When it comes to card printing technology, there are two main options: direct-to-card and retransfer. Direct-to-card printing, the most common method, involves printing images directly onto the surface of cards. In contrast, retransfer printing, also known as HDP printing, involves printing images onto a clear film that is then heat-sealed onto the card surface. While both methods produce high-quality images, they have distinct characteristics:
Direct-to-card printers may be sensitive to imperfections in cards. This sensitivity can result in: (1) Incomplete coverage of the card surface, leaving a thin white border around the edges of printed cards due to the printhead avoiding contact with card edges. (2) Challenges in printing on technology cards, as printing near raised areas like contact chips can risk printhead damage and cause inconsistent print quality due to uneven card surfaces.
Retransfer printers, on the other hand, are less sensitive to card imperfections. Since the printhead does not directly contact the card, the risk of printhead damage is minimized. This technology allows for full coverage of the card surface, enabling safe printing on various card types including proximity cards, smart cards, pre-punched cards, and key tags.
