In our busy lifestyle, we hardly ever pay attention to the technology being used to create different objects that we use on a daily basis. For example, have you ever stopped and considered how a hotel key card is made and what printing technology is being used for printing hotel key cards?
There are many different types of printing technologies being used these days, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I will tell you about some of the most common printing technologies being used to produce hotel key cards by five-star hotel chains. I will also take you through the importance of hotel key cards and what purpose they serve to hotel brands.
So before diving deep into the different printing technologies, let’s first take a look at what hotel key cards actually are and why they are important for five-star hotel chains.
What is a Hotel Key Card?
A hotel key card is a physical plastic card that serves as an electronic door key to open guestroom doors in a hotel. It contains all the necessary information for the guest to access their room, such as their name, room number, and check-in/check-out dates.
The traditional method of issuing keys to guests has been replaced by these electronic cards, which offer several advantages over traditional keys. For starters, key cards cannot be lost or misplaced as traditional keys can. They also provide a more secure way for hotels to track who is coming and going from each room.
What are some branding benefits of hotel key cards?
Hotel key cards also serve as a powerful branding and marketing tool for five-star hotel chains. By including logos, images, or marketing messages with unique styles on their key cards, these hotels can create a unique and memorable experience for their guests.
In addition, key cards can be used to collect valuable customer data such as email addresses and contact information. This information can be used by hotels to send promotional offers and updates to their guests, as well as create targeted marketing campaigns.
Now that we know a little more about hotel key cards, let’s take a look at the different printing technologies being used to produce them.
What printing techniques are being used for printing hotel key cards?
There are several printing techniques that can be used to print on hotel key cards, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the following are two major printing techniques used by some of the renowned hotel brands to print on their key cards.
- Offset Printing
- Screen Printing
Each of these printing methods has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each one.
What is Offset Printing?
When most people think of printing, the first thing that comes to mind is offset printing. Offset printing is a tried and true printing technology that’s been used for centuries. It’s a process that involves transferring an image from a metal or plastic plate to a rubber blanket, and then finally to the paper.
How does offset printing work for printing hotel key cards?
The first step in the offset printing process is creating a ‘plate’. This plate is typically made out of metal or plastic, and it contains the image that’s going to be printed on the card.
Once the plate is created, it’s placed on a cylinder. This cylinder transfers the image from the plate to a rubber blanket. The blanket then transfers the image to the hotel key card, resulting in a high-quality print. The good thing about offset printing is that it can be used to print on a wide variety of materials, including paper, plastics, and cardboard.
This printing technique is typically used by high-end hotels that are looking for high-quality prints and more options.
Advantages of Offset Printing
- High quality – One of the main advantages of offset printing is that it’s a high-quality printing method. This printing method can produce prints with fine details and sharp lines.
- Flexibility– Offset printing is also a very flexible printing technique. It can be used to print on a wide variety of materials, including paper, plastics, and cardboard.
- Range of size– Another advantage of offset printing is that it offers a wide range of printing sizes. This means that hotels have more flexibility in terms of the size and shape of their key cards.
- Cost-effective in the long run – Although offset printing is a high-quality printing method, it’s also a very cost-effective option. This is because offset printing uses a ‘plate’ that can be used multiple times.
Disadvantages of Offset Printing
The disadvantages associated with offset printing are fewer than the advantages. The following are some key disadvantages to be aware of.
- Slow – One disadvantage of offset printing is that it’s a slow printing process. This means that it can take longer to produce your hotel key cards.
- High setup costs – Another disadvantage of offset printing is that it has high setup costs. However, in the long run, it’s a very cost-effective printing method.
What kinds of designs are suitable for offset printing?
Offset printing is a great choice for hotels that are looking for high-quality prints with fine details and sharp lines. Moreover, the range of printing sizes and printing materials make it the perfect choice for many businesses. Similarly, the intricate designs can be easily printed with high quality on key cards. So, if you are looking for high-quality, versatile, and complex designs on your key cards printing technique, offset printing is the way to go.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is also known as silkscreen printing. It is a printing technique that uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate, usually fabric or paper. The ink is applied using a squeegee, and the screen is then cleaned with a solvent. Screen printing is most commonly used to print textiles, including T-shirts, posters, and banners, but it can also be used to print on other substrates, such as glass, metal, and plastic.
How does screen printing work for printing hotel key cards?
Screen printing is a very simple painting technique that can be used to print on a wide variety of substrates.
To print hotel key cards with screen printing, the first step is to create a template. This template will contain the design that you want to print on the card.
Once the template is created, it’s transferred to a screen. The screen is then placed on top of the card surface, and the ink is applied using a squeegee. Finally, the screen is cleaned with a solvent, and the card is ready to use.
Special inks are used to print on surfaces other than paper and cloth. So, if the hotel key card is made of PVC, wood, or other material, special inks are required to print on it.
Advantages of Screen Printing
The following are some of the advantages of screen printing.
- Simple – One of the main advantages of screen printing is that it’s a very simple printing technique. This makes it a great choice for hotels that are looking for a quick and easy way to print simple key cards.
- Perfect for simple designs – Screen printing is also a great choice for hotels that are looking for a simple, no-frills design. This printing technique is perfect for printing text and basic images.
Disadvantages of Screen Printing
The following are some of the disadvantages of screen printing.
- Limited range of color – One disadvantage of screen printing is that it has a limited range of colors. This means that if you’re looking to print complex designs with a wide range of colors, screen printing may not be the best option.
- Low quality – Another disadvantage of screen printing is that the print quality is not as good as other printing methods, such as offset printing. However, this can be avoided by choosing a higher-quality screen printing company.
- Less consistent prints – Screen printing can also be less consistent. This means that you may not get the same results each time you print your key cards.
The hotel industry and Environmental Protection
In recent years, the hotel industry has come under fire for its negative environmental impact. This is largely due to the large amount of energy that’s used to power printing presses, the usage of single-use plastics, PVC cards, and air conditioning systems.
However, there are ways that hotels can reduce their environmental impact. One way for hotels to reduce their environmental impact is to switch to PVC-free key cards. PVC is a type of plastic that’s often used in key cards. However, PVC is a polluting material that’s harmful to the environment.
Eco-friendly hotels are often switching to BioPaper key cards, BioPVC, Paper, and Wood cards. In all of these PVC alternatives, BioPaper key cards are the most eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable.
What’s the best printing technology for printing hotel key cards?
The best printing technology for hotel key cards depends on your needs and preferences. If you need your key cards quickly, then digital printing is the best option. If you’re looking for high-quality prints, then offset printing is the best option. And if you’re looking for a simple and economical printing method then screen printing is the best option.
Conclusion
Both offset printing and screen printing are important and have their own significance in hotel key card printing. Hotel cards can be customized with offset printing and screen-printing to create more complex visuals. In addition, combined with special processes like local UV, bronzing or other methods will leave customers impressed and they will love the look of their hotel room key.
Whatever the printing technology, as long as it meets the needs of the customer, it is a good choice.