Finding a card printer that perfectly aligns with your specific needs requires meticulous planning. It is crucial to first establish the requirements that the equipment must fulfill. Each card printer possesses various functionalities and may not be suitable for all purposes.
Moreover, it is essential to consider the potential future applications of your card printer, not solely the immediate printing task at hand. By taking these factors into consideration, you can narrow down your options and identify the most suitable card printers.
This comprehensive guide covers important factors that should be considered, aiding you in setting a clear direction and enabling you to make an informed purchasing decision.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Card Printer
Printing Volume and Speed
Assess your printing volume requirements. If you anticipate a high printing volume, look for a printer with robust capabilities and high-capacity card input/output hoppers. Not every printer is built to handle continuous print operations or high-volume ID card manufacture. Some card printers are intended primarily for beginners and modest print volumes. Printing speeds vary based on the model, so keep your intended printing speed and throughput needs in mind.
Print Quality
Are you only looking to add your name, membership number, and barcode to your ID cards? In most cases, a “simple” thermal sublimation printer with 300 DPI is recommended. However, if you want to print ID cards with full-surface designs or photos, it’s recommended to use a retransfer card printer with 600 DPI. Retransfer models produce vivid, photo-quality images and are capable of full-surface printing on the ID card.
Durability
Even if the printed surface of ID cards is quite durable and lasts for many years, it is recommended that you preserve your ID cards with lamination if they are frequently subjected to heavy loads. Some card printers have laminators, but others may be updated with an extra laminator. Because of their printing technique, retransfer card printers automatically develop a natural protective layer by laying a film over the card each time it is printed. If your plastic cards will only be exposed to low physical strain in the future, you can usually get away with skipping the laminates.
Card Types and Sizes
Some printers are designed to handle various card sizes. However, it’s important to check the printer specifications and confirm that it supports the specific card size you require, such as standard CR80 (credit card-sized) cards or custom-sized cards. Additionally, the most common card material is PVC, so if you want to print on any other type of card, it needs to be checked with the printer first.
If you want to produce chip cards, you need to utilize a retransfer card printer. It is not suggested to print chip cards using thermal sublimation printers or direct-to-card printers. This is due to the fact that chip cards feature a tiny chip and antenna on the card, resulting in an uneven surface. If such cards are created with a thermal sublimation printer, print failures on uneven sections are very likely. Retransfer card printers, on the other hand, employ a printing technology that allows them to print on uneven surfaces without issue.
Encoding Modules
Almost all devices can be equipped with optional encoding modules that allow programming the world’s most common smart chips or magnetic stripe technologies. If you require ID cards with encoded data, ensure that the printer you choose has the necessary encoding capabilities or can be upgraded with an encoding module.
Connectivity Options
Card printers generally have many connectivity choices, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Consider your unique networking requirements and select a printer that has the necessary connectivity options to fit effortlessly into your existing infrastructure. If you wish to operate your card printer from several workstations, for example, it must be incorporated into your LAN network and have an Ethernet
interface. Some card printers can also have a WLAN module, allowing for direct access.
Software and Operating System
It is crucial to ensure compatibility between the printer, your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS), and the ID card design and printing software you intend to use. Check the printer specifications and verify its compatibility with your preferred operating system and software.
Advanced Security Features
Modern card printers offer various security features, although the availability may vary between models. Consider the specific security features you require, such as holographic overlays, UV printing, laser personalization, or encoding options, and choose a printer that supports those features.
Warranty
Warranty terms and support offerings can differ between manufacturers and models. It’s important to review the warranty duration, coverage, and available technical support channels to ensure that you receive proper assistance if any issues arise with the printer.
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