Direct-to-Card Printing Solutions

Fast. Efficient. Perfect for Everyday Credentialing.

Direct-to-card (DTC) printing is one of the most widely used card production technologies available today. Stravata Solutions utilizes DTC printing as a rapid, cost-effective method for printing secure credentials that still meet high-quality visual and operational standards. It’s especially suitable for short-term or low-risk ID applications, where affordability, speed, and visual branding are priorities.

What is Direct-to-Card Printing?

Direct-to-card (DTC) printing is one of the most widely adopted technologies for producing photo ID cards, membership badges, and access credentials. In the DTC process, images, text, and barcodes are printed directly onto the surface of a plastic card using dye sublimation or resin thermal transfer.

At Stratava Solutions, we leverage this proven technology to deliver fast, affordable, and visually appealing credentials—perfect for organizations that need rapid issuance without compromising professionalism.

Direct-to-card printing is a one-step process where the printhead applies color directly onto the surface of the plastic card using dye sublimation or resin thermal transfer. It’s ideal for printing basic ID features like photos, logos, and barcodes on PVC or composite cards.

Explore DTC Printing

How it works:

Image is printed directly onto the surface of the card.

A protective overlay is applied for basic durability.

Key Benefits:

Faster print speed than retransfer

More economical for short-run jobs

Perfect for flat, non-laminated PVC cards

Compact printer options for on-site issuance

Tagline

When to Choose DTC Printing

DTC printing is best for organizations that need quick turnaround on high volumes of standard credentials. It’s also an ideal solution for in-house card printing stations where staff can issue badges on-demand.

Popular Use Cases

Student & Temporary Worker Badging
Quickly create professional IDs for students, interns, or temp staff—perfect for short-term use or high-turnover environments.

Trade Show & Conference Entry Passes
Print sharp, branded passes for events, helping attendees stand out while keeping entry smooth and secure.

Department-Level ID Programs
Ideal for companies that need basic visual IDs by team, floor, or department—no chips, just clear identification made easy.

Perfect For

School IDs & Visitor Badges
Easily print vibrant student IDs and temporary visitor passes on demand—ideal for fast-paced educational environments.

Temporary or Event-Based Cards
Need quick-turnaround badges for concerts, expos, or conferences? Direct-to-card printing delivers professional results—fast.

Employee & Contractor Passes
Print durable cards for internal teams, temporary workers, or rotating staff. Great for clear identification without the complexity of smart tech.

Basic Access Control Cards
A simple, effective solution for entry-level access needs—perfect for offices, gyms, and secured areas without chip requirements.

Supported Materials

Stravata’s DTC systems are optimized for standard card stock and cost-efficient applications.

Important Note:
While versatile, DTC printing is not recommended for smart cards with embedded chips, highly textured surfaces, or cards requiring enhanced security layering.

Supported Card Types

Standard PVC (CR80) ID cards

PVC/Polyester Composite Cards for added durability

Thin Cards (10mil–20mil) ideal for disposable or temporary uses

Eco-Friendly and Recycled Cards

DTC systems are compatible with select eco-friendly PVC alternatives, including biodegradable and recycled material cards, supporting sustainability initiatives without sacrificing print quality.

Pre-Printed Stock Cards

Organizations can use pre-printed background cards and personalize only key information (like photos, names, or barcodes) with DTC printers, saving time and enhancing visual branding.

Optimized for Everyday Credentialing

Designed for Speed, Simplicity, and Visual Impact

Direct-to-card printing excels in environments where fast badge issuance and sharp visual identity are crucial. Whether you need to produce hundreds of event passes, new hire badges, or visitor IDs, DTC technology ensures credentials are ready on demand with vibrant colors and crisp personalization. Stratava Solutions tailors DTC systems to align with your operational needs, delivering reliability and brand consistency across every card you print.

Advantages of Direct-to-Card Printing

When your operation demands speed, simplicity, and scalability, DTC systems deliver.

Features

Rapid Throughput

Lower Cost

Compact Design

Instant Personalization

Simple Operation

Benefit

-High-volume batch printing or on-demand issuance

-Affordable printers and supplies

-Ideal for desktop or mobile credential stations

-Real-time updates for visitor or employee badges

-Minimal training required for staff

Why Organizations Choose DTC:

Streamlined badging processes

Quick deployment with minimal setup

Affordable entry-point for new credentialing programs

When to Choose Direct-to-Card Printing

DTC technology is the go-to choice when flexibility and affordability matter most.

Industries And Applications

Educational Institutions: Student IDs, library cards, visitor passes

Corporate Offices: Employee badges, contractor IDs

Events and Conferences: Trade show passes, backstage credentials

Healthcare: Temporary access cards for staff and patients

Government Agencies: Basic access and visitor credentials

Perfect for

Organizations needing in-house badge production

Temporary or short-lifespan credentials

Situations where heavy tamper-proof security is unnecessary

High-Volume, Low-Risk Environments

Organizations that issue large numbers of cards but operate in relatively secure or internal environments (like campuses, office parks, or event venues) benefit from the speed and simplicity of DTC printing without needing advanced anti-counterfeit features.

Budget-Conscious Credentialing Programs

When cost control is a top priority—whether for nonprofits, schools, or startup companies—DTC printing offers reliable quality at a price point that allows mass issuance without heavy investment in specialized hardware or supplies.

Print Quality and Capabilities

Sharp Details, Vivid Colors, Reliable Results — Every Card, Every Time.

Capabilities Include

Print Resolutions: 300 DPI standard; up to 600 DPI enhanced text

Color Options: Full-color CMYK or economical monochrome

Personalization: Crisp ID photos, names, departments, and roles

Barcode Support: 1D and 2D (QR) barcode printing

Magnetic Stripe Encoding: HiCo/LoCo for basic access systems

Signature Panels: Ideal for user verification

Optional Enhancements

Colored badge borders or backgrounds

Variable data fields (name, ID number, issue date)

Serialization for tracking or inventory control

Practical, Affordable, and Built for Organizations That Need Credentials Without the Complexity

Why Direct-to-Card Printing Makes Sense

Direct-to-card printing empowers organizations with speed, simplicity, and strong brand representation — all without breaking the budget.

Key Benefits of DTC Technology

Fast Turnaround: Print and issue badges instantly

Cost Efficiency: Low upfront and operational costs

On-Site Flexibility: Small, mobile printers for distributed offices

Ease of Use: Simple software interfaces and low maintenance needs

Ideal for

Schools with changing student populations

Companies with rotating contractors

Conferences issuing large numbers of day passes

Any organization needing quick visual verification

When fast issuance, clear branding, and cost-efficiency are your top priorities, direct-to-card printing delivers unmatched value. Unlike higher-end systems built for specialized security applications, DTC printing focuses on what most organizations truly need—speed, simplicity, and dependable quality. Whether you’re producing ID badges daily or setting up a rapid-response badging station for an event, Stratava’s DTC solutions offer a smart balance of professional-grade results and operational ease. It's credentialing, streamlined for the real world.

Ready to Print Efficiently?

Stratava Solutions specializes in secure, scalable, and cost-effective credentialing systems. Whether you need assistance setting up your DTC printers in-house or prefer fully outsourced card fulfillment, our experts are ready to help you succeed.

Get A quote