{"id":9678,"date":"2026-06-09T15:33:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T19:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abcorp.com\/?p=9678"},"modified":"2026-06-09T16:11:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T20:11:04","slug":"comment-les-cartes-de-credit-sont-elles-imprimees-par-lithographie-comparativement-a-limpression-numerique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abcorp.com\/fr\/card-resources\/how-are-credit-cards-printed-lithographic-vs-digital-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"Comment les cartes de cr\u00e9dit sont-elles imprim\u00e9es ? Impression lithographique vs. impression num\u00e9rique\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most cardholders never think about what it takes to put ink on a physical payment card. However, the printing process is a meaningful decision for card program managers across all industries given its impact on manufacturing costs and timelines. The printing process shapes the physical look and feel of finished CR80 cards, the speed at which they can be manufactured and fulfilled<\/a>, and their overall durability throughout their lifespans both in cardholder’s wallets and interacting with POS devices in the field.  <\/p>\n

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The two primary methods of printing used to manufacture physical payment cards<\/a> are lithographic printing and digital printing. As with all manufacturing decisions, there are pros and cons to carefully consider with each option. Understanding the strengths and limitations of both can help card program managers work more efficiently with card manufacturers and set appropriate expectations for the finished product.  <\/p>\n

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What is the process for debit card and credit card printing?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n

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Before starting the comparison, it helps to understand what printing a physical payment card actually requires. A payment card isn’t printed the way a paper brochure is, for example. The card body, typically a laminated stack of plastic layers<\/a>, needs to hold precise color fidelity under heat, pressure, and daily handling. Inks must bond to card substrates without cracking, fading, or flaking over the life of the card. The credit card printing process happens before lamination, personalization with elements including cardholder name and CVV, and EMV chip<\/a> or antenna embedding, which means any defect in the print layer compounds further down the production line. <\/p>\n

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With that in mind, the choice of printing method is less about preference and more about what the program requires.  <\/p>\n

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Lithographic printing for payment cards: strengths and limitations<\/strong> <\/h3>\n

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Lithographic printing, also called offset printing, uses a series of plates to transfer ink onto the card substrate. Each color in the design requires its own plate, and the plates are applied in sequence to build up the final image. <\/p>\n

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What are the strengths of lithographic printing for payment cards? <\/strong><\/p>\n

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