What Is an ID Card Printer?
An ID Card Printer is a device that prints employee identification cards and other ID cards.
By installing an ID Card Printer, the risk of leakage of employees’ personal information and the cost of outsourcing can be reduced.
The ink is vaporized by heat and transferred onto a plastic card with an embedded IC chip or magnetic stripe. Printing methods can be classified into direct printing and retransfer printing.
Uses of ID Card Printers
ID Card Printers are used to print employee ID cards and other ID cards for use within a company or facility. They are useful for traffic passes to enhance company security, to manage attendance, and to authenticate electronic devices such as copiers and PCs.
Some products are equipped with an IC encoder that inputs information to an IC chip or a magnetic encoder that inputs information to a magnetic stripe card. When selecting a product, the printing method, the type of card supported for printing, printing speed, and printing finish should be considered.
Principle of ID Card Printer
There are two types of ID Card Printers that print on plastic cards: direct printing and retransfer printing.
1. Direct Printing
Direct printing is a printing method that transfers ink vaporized by heat directly onto the plastic card to be printed. Since fewer processes are required for printing, many inexpensive devices are available, and running costs are low.
However, it cannot print on IC chips and is greatly affected by dust and sebum. Also, depending on the card to be printed, it may not be possible to print on it.
Printing on the edges of cards is not possible. However, cards made of PVC are supported.
2. Retransfer Printing Type
In the retransfer printing method, the image to be printed is printed once on retransfer film, which is then pressed against the card to be printed, and the image is transferred from the film to the card by applying heat.
In addition to providing clear printing, this method can also be used when the surface of the card to be printed is uneven, or even over an IC card. The retransfer method can print on the entire surface of the card, including the edges. On the other hand, running costs are higher due to the use of film and other materials.
Since this method does not print directly, it can print not only on cards made of PVC, but also on cards made of other materials. Examples include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PET-G, and polycarbonate PC.
Features of ID Card Printer
1. High Quality
Full-edge printing without edges using retransfer technology enables printing of well-designed color images.
2. High Resolution
With a resolution of 600 to 1,200 dpi, even very small characters can be displayed with high definition. Small QR codes can be laid out while maintaining design quality.
3. High-Function Printer
Encoders can be used to encode contactless IC cards while printing on the card. Inkjet printers can print at speeds of 50 sheets per meter or faster.
4. Integration With Existing Systems
The system can be linked with existing in-house systems, membership management and school management systems, etc.
Other Information on ID Card Printer
1. Advantages of ID Card Printer
There are many advantages to producing employee ID cards, ID cards, student ID cards, membership cards, and medical certificates in-house. First, important personal information of employees, students, members, and patients is not leaked to outside parties.
Second, even a single card can be printed immediately, without being bound by deadlines. This can accommodate personnel changes, etc. Medical examination cards can be issued during the examination and handed in on the way home.
Cost is also an advantage. If cards are printed in-house, the cost is less than 100 yen per card. Another advantage is that cards can be issued in large quantities. It is possible to print 50 or more cards with a photo per minute at high speed.
With inkjet printers, there is no ink ribbon data, further reducing the risk of personal information leakage. High-resolution color printing is possible, enabling beautiful and precise printing of portraits, letters, and design patterns.
2. Adhesive-Back Card System
Adhesive-backed cards are ID cards that can be used repeatedly. The card is created by printing personal information, etc., and then peeling off the release paper and affixing it to the IC card. By removing the adhesive-backed card, the expensive IC card can be reused.