Do you need a card that opens a door, a printed employee photo badge, or one credential that does both? That question helps narrow the choice between a clamshell proximity card and a printable ISO-style proximity card.
The short answer: consider a clamshell card for an access credential when direct printing on the card is not required. Consider a printable ISO-style card when the same card needs an employee photo, name or other visible identification. In either case, confirm the access-control requirements before ordering. The card's shape alone does not establish compatibility.
Clamshell cards: an access credential with a thicker body
The HID ProxCard II 1326 clamshell card is one example available from All Things Identification in a box of 100. HID describes its protective packaging as durable and lists a maximum thickness of 0.075 inch.
Do not treat a clamshell as a standard blank printable card. For photo identification on the 1326, HID specifies a printable adhesive label, model 1324. The label is printed separately and applied to the card. Check the exact label and printer requirements rather than feeding the clamshell itself through a card printer.
This option is worth considering when an organization already issues a separate visual ID badge or does not need an employee photo directly on its access card. Include the extra label and application steps in your comparison if you want to combine the two.
Printable ISO cards: photo identification and access on one card
The HID ISOProx II 1386, also listed in a box of 100, combines proximity access technology with a photo-printing surface. HID specifies a nominal thickness of 0.030 inch and a graphics-quality surface for direct-image printing.
A printable surface does not mean every printer and card construction are interchangeable. Confirm the exact card material and your printer's supported media before purchasing. HID offers PVC and composite constructions and recommends composite cards for retransfer printing because of the heat involved. Confirm which construction you are ordering.
For a supported card and printer combination, direct-to-card printing remains a practical option to evaluate. Retransfer is a different printing method, not an automatic requirement just because a card contains proximity technology. Our direct-to-card versus retransfer printer guide explains the trade-offs.
Choose the card body and access configuration separately
Changing from clamshell to printable cards is more than a cosmetic reorder. Ask the person who manages your access system to confirm the required credential technology, format, facility or site code, and numbering requirements. Do not assume that a similar-looking card, an identical brand name or a printed number is enough to identify the correct replacement.
Printing an employee's name and photo is also separate from enrolling the credential and assigning door permissions. Plan who will handle those steps before distributing the new cards. Our proximity-card selection guide provides a broader starting point for identifying your existing card.
A practical checklist before you order
- Visual ID: Does the access card itself need a photo and name, or will staff carry a separate badge?
- Printing process: Will you print directly on an approved ISO card or print and apply an approved label to a clamshell?
- Exact configuration: Has your access-system administrator approved the technology, format and numbering information?
- Printer and material: Have you checked the printer's media requirements against the specific card construction?
- Wearing method: Will the card fit your existing holder? Check the holder's stated capacity against the card thickness.
- Rollout: Who will enroll the cards, assign permissions and confirm operation before they are issued?
Ready to compare the options? Review the 1326 clamshell cards and 1386 printable cards. If a specification is unclear, ask All Things Identification before ordering rather than guessing from the card's appearance.
Manufacturer references: HID ProxCard II 1326 specifications and HID ISOProx II 1386 specifications.