Printing semester ticket / student card using screen printing?

Question

Hello everyone,

Our semester ticket is validated every semester by inserting the card into a machine, which removes the old imprint from the lower third of the card and prints the new date. This surface appears to have been so damaged by pulling it in and out of my wallet that nothing is printed there anymore, or only very faintly, and the old date is no longer legible.

The result is always a discussion with the ticket inspectors on the train or getting a ticket and paying €7 at the counter. There, a registration certificate is usually accepted, but the inspectors usually don't.

I've already tried sanding the ticket with fine sandpaper, but unfortunately without success.

As far as I know, the card is printed using the thermal transfer process.

How can I get the surface back to a state where it can be printed on?

backi10 · Answer

Jojo... this is not an easy question... Thermotransfer printing is also a bit more diverse as in underpants there are several versions... shorts... string... etc... and thermotransfer gives print tapes! These are now so-called "hard ribbons" because they print with a resin-like fabric (usually somewhat modified)... but there are also color ribbons that print with wax ribbons... Unfortunately, what you're describing is more about wax bands... because it's a re-releaseable technique... You can test this relatively easily... I would have to know what material the ticket is... with cardboard or paper, which I don't think it is, you can't do anything... In the case of plastic it depends on which plastic it is.. Preliminary tests are indispensable... otherwise I'll be guilty later if what doesn't work. First test denatured alcohol... it's the least! Resins are very poor alcohol resistant... Wax also has its problems with it... if the ticket does it look very good... Two. Possibility: isopropyl alcohol with min. 75%; better 99% amazon about 4 euros of the liter... 3. Possibility! IN THE CHAIR: very strong resolution!!! ACETONE with acetone rub the card quickly with a wet (not too dry) back and forth... then quickly rub dry and finally "smooth" the whole again with denatured alcohol. That's how I used to repair solarium cards in case of misprint.... never noticed anyone... Tip: Seal the surface of the ticket during your semester with a transparent self-adhesive film at this point... that doesn't cost much and you don't have any more stress... <--- have been screen printer master for 16 years! Know me relatively well ;-)