Many people new to ID card printing ask the question, “Should I use barcodes or magnetic stripes on my cards”? Well, there are a couple of differences in them to consider when deciding which option is best for your application.

Both barcodes and magnetic stripes are inexpensive ways to store cardholder data. The difference is in where the data is stored and how the data is read or translated.

•  Magnetic stripes store data that is read by a magnetic stripe reader by swiping the card.
• Barcodes do not store data themselves, instead, a barcode reader is used to scan the code. The code is then sent to a computer where it is associated with data stored in the computer.

Your decision to use either barcodes or magnetic stripe encoding will impact what you’ll need to look for in a card printer and also in ID card software.

• All card printers with resin monochrome printing capability can print a barcode, no printer upgrades are needed. Additionally, all ID card software is capable of printing a standard 1-D barcode, however, only a few softwares are capable of the newer, 2-D barcodes. Be sure to check the software specifications to ensure you get what you need.
• If you’ll be encoding magnetic stripes, you’ll need both a card printer and ID card software with mag stripe encoding capability. Most card printers and card software brands offer magnetic stripe encoding options—be sure the specific printer model and software edition you’re looking at include mag stripe encoding capability.

This is a basic outline of the differences between using barcodes and using magnetic stripes. If you have additional questions, talk to one of our ID Professionals at (800) 321-4405. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs.

Written by Brent Hascall on August 30th, 2012 | Tags: Barcode, Encoding, Magnetic Stripe | Category: ID Cards | Leave a comment

When purchasing an ID card printing system, we have to consider future goals for your ID card program and anticipate any needs that might arise in the near future. Will you want to add a magnetic stripe encoding or possibly a proximity card for door access or time & attendance? What about lamination or duplex printing capabilities? If these are things you would like to implement at some point in the near future (or are curious about), make sure you choose a printer that can be easily upgraded. Several printer manufacturers have gone above and beyond in making that process as easy for you as possible.

The term “field upgrade” does not always mean you can do it yourself in the field! In some situations you will have to send the printer in. When in doubt, call your ID Specialist at ID Wholesaler for assistance. Below are my top picks for the easiest field upgrade options!

Top pick for dual-sided printing upgrade: Magicard Rio Pro
Simply drop in a special ribbon and the dual-sided capability is unlocked…does not get any easier than that? Buy it now or later, price is the same.

Top pick for any encoding upgrade: Fargo’s HDP5000
You can add pretty much anything to this printer! It is the only card printer on the market that is completely modular. Various encoding modules may be purchased at a later date as your needs change. Lamination/dual sided printing can also be added. Note: This one may need to be sent in for the install.

Top pick for lamination upgrade: Nisca’s PR53xx
Simply purchase the lamination module (PR5302) which attaches to the side of the printer, and you are ready to go! No tools required and configuring the system is automatic. Want to add laminate to the other side of your card? No problem, purchase another lamination module and repeat.

As always, our ID Experts are standing by to assist! (800) 321-4405. Happy printing!

Written by Amy Sanders on June 8th, 2011 | Tags: Encoding, Lamination | Category: ID Card Printers & Systems | Leave a comment

The Richmond, Virgina campus of Bryant & Stratton College, one of the leading private career colleges in the United States, recently switched from laminated paper-based student IDs to multipurpose plastic photo ID cards. Before purchasing an Evolis Dualys3 ID card printer to print plastic photo ID cards, Bryant & Stratton was faced with the challenge of having to print (and reprint) paper student IDs since they offered little to no durability. Bryan & Stratton’s administrators were also looking to create and integrate a student database that would store all relevant student information that could be accessed via the student’s photo ID card. The search for the right photo ID solution for their needs led Bryant & Stratton to the Evolis Dualys3. More on Student IDs & Evolis Dualys3 Card Printer »

Written by David Stage on December 28th, 2009 | Tags: Barcode, Dualys3, Encoding, Evolis | Category: ID Cards | Leave a comment

Composite cards have a layer of polyester (PET) between two layers of PVC. The composition is 40% Polyester and 60% PVC (see illustration). The addition of PET makes the card stronger and more durable than a standard card that is 100% PVC.  Composite cards are more flexible which makes them less likely to crack or warp in extreme temperatures. This is the reason composite cards are recommended for use at ski areas or in situations where a customer plans to laminate a card. If you try to laminate a card that is 100% PVC, it will warp due to the high temperature.

Composite cards also work well in high-use applications where cards have a barcode or magnetic stripe used for access control, time and attendance, or cashless payment.  Any application that requires frequent card swiping will want to use a composite card.  These applications are common with employee badges, student IDs, season passes and membership cards.

