As you are shopping for an ID card printer, it's important to understand the differences between the two types of card printing technologies: direct-to-card and retransfer.
Direct-to-Card ID Card Printers
Direct-to-card technology is currently the most common form of card printing. Direct-to-card printers are available in a wide price range, with varying features and capabilities.
With direct-to-card printers, you print directly onto the surface of cards. With this, any uneven surface of a card or burrs can cause expensive printhead damage. When you replace an ID card printer printhead, you're looking at a bill of about $400 - $1,000.
Is it right for me?
Direct-to-card printers are an economical choice for those where print quality is not a priority as the printer leaves an unprinted, white edge on cards.
Retransfer ID Card Printers
Unlike direct-to-card printers, a retransfer printer
printhead does not come into direct contact with the card. Instead the card images are printed to a clear film (retransfer film) that is then fused onto the surface of the card.
With this process, you can print over the edge of your cards and to a wider variety of card surfaces including proximity cards, smart cards, pre-punched cards and key tag cards. Another benefit: retransfer printers produce imagery with rich, vibrant, saturated colors.
Is it right for me?
Retransfer is an ideal choice for those requiring high quality, vibrant images and those with a need for advanced technology. It’s ideal for high security and large applications, especially when smart cards are used.
Learn more about the benefits retransfer printing in this video!
Video: Top Five Benefits of Retransfer Printers
