Card printers create prints on ISO-standard plastic cards measuring three and a half by two inches (85.6 x 53.98 millimeters). They usually have single card feeders instead of the continuous feed found in label printers and other specialized printers. Most card printers use thermal print heads and ribbons and have resolutions of 300 dots per inch (dpi).
Thermal transfer printers transfer color from monochrome ribbons onto the card.
They are used to fill out data on pre-printed plastic cards.
Dye sublimation printers
Dye sublimation printers have four ribbon panels carrying YMCK palette colors.
The card passes under the print head several times under different color panels.
They can produce up to 16 million shades of color by diffusing multiple layers of color over the same area.
They also apply a transparent UV-resistant coating to prevent fading and wear.
Reverse image printers
Reverse image printers have thermal films that transfer ink and fuse onto the card surface.
This prevents direct contact between the card and the print head, allowing them to print over the edges and over ridges, chips, and other surface interruptions.
They are commonly used for smart chip and RFID security cards.
Thermal rewrite printers
Thermal rewrite printers are designed for specialized cards containing thermal sensitive foils.
They create prints by activating these foils and creating a chemical color change.
The prints can be repeatedly erased and rewritten onto the card.
They are commonly used in chip-based student IDs, which change validity regularly.
Security: Choose a card printer that supports various security features such as magnetic stripes, bar codes, and holographic prints. Make sure the print does not damage the delicate areas. Look for one with an overlay applicator to protect the print and electronic parts.
Input options: Look for a card printer that connects to a computer for easier layout and design. If you work with different card templates, choose a model with onboard or removable memory to load templates faster.
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