Today’s author will provide information on printers commonly used for printing on plastic cards, including ID cards and access cards, which are sometimes attached to lanyards.

 

Printers for plastic cards typically fall into two categories:

 

Direct to Card DTC Printers:

These printers use a direct printing method where the print head comes into direct contact with the card’s surface.

DTC printers are suitable for printing high-quality images and text on plastic cards, but they may not be ideal for lanyards.

 

Retransfer Printers:

Retransfer printers use a two-step process involving the transfer of an image from the ribbon to a transfer film and then onto the card.

This method often results in higher print quality and durability, making it suitable for applications where image quality is crucial.

 

When choosing a printer for lanyard cards, consider the following:

 

Card Thickness:  Ensure that the printer can handle the thickness of the plastic cards used for lanyards.

 

Resolution: Higher resolution printers produce better image quality. Look for printers with a resolution that meets your specific needs.

 

Speed: Depending on the volume of cards you need to print, printer speed can be a crucial factor.

 

Encoding Options: Some printers offer additional features like magnetic stripe encoding or smart card encoding.

 

Software Compatibility:  Check if the printer is compatible with the software you plan to use for designing and printing the cards.

 

Popular manufacturers of card printers include Zebra, Fargo (a subsidiary of HID Global), Evolis, and Datacard.

 

If there have been developments or new products in this area since my last update, I recommend checking with manufacturers, retailers, or industry publications for the latest information on plastic lanyard printers.