Use retransfer or laminating printers — Heat resistance prevents costly warping
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Print high volumes — Reduced reprints save time and money
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Need durable cards — Longer lifespan for employee badges, student IDs
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Want fewer printer repairs — Less static and debris protects equipment
Stick with regular PVC if: You only do basic direct-to-card printing and cost is the primary concern.
What are the main advantages of composite cards over 100% PVC cards?
Composite cards are built to handle the heat. The PET core resists warping during retransfer or lamination—something standard PVC cards often fail at—while still offering excellent print quality on the PVC outer layers.
Are composite cards more expensive than PVC cards?
A little up front, yes—but they reduce reprints, minimize printer wear, and deliver longer-lasting results. You save more in the long run.
Which printers are these cards compatible with?
They're compatible with most ID card printers, including Fargo, Evolis, Zebra, and Magicard. They're especially recommended for retransfer and laminating printers due to their heat resistance.
How do I prevent card warping or smudging?
Use cards with a PET core, like these. Handle by the edges, store in a clean, climate-controlled environment, and regularly clean your printer's rollers and printhead.
Can these cards include security features?
Absolutely—composite cards support magnetic stripes, RFID, smart chips, and visual security like holograms or UV printing.
Where are these typically used?
They're ideal for high-volume, high-security environments: hospitals, schools, corporate ID, government credentials, and event management.
Are they environmentally better than PVC?
The PET core is more recyclable, and because these cards last longer, you create less waste over time—making them a smarter, more sustainable choice.
Ready to Eliminate Card Reprints Forever?
Questions about composite cards or printer compatibility? Call our ID experts at 1-800-380-6726 or Contact us
