Cards are printed in multi or full colour using a combination of screen and offset printing then protected against wear or abuse by a laminated layer of clear PVC on the front and rear. Magnetic stripes, where required, are laminated flush to the card surface to ensure a flat surface for card reader heads. This process is superior to hot rolling magnetic stripes to the exterior surface.

Computerised, precision equipment then diecuts the printed sheets to the exacting international standards demanded by I.S.O. 7810-1985(E) and 7813-1990(E). Cards requiring security signature panels and holograms are hot stamped immediately after die-cutting.

Security Plastics not only talk about quality, it is central to everything the company does.

This commitment to quality is clearly illustrated by the fact that approximately 25% of the production staff are employed solely on quality inspection while the remaining staff are performing quality checks at each stage of the production process.

Over time, this attention to absolute product excellence has brought the company many accolades and successes. For many years the company's printers have set new standards in print quality and finish while continuing to lead the market in print technology.

All cards produced at the plant, regardless of their identity or intended end use, are subject to an audit. The number of sheets of plastic issued to a specific card run is recorded on an audit sheet. The audit sheet accompanies the run throughout the manufacturing process. This sheet records movement from station to station (e.g. printing to laminating) and accounts for any spoilage that occurs. All spoilage is subsequently destroyed. Incorporated into the audit trail are electronic card counters. Cards are electronically counted immediately after they are die cut. They are similarly counted after quality inspection and again before despatch. This important process ensures Security Plastics is able to verify the number of cards supplied.

New technologies are constantly employed to increase quality and economy in manufacture. Initiatives such as state of the art Magnetic Stripe test equipment, and the Security Plastics developed InSPect video inspection system have recently been introduced.