An ID card printer is chosen by how many cards you issue, what they must do and how long they must last. Sort those out first, and the choice of printer gets much simpler.
Direct-to-card or retransfer
| Direct-to-card | Retransfer | |
|---|---|---|
| How it prints | Straight onto the card | Onto film, which is then bonded to the card |
| Look | Good for most staff and student cards | Edge-to-edge coverage, with a higher-end finish |
| Suits | Everyday ID programmes | Smart cards and uneven surfaces, and longer-life cards |
| Running cost | Usually lower | Usually higher per card |
Single or dual-sided
Single-sided printers suit a photo card with basic details. Dual-sided printers add room for terms, an emergency contact or a barcode. If you only occasionally need the back printed, compare the price difference against the time spent turning cards by hand.
What must the card do?
- Show identity only: a plain PVC card is enough.
- Open doors or log attendance: check your access control system’s card type first, and whether the printer must encode it.
- Smart cards: ask about contact or contactless encoding options, and whether they can be added later.
- Barcode: test that your scanner reads it on the printed card.
Ribbons and running costs
Compare the cost per card, not only the printer price. Ribbons are sold by yield, Add the cost of blank cards and cleaning kits, because dust is a frequent cause of poor card prints.
Before you order
- Estimate cards per year, and how many must be issued in one sitting.
- Check that your ID card software supports the printer.
- Decide who prints: one central desk or several branches.
- Keep blank cards, ribbons and the printer secure if the cards give access to buildings.
- Ask for a sample printed with your own design.
Common questions
What card size is standard?
Most ID cards use the CR80 size, the same as a bank card. Confirm the thickness your printer accepts.
Why do my cards have spots or lines?
Dust on the card or rollers is the usual cause. Clean the printer on schedule, and handle cards by their edges.
Example
Illustrative: a school issuing annual ID cards would usually compare single and dual-sided direct-to-card models, including ribbon costs.
Talk to Mindware
Mindware (Indian Barcode Corporation), based in Dwarka, New Delhi, can help you choose and test the right option. See the Zebra ZC350 Professional ID Card Printer or send an export or domestic enquiry to our sales team.
