ID card printers were never designed to last forever, but trying to pinpoint an exact lifespan is impossible. It would be easy if you knew your ID card printer would print X number of cards during its life or would break down after X number of years. Since you can't rely on either of these, you need to know how to extend your ID card printer's life to get the highest longevity.
Your ID card printer's lifespan rests on a few variables. How many cards you print each year combined with how often you print cards and your annual maintenance schedule all affect how long you can expect your card printer to last.
As with your vehicle, how you take care of it through routine maintenance and your driving habits will affect its lifespan. The more your use your ID card printer combined with your maintenance activities will determine how long your printer will last. This is why most vendors encourage you to sign up for an extended warranty to keep your printer going longer than the manufacturer's warranty. An easy way to get the most out of your ID card printer is through an extended warranty plan, routine maintenance, and understanding what can damage your printer.
What to do to extend your printer's lifespan
You have options and the more options you tackle, the longer your ID card printer will last. Here are the basics you should do to make your printer last longer.
Clean your printer regularly. At the minimum, clean your ID card printer every time you change the ribbon. And always use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning kit to get your best results. Your printer accumulates dust, dirt, and debris over the course of a printing cycle. Cleaning is regularly keeps it operating at peak and reduces the likelihood of a damaged printhead (which is a costly repair).
Avoid cards with surface irregularities. If your ID cards are not completely smooth and level, they can damage your ID card printer's printhead, which is a costly repair. For example, only print on solid, blank ID cards; never print on ID cards that come already slot punched. Those irregularities in your card's surface will damage your printhead. Also pay attention to irregularities in your card's surface caused by technology features like smart chips and antennas. Such surface imperfections can damage direct-to-card printers.
Handle blank cards carefully. Cards are easily contaminated by oils from your fingers, dirt, debris, lint, and dust. Learning how to handle blank