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ID Card Printer and Photo ID System Overview
A digital photo ID system typically consists of a computer, software with card layout and database capabilities, digital camera, and card printer/encoder. How you intend to use your cards is key in determining what software is best suited for your applications, and what card printer/encoder is needed to get the job done.
For best results, involve a dealer that specializes in ID card printers/encoders early in your selection process. Unlike a general electronics dealer, a dealer in the ID industry can answer questions and recommend the appropriate individual system components. More importantly, they can implement the right photo ID system to match your organization's needs for both today and tomorrow.
10 Questions to Help you Select your ID Card Printer
Consider the following questions regarding your printer needs or contact us for a recommendation.
Do I have a brand preference?
ID Zone sells and supports eight of the most reputable card printer brands:
Zebra | Fargo | Evolis | Magicard | Nisca | Persona
Datacard | Digital ID EDIsecure | NBS Technologies ImageMaster
If you do have a brand preference, it's likely that we can help you select a printer that meets your needs within that brand. Contact the ID Experts for a no-obligation consultation.
Will I print color on my cards (e.g., for photographs)?
Most printers will print a combination of color and monochrome (single color); however, select entry level models are capable of monochrome printing only. Where applicable, we will inform you that a printer is 'monochrome only'.
Will cards be printed on one or two sides?
Some printers are 'single-sided', which means they can print only on one side of a card. Two-sided card printing is called 'dual-sided' or 'duplex'. If you would like to print color and/or monochrome on both sides of your cards, you will want to select a card printer that is dual-side capable or duplex. At ID Zone, we will inform you that a printer is single- or dual-side capable.
Will my cards include a magnetic stripe?
Magnetic stripes are the dark stripe on the back of a credit card or driver's license. These stripes store data and are often used in Time and Attendance or Access Control applications. All printer manufacturers offer optional magnetic stripe encoding on their printers. Think about adding magnetic encoding up-front, or select a printer that is upgradeable to magnetic encoding in the future.
Will I need to encode smart cards?
Contact smart cards have a memory chip embedded on the card surface. This chip can hold more information more securely than a magnetic stripe. Virtually all printer manufacturers offer smart card contact stations as an option. Since most smart card contact stations cannot be added after the printer has been built, we suggest ordering this option up-front. For more information on the various embedded card technologies, refer to the Technology Cards page.
Will I need to print high volumes of cards per session and/or per year?
If you plan to print many cards per session/year, look for a card printer that is built to sustain high volume printing. This printer should also include large (greater than 100 cards) input and output card hopper capacities. Examples of such printers are the Fargo DTC550 and the Evolis Quantum.
How long of a card life do I need?
If your cards need to last more than a year, will be used outside, or will be subject to chemicals or abrasive contact, consider purchasing a printer that includes lamination capability. Lamination is generally a 1 mil thick (other thicknesses are available) clear or holographic layer that covers the card surface, protecting the image and information that has been printed. If you select a lamination-capable card printer, be sure to use composite PET/PVC cards rather than 100% PVC cards. Composite PET/PVC cards are designed to stand up to the heat generated by the lamination process.
Do I need additional card security for my application?
There are many ways to secure a personalized card and protect against fraudulent duplication. Some of additional security methods utilize the optional lamination station that is available with many mid- to high-level printers. If you believe that you may want to add clear or holographic security overlamination now or in the future, consider purchasing a lamination-capable printer. There are many additional ways to secure the authenticity of your printed cards including microtext, UV inking, tamper-evident patches and more!
What type of interface do I need?
Most card printers now come standard with a USB interface. Some manufacturers offer a parallel interface along with USB and others offer USB with an Ethernet interface. Our ID Experts can help you select a printer that provides the interface you need.
What type of driver do I need?
With few exceptions, card printer manufacturers solely support Microsoft Windows (typically Windows 2000 and XP) drivers. If you are using a MAC and don't want to use an emulation program, we suggest a card printer from the Evolis product line. Please note that MAC-supported ID software is in short supply.
Consider Your Future Needs
Even if you plan to use badges only for visual identification now, consider possible future applications. You may not need or have the budget for a system that includes magnetic stripe or smart card encoding now, but you might in the near or distant future. Several printer manufacturers offer in-field upgrades to magnetic stripe encoding, smart card encoding and/or card lamination. Make sure the system you buy today will be able to handle your needs of tomorrow.
ID Zone knows ID card printers! Contact the ID Experts to help you get the maximum value out of your investment.
For a no-obligation consultation about selecting the right digital card printer or photo ID system for your organization, please contact us.
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