A guide to buying an ID card printer

When looking for a printer that can handily produce ID cards for your company, it’s important you take various factors into account during the selection process. No matter the field, you’ll want ID cards that can sustain years of wear and tear, and result in a crisp ID image while still being affordable. Brands make use of different technology, and this could easily affect the make and model that you eventually choose – your aim is always to select the printer that works best for your business. With this in mind, here is a comprehensive ID card printer guide.

How much does an ID card printer cost?

For all businesses, cost will be an essential factor in any investment. Your ID card printer should work for years, and this can soften the blow of a significant purchase – but it’s natural not to gravitate towards the most expensive option. Consider the costs beyond the printer itself, including ribbons, cards, and more, as these can easily add up over time. As different printers have their own unique features, this can be a big factor in the unit’s cost, and it’s essential that you ask if the company would benefit from these expensive add-ons. Define your budget for a new ID card printer, and make sure you always stick to this, without being tempted by features that offer very little practical value.

What type of cards do you want to print on?

It helps to have a strong understanding of how you want your ID cards to look and feel, as these printers cover a range of different card types. The card might contain an access chip, which you may encode to accommodate an employee’s access rights; other cards may solely serve as a form of visual identification for staff and visitors. No matter the functionality of the cards, they are generally plastic – this practical material allows the ID card to continue working for years, though the chip can require recalibrating every now and again. Some cards employ secure overlays to add an extra element of visual security and deter card copying; only certain printers are cable of adding these features.

What are the different types of ID card printers available?

There are three main types of ID card printers. Direct-to-card printers are arguably the best for printing simple designs at a low cost, and without an access chip, making them popular among businesses on a budget. If your company requires access chips for these cards, a retransfer printer might be the wisest option. These printers use heat to securely bind a design to the card, making sure they last for longer while using over-the-edge printing to avoid aesthetically-unpleasing card borders. Conventional inkjet printers can also help you produce high-quality ID cards by using snap-in cartridges instead of ribbons, resulting in a user-friendly middle-ground that’s still relatively affordable.

How many cards do you want to print?

It’s always useful to know how many cards you’ll need, and the rate at which you’re likely to require them. For example, you might plan to hire more staff in the coming months, and this necessitates more ID cards. It’s also important you look out for the chance of someone quitting, as their replacement will need a fresh card. Knowing the up-front amount, and having a rough idea of how often you’ll need to replace cards or create new ones entirely, lets you understand how many materials you’ll need to budget for each year. Printer ribbons can usually print at least 250 cards before a replacement, and ink cartridges can handle a similarly high volume.

What security features do ID card printers have?

As these printers help you produce sensitive ID cards, including ones which allow access to the entire building, you’ll naturally want to make sure they incorporate robust safety features. Some printers help you create secure overlays, which are otherwise difficult to replicate – so you can be sure that anyone with this is definitely an employee. Some printer ribbons can make use of a UV panel, allowing security staff to easily check for fake cards using special UV torches. The printers themselves also have good security measures, with many deleting sensitive data right after printing. This stops the devices from retaining personal information, which hackers can theoretically steal to create fake cards. There are plenty of considerations you must take into account before deciding which printer to buy; a key part of your decision might also be personal preference – such as if you find the interface user-friendly. By knowing what goes into buying an ID card printer, and the facts or features to look out for, you can guarantee you get a product that meets the needs of your company. Whatever ID card printer you end up selecting for your firm, it always helps to thoroughly investigate the many options and device types that are available. Discover more… Need help with choosing the perfect ID card printer for your organisation? The team at ID Cards Direct are here to help. Get in touch with us here.