Shopping for a new ID card printer can be a very difficult task. There are so many printers for ID cards and badges on the market that it can be hard to tell one apart from another.
Fortunately, there’s help available. We asked the experts at Specialist ID some of the most common questions that people who find themselves shopping in this field ask.
You might very well find the answers you need right below:
What Kinds of Machines can RFID Card Printer Devices be Connected to?
You can usually connect an RFID card printer to any Windows-based PC with USB cables. Macintosh users will want to make sure they pick one that’s guaranteed by the manufacturer to work with their hardware. A growing number of printers are compatible with wireless networks and PCs running GNU/Linux.
When Should You Use a Re-transfer Printer?
Dye sublimation printers are the least expensive type of ID printer. They use a special ribbon to infuse color onto the card. Re-transfer or reverse transfer printers use both a ribbon and a transfer film to reduce the risk of ink bleed. You may want to consider one if this has been a problem in the past.
What’s the Difference Between Single & Dual-Sided Printers?
A single-sided ID card printer requires the operator to manually flip a piece of blank material around so the machine can put information on the back of the card. Dual-sided printers print both sides automatically. While single-sided printers tend to cost less, those who print larger batches usually prefer the convenience offered by dual-sided printers.
Which Printers Offer Special Security Features?
Any RFID card printer should work with radio-tagged cards. Visual security features are offered by a variety of other printers. Look for something that offers holographic laminate technology if you’re concerned about the potential copying of IDs. Keep in mind that many security features can be added by little additions later on. For instance, traditional card slot punches can add a lanyard hole to reduce the risk that someone might lose their ID somewhere.
How Do You Clean ID Card Printers?
Once they’ve been used for an extended period of time, you’ll want to open your printer’s access drawer and use a snap swab or cleaning kit to remove dried ink or any other debris that might have collected over time.
What Kind of Blank Stock is Available?
Magnetic stripe cards are still on the market for those who need them. Smaller organizations that want to produce professional-looking cards can also select from a wide variety of glossy blanks that resemble the same material used by major banks and other larger enterprise-level operations. In addition to classic PVC-based stock, you can also find more eco-friendly biodegradable options.
Considering just how vast the market is, you might still have a number of questions related to printers for ID cards and badges. If that’s the case, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using our online contact form. Specialist IDWe’ll connect you with a seasoned professional who can answer all your questions and help you find the machine you need.