How to Setup Canon for PVC Card Printing ( Simple PVC ID Card Guide For Canon G3010 / G2010 )

Want to print PVC ID cards with your Canon G3010 or G2010? Learn the exact driver settings, paper types, and compatible card materials to avoid jams and print high-quality Aadhar cards, Voter Id, Ayushman Cards, college ID cards, and All Other Govt Related Cards.

Canon’s G3010 and G2010 are mega-tank printers known for their low cost per print, but can they handle PVC card printing?

The short answer is Yes. These printers are versatile workhorses capable of printing on thick media. However, unlike dedicated ID card printers, the Canon G-series requires specific software settings and a specific type of material.

If you try to print on standard rigid PVC (like credit card plastic), you will destroy your printer. You need Inkjet Printable PVC.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to configure your Canon G3010 and G2010 to print on 400-600 micron PVC sheets for ID cards, Aadhar cards, and employee badges.

1. The Golden Rule: You Need the Right Cards

Before touching your printer settings, you must understand the physical media. Standard PVC cards (like those used for embossing) will melt or jam in a Canon inkjet printer because they cannot absorb ink .

You must buy "Inkjet Printable PVC." These have a micro-porous coating that absorbs liquid ink.

Recommended Specifications:

• Thickness: 400 GSM to 600 Microns .

• Size: Standard CR-80 (85.5mm x 54mm) .

• Type: Thin, flexible sheets with a matte or glossy inkjet coating.

2. The "No Tray" Method (Using the Rear Feed)

Here is the most common confusion: Unlike older photo printers, the Canon G3010 and G2010 do not come with a dedicated PVC card tray in the box.

These printers use a Rear Paper Tray (ASF - Auto Sheet Feeder) that can bend around corners. To print PVC:

• Lift the Rear Tray: Open the rear paper support.

• Slide the Paper Guides: Move the blue slider all the way to the left or right, depending on your card width.

• Fan the Cards: Before loading, fan your stack of inkjet PVC cards to ensure no two sheets stick together.

• Load Vertically: Place the PVC cards vertically (portrait) into the rear tray. Do not force them. Load only 5-10 sheets at a time to prevent jams

Warning for Users:

Many users on Amazon and Flipkart complain that "PVC cards don't work." This is usually because they bought 30mil thick rigid plastic instead of thin, flexible inkjet sheets, or they tried to feed them through the front cassette .

3. Step-by-Step Canon Driver Settings

Once your cards are loaded, you cannot just hit "Print." You must trick the printer into thinking it is handling a very thick postcard. The Canon drivers do not list "PVC" as an option, but "Hagaki" (Postcard) is the best substitute .

Follow these exact steps to avoid a paper jam:

Step 1: Open Printing Preferences

• Open your image/design (use Photoshop, Canva, or Word).

• Press Ctrl + P (Cmd + P on Mac).

• Select your Canon G3010 series Printer.

• Click Printer Properties or Preferences.

Step 2: Set Media TypeThis is the most critical step.

• Go to the Basic Settings or Quick Setup tab.

• For Media Type, select: Ink Jet Hagaki (Postcard) .

• Alternative: If that is not available, select Matte Photo Paper . Do not select "Plain Paper," as the printer rollers move too fast and will slip on the slick PVC surface.

Step 3: Paper Size

• Select Hagaki 100x148mm .

• If your PVC cards are cut to 85.5mm x 54mm (CR-80), you may need to create a Custom Paper Size (User Defined Size).

  • Width: 85mm

  • Height: 54mm

Step 4: Print Quality

• Select High or Quality . Printing on PVC requires the printer to lay down more ink and move slower to allow it to adhere .

Step 5: Prevent Paper Jams (The "Prevention" Setting)

• Go to the Maintenance tab.

• Click Prevention of Paper Abrasion.

• Enable this setting. It increases the gap between the print head and the paper, allowing the thicker PVC to pass through without smearing.

Step 6: Print

• Load your design. Crucial: Do you want the print on the glossy side? Most printable PVC has a "sticky" or "matte" side and a glossy side. Print on the rough/matte side for the ink to absorb.

4. Common Problems & Fixes

Problem	Solution
Printer says "No Paper"	The card is too slick for the sensor. Place a small piece of masking tape on the back edge (non-print side) of the PVC to trip the sensor.
Ink Smudges/Smears	You are using the wrong PVC. Standard plastic cannot absorb ink. You need Inkjet Printable PVC .
Card Jams inside printer	The card is too thick. Stick to 400 GSM (thin) cards. Also, ensure "Prevention of Paper Abrasion" is ON .
Blank areas on edges	Your design bleeds off the edge. Most inkjets cannot do borderless printing on thick custom-sized PVC. Keep important text 2-3mm away from the cut edge.

5. Final Verdict

The Canon G3010 is a fantastic entry-level machine for PVC card printing, provided you manage your expectations.

• Best for: Small batches (School ID cards, library cards, event gate passes).

• Not for: Large volume (1000+ cards a day) – you will wear out the feeder rollers quickly.

• Cost Savings: Using a G3010 is significantly cheaper than buying a $1,000 dedicated card printer, as the ink tank costs pennies per refill .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Schema Markup

Q: Can Canon G2010 print on PVC card?

A: Yes, the Canon G2010 can print on PVC cards if you use Inkjet Printable PVC sheets (400 GSM) and set the Media Type to Ink Jet Hagaki in the driver settings .

Q: Why is my Canon G3010 not picking up the PVC card?

A: This usually happens if the card is too thick (over 600 microns) or too glossy. Try cleaning the rear feed rollers with a damp cloth, or load only one card at a time with a slight bend .

Q: Do I need a special tray for PVC cards on the G3010?

A: No. The Canon G3010 uses a rear paper feed (ASF). You load the PVC sheets directly into the rear tray vertically. It does not use a front cassette tray for card stock.

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