If you are on a lookout for the ideal ID card printer dealer, chances are that you would be puzzled with what all you must look for. Here is a quick guide to help you purchase the right product printing solutions at the right price with ease.
Step 1– Define your ID card requirements: ID card printers cater to many organizations like healthcare providers, education, corporate, government, and more. The printer capabilities needed typically vary based on the organization, hence it is essential that you introspect the type of ID you need first. Once you are clear on your business requirements, you are more likely to great prices, to satisfy your specific printer needs.
Here is the list of questions that can help you define your card requirements:
• Do I want to use the card for access control or visual identification only?
• What should the card look like?
• What should be the validity period of the card?
• How many cards do I need?
Step 2 – Categorizing the printing methods: Once you are aware of what you want your card to look like, you must identify the printer type you need. There are two most commonly used printer categories; the direct-to-card printer and retransfer printer. Both operate on the processes called resin thermal transfer (which contributes to barcodes and sharp black texts) and dye sublimation (full-color images).
Direct-to-card printer: As the name suggests, this printer uses the technology where the card’s surface comes in direct contact with the print-head. The printers are easily available in the market and widely used across industries. The printers offer a full-color image range with photographic quality. The cards most commonly printed using these printers are membership cards and ID cards.
Direct-to-card printer leaves slight borders, that’s why its at times called an edge-to-edge printer. Borders appear because print-head might get damaged if it comes in contact with the edge of the card.
The printer is more affordable when compared to the retransfer printer. However, the printer might collect dust, debris, and oil from fingerprints, which can cause damage resulting in expensive repairs later on.
• Retransfer printers: The printers are better compared to direct-to-card printers when it comes to print consistency and durability. The printer works on a method called reverse transfer. The print in this method is on the reverse side of a clear film rather than using a direct contact with the card. The image created here is more vibrant, saturated and offers the option of ‘over-the-edge’ printing.
The printers are recommended if you need advanced encoded security cards since they have the technology of embedding. The print speed is slower due to the two-step procedure. Retransfer printers come with a lifetime printhead warranty.
Step 3 – Consider printer features and capabilities: Read the ID card Buyer’s checklist to ensure you opt for the best solutions considering your present and future needs. The key ID card printing solutions include:
1. Printer dimensions
2. Field upgrades
3. Connectivity options
4. Platform capability
5. Single-sided or dual-sided printing
6. Design and visual security
7. Using a non-laminating printer
8. Using a laminating printer
9. Encoding options
10. Barcode printing
11. Magnetic stripe encoding
12. Contact or contactless smart encoding
13. Print volume
14. Print quality
15. Thermal erase and rewrite
16. Warranties and support plan
Here is the list of common mistakes you must avoid making while buying an ID printer:
1. Avoid buying a printer based only on the price. Budget is important but, so is the functionality. It is essential that your printer serves the intended purpose well.
2. Do not choose a printer that cannot keep up with you. Experts advise you select models that are equipped to print larger volumes of cards.
3. Do not think only about what you need in the present. Give thorough consideration to future needs and requirements as well, otherwise, the investment could be short-lived.
4. Do not plan to print dual-sided cards with single-sided printers. Doing so would mean compromising with the quality and can cause damage to the printer.
Consideration of card quality and durability is important. Understand the terms and conditions of the warranty offered by the printer companies to enjoy full benefits.