Shop ID Wholesaler’s variety of composite cards, or contact one of our ID Experts and we will help you determine the right card for your application.

Written by Kristie Larson on November 23rd, 2009 | Tags: Encoding, Lamination | Category: ID Cards | Leave a comment

The Zebra ZXP Series 8 re-transfer printer is now available for purchase. The ZXP Series 8 card printer is Zebra’s first reverse transfer printer and offers  single-sided (part number: Z81-000C0000US00) and dual sided (part number: Z82-000C0000US00) printer configurations with magnetic encoding, contact and contactless smart card encoding, and a media starter kit option. Armed with a 150 card capacity feeder and a 100 card output hopper, the Zebra ZXP Series 8 card printer can print up to 190 single-sided cards per hour and the Zebra ZXP Series 8 ID Card Printer – Duplex can print up to 170 dual-sided cards per hour. More on New Zebra ZXP Series 8 Reverse Transfer Printer»

Written by David Stage on November 2nd, 2009 | Tags: Encoding, Magnetic Stripe, Smart Card, Zebra, ZXP Series 8 | Category: Product Updates | Comments Off

HID Global offers their proximity cards and key fobs with Corporate 1000 programming. Corporate 1000 prox cards work well in organizations where there are multiple locations and large numbers of people who need access control and identification solutions. Below are three benefits of using Corporate 1000 prox cards: More on HID Corporate 1000 Programming »

Written by Kristie Larson on August 12th, 2009 | Tags: Encoding | Category: Helpful Tips & Support, ID Cards | Leave a comment

The technology that makes a proximity card work includes an antenna and electronic chip. Both of these are embedded into the card when it is manufactured. All proximity brands (HID, Indala, Kantech, Keri, Casi, AWID, etc.) use a similar technology where elements are embedded inside the card.

There are three primary reasons for proximity card failure:

1. Damage to the antenna or damage to the bond between the chip and the antenna will destroy the card.
2. Exposing the card to electro static discharge (ESD) can damage the integrated circuit.
3. Stong magnetic fields can wipe out the programming on the card’s chip.

Prox cards are intended to be used strictly for access control and identification purposes. When cards fail, it is frequently the result of unintentional abuse by the card holder. Below is a list of common actions that damage a card:

• Machine washing the card by accident when it is forgetten in a pocket of a shirt or pair of pants.
• Exposing the card to extreme heat (direct sunlight on the dash of your car, clothes dryer or iron).
• Punching a hole or slot in an undesignated area.
• Using the card as an ice scapper for the windows of your vehicle.
• Bending, twisting or crimping the card.
• Exposing the card to chemicals including organic solvents, thinners, mineral spirits, alcohol, isopropal, ethanol or methyl.

Proper handling of proximity cards is critical to the life of the card. Avoiding the actions above should help your organization extend the life of the prox cards in circulation.

Written by Kristie Larson on July 29th, 2009 | Tags: Encoding, Proximity Card | Category: Helpful Tips & Support, ID Cards | Leave a comment

Within the next two years, European banks may eliminate the use of magnetic stripe encoding for their credit and debit cards and issue smart cards to their customers. Smart cards are gaining popularity for their ability to store a larger amount of data onto their microprocessor, which makes them ideal for securing highly sensitive information. If you’re currently trying to determine which encoding options to use for your photo ID cards, either smart card or magnetic stripe, you’ll want to consider how long you’ll be using the cards for.

Most businesses currently have card printers with magnetic stripe encoding due to the widespread use of magnetic stripe readers. However, the data storage space in smart cards allow for additional safeguards to be placed on the card.

While the use of magnetic stripe encoding for photo ID applications won’t be going away anytime soon, the adoption of smart cards is a trend that will continue in the coming years. With the high security of smart cards, businesses can verify the card holder’s identity in a more secure and convenient manner. If you’re interested in a card printer with smart card encoding, check out ID Wholesaler’s selection of card printers using this printer selector.

Written by David Stage on July 13th, 2009 | Tags: Encoding, Magnetic Stripe, Smart Card | Category: ID Cards | Leave a comment

The new entry-level, user friendly, and high value Magicard Pronto printer is now available for purchase. As previously announced, the Magicard Pronto is a hand-fed ID card printer that is ideal for low-volume, low cost, and on-demand card printing. The Pronto printer is available with magnetic stripe encoding capabilities so you can store information on the cards for various applications. With the Magicard Pronto printer, you can create multipurpose loyalty, membership, and access cards on a budget. More on Magicard Pronto Card Printer »

Written by David Stage on July 6th, 2009 | Tags: Encoding, Magicard, Magnetic Stripe, Pronto | Category: ID Card Printers & Systems | Leave a comment