ID card printers selector

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Choosing an ID Cards Printer

Card printers transfer an image from a digital file to a card, the card printing process is done by sublimation technology, by either thermal or direct transfer.

Estas son las opciones que definen una impresora de tarjetas.

1. Form factor

Low Volume Printers

They are ideal for accreditation and just-in-time identification applications. Midrange printers incorporate basic functionality such as color or monochrome printing, coding options, and more.
High Capacity Card Printers

High capacity printers have more advanced features such as duplex printing, automatic feeding, as well as the possibility of applying overlay varnish (clear and hologram) among others. They also have greater capacity and print speed.

2. Simplex/ Duplex printing

Depending on your card design, you may require printing on one side or on both. Simplex card printers print on one side of a card in one pass. Duplex card printers print to both sides of your card in a single step and allow you to add a greater degree of detailed information to your cards. Duplex card printers typically print the front of the card in color and the back of the card in monochrome.

3. Lamination (Yes / No)

In the laminating process, the printer automatically extends an adhesive plastic sheet on the printed side, to protect security elements such as photographs, holograms, etc.

4. Card Types

RFID or proximity card

RFID tags contain an antenna and a memory chip that stores data. Proximity Cards are cards that contain integrated chip.
Smart card

Data is recorded on the chip (memory or microprocessor). Some memory chips have a means of encoding and write protection. They are ideal for digital signature and logical access control.
Low-coercivity magstripe (Lo-Co)

Low coercivity magnetic cards usually have a brown magnetic stripe and are recommend for loyalty applications, promotional cards or gift cards, since the durability of the band is lower. As a result, these types of cards are ideal in situations in which the card has an expiration date or are rarely used. It is better to purchase these types of cards in quantity for a low price to help reduce the final costs of production.
High-coercivity magstripe (Hi-Co)

High-coercivity magstripes cards are recommended for a majority of applications. HiCo magnetic stripes are typically black in color and are encoded with a stronger magnetic field, making them more durable because the data encoded on the stripes are less likely to unintentionally be erased when exposed to an outside magnetic field, high radiation, or aggressive agents. HiCo cards are common in applications that require a longer card life and frequently swiped. Credit cards, bank and library cards, access control cards, time and attendance cards and employee ID cards frequently use HiCo technology.
Barcode Card

The encoded element on these cards are the barcodes themselves
Swipe card

Data is recorded on a magnetic stripe and allows for customization. Due to its low price, it is ideal for loyalty cards.