Key Features
Thin blank white 10mil PVC ID cards CR80-sized
- Card Dimensions: 86mm x 54mm
- Card Thickness: 250mic/ 10mil/ 0.25mm
- These thin blank PVC cards are suitable for Retransfer and HDP printers and are NOT suited for most DTC ID card printers; please check with your ID card printer specifications for minimum card thickness requirements. You can also use our guide below in the FAQs section.
SKU: CAR418
FAQs
What are Poly Composite Cards (PCC)?
Poly Composite Cards (PCC) are high-performance ID cards engineered for durability and heat resistance. They are constructed with multiple layers, typically featuring a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) core for strength and heat tolerance, and PVC outer layers that provide a smooth surface for high-quality printing.
This layered design makes PCCs especially suitable for retransfer printing, which involves high heat to fuse the printed image onto the card. Unlike standard PVC cards, Poly Composite Cards maintain their shape and integrity during the retransfer process, making them ideal for high-volume or high-security applications.
What are Polyvinyl Chloride Cards (PVC)?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. It’s one of the most widely used plastics globally, found in products ranging from plumbing pipes to credit cards. In the ID card industry, PVC is valued for its affordability, printability, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for employee badges, student IDs, and loyalty cards.
PVC Cards are compatible with most desktop card printers, however, they are not recommended for retransfer printing, as they can warp or deform under the high heat used in that process.
Do I need PCC or PVC cards?
If your card printing setup includes a retransfer printer or you need cards that can withstand frequent use and environmental stress, Poly Composite Cards are the superior choice. For general-purpose ID cards in standard office settings, PVC Cards offer excellent value and print quality.
What is the purpose of thinner PVC cards?
10 mil cards are typically used for:
- Disposable or temporary badges
- Insert cards for ID card holders
- Pre‑laminated overlays
- Short‑term visitor credentials
They are not ideal for:
- Edge‑to‑edge colour printing
- Reusable ID programs
- High‑heat dye sublimation printing
Which ID Card Printers are compatible with 10 mil CR80-sized cards?
Most retransfer and HDP ID card printers support 10- to 40-mil cards. This is because cards don’t pass directly under the printhead, and heat and pressure are applied more evenly due to the print process, which is different to a DTC ID Card Printer. The printer prints onto the film first, then transfers the film to the card, greatly reducing card stress.
ID Card Printers models that are compatible with 10 mil CR80-sized cards include;
- HID Fargo HDP5000 / HDP5600
- HID Fargo HDX
- Evolis Avansia
- Zebra ZXP Series 9
- Entrust Sigma DS3 / DS4 (retransfer versions)
Which ID Card Printers are NOT compatible with 10 mil CR80-sized cards?
Most Direct-to-Card (DTC) ID card printer models are not compatible with thinner cards (any card under 20 mil) because they rely on friction rollers and a card path pressure calibrated for thicker cards. Thinner cards, like our 10 mil CR80 cards, can skew in the feed path, are more likely to jam or double‑feed, and can bend under printhead pressure when used with the following printer models.
HID FARGO DTC Models
Most HID Fargo DTC (direct‑to‑card printers) require cards to have a minimum thickness of 20 mil. HID Fargo DTC ID Card Printers that are not compatible with 10 mil cards include;
- Fargo C50
- Fargo DTC1000 / DTC1250e
- Fargo DTC1500
- Fargo DTC4500 / DTC4500e
- Fargo DTC5500LMX
Entrust (Datacard) DTC Models
Entrust (Datacard) DTC ID card printers are not designed for thin cards.
Entrust (Datacard) DTC ID card printers not compatible with 10 mil cards include;
- SD160
- SD260
- SD360
- SD460
- CD800
Zebra ZXP DTC Models
Most Zebra ZXP models require cards to be 20 to 40 mil thick.
Zebra ZXP ID Card Printers that are not compatible with 10 mil cards include;
- Zebra ZXP Series 1
- Zebra ZXP Series 3
- Zebra ZXP Series 7
Magicard DTC Models
Magicard DTC id card printers also require a minimum card thickness of 20 mil.
Magicard DTC ID Card Printers not compatible with 10 mil cards include;
- Magicard Pronto
- Magicard Enduro
- Magicard Rio Pro
- Magicard Rio Pro XT
Evolis DTC Models
Ecolis DTC ID card printers generally require cards with a thickness of 20 to 30 mil.
Evolis DTC ID Card Printers not compatible with 10 mil cards include;
- Evolis Zenius
- Evolis Primacy
- Evolis Badgy
- Evolis Avansia (DTC mode)
