HOLOGRAPHIC SECURITY - HOLOGRAM CARD PRINTERS

Visual Security (Flash Pass)

Photo identification cards are fundamental tools for visual security, designed to answer critical questions such as, “Who are you?” and “Do you belong here?”

While the cost of photo ID printers has decreased over the years—making them more accessible for businesses aiming to enhance security—this affordability also presents a challenge. Criminals can now more easily acquire printers to produce counterfeit badges that closely mimic legitimate ones.

For organizations prioritizing security and aiming to mitigate the risk of counterfeiting, incorporating a holographic laminate into your ID cards is an effective solution. This additional layer not only significantly reduces the potential for forgery but also extends the durability and lifespan of your secure identification cards.

Investing in holographic laminates demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a robust security infrastructure while protecting the integrity of your organization.

Holographic ID card printers that can apply a security hologram, such as the SMART-51L, SMART-70L, and SMART-81L, have an additional step in the printing process to physical laminate an additional film over the printed card surface.   This additional layer not only provides layers of security as detailed below, but also add durability to the card.

Levels of Security

Holographic security is categorized into three distinct levels, with each level incorporating specific features designed to enhance protection and prevent counterfeiting.

Level One: Overt Features

These features are visible to the naked eye and require no special tools for verification. Examples include:

  • Rainbow, grayscale, and true-color effects.
  • Switch images (which transition between two images when the card is tilted).
  • Guilloche patterns and wireframe text.

Level One holograms are typically produced with an origination resolution of up to 600 DPI.

Level Two: Covert Features

Covert features represent a more advanced level of security, designed to be detectable only with specialized tools or by individuals with proper training. These features include:

  • Color-shifting inks and security inks (such as those sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light).
  • Micro-text, latent images, and covert laser retrievable (CLR) images.

Holograms at this level are produced with origination resolutions of up to 1200 DPI, ensuring a high degree of detail and security.

Level Three: Forensic Features

These features are exceptionally advanced and are accessible exclusively to trained personnel. Their application is strictly controlled, with sensitive details withheld even from most manufacturing staff to maintain security integrity.

Each level of holographic security is meticulously designed to offer progressively enhanced protection, catering to the specific requirements of organizations that prioritize secure identification solutions.

Generic or Stock Holograms

Most manufacturers of hologram card printers provide generic (stock) holograms and may also offer customized hologram options. A generic hologram refers to a standard image available for purchase by anyone.

IDP offers a range of vertical market generic holograms, including designs tailored for Law Enforcement, Medical/Healthcare, Fire Rescue, and two variations of globe security images. These stock holograms provide Level One security and effectively minimize the risk of counterfeiting and image tampering.

Custom Holograms

Custom holograms are an excellent solution for maximizing security and extending the lifespan of ID cards. However, the process of purchasing custom holograms can be complex. Below are some key considerations to help guide you:

Budgeting
To create a custom hologram, manufacturers typically require a minimum order quantity of 60 to 80 rolls. Additionally, there is an origination fee—a one-time charge to design and create your unique holographic image.

When budgeting, it is advisable to estimate the number of cards you will print or laminate within a two-year period, as this represents the typical shelf life of laminate materials.

Cost Calculation
For example, if you plan to print or laminate 15,000 cards over two years, you would need to purchase the minimum order quantity of 80 rolls. With 250 cards per roll, 80 rolls will produce 20,000 cards.

Assuming a list price of $190 per roll, the cost of 80 rolls would be $15,200. Adding the origination fee—typically $5,000 for Level One security—the total cost for the custom hologram would be $20,200, or approximately $1.00 per card.

Pricing and terms may vary between manufacturers. For instance, IDP offers promotions, lower minimum order quantities, and reduced origination fees.

Lead Time
The creation of a custom hologram typically requires 10 to 12 weeks due to the numerous steps involved in the manufacturing process.

By understanding these factors, organizations can better plan and allocate resources for implementing custom holographic security solutions.

Custom Holograms are Worth It!

  • Security – Custom holograms are unique to your organization.  Using a generic hologram will increase your security, but those generic holograms are freely available in the market.  A custom hologram is locked to you and will not be sold to anyone but your organization.   Additionally, hologram images can also be registered with the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA).  Doing so will further secure your image from being duplicated by other member hologram manufacturers.  
  • Durability – Custom laminate film is highly durable.  1mil thick “patch” laminate undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it will withstand common use cases.  IDP uses the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators  (AAMVA) standards and testing for driver’s license durability on all its patch laminates.
  • Channel/Purchase Security – IDP will only sell the custom hologram laminate rolls to dealer/reseller that you authorize and would never allow custom hologram to be sold via online retailers or web marketplaces. 

Are Holographic ID Card Printers Still Too Expensive?

  • If, after some research, you have determined that generic or custom holograms are too expensive for your organization, then check out Printed Security features.  These features offer Level One overt affects that can be customized with the printers driver (unique feature of IDP’s SMART Printers), but do not offer extended-life durability of a patch laminate film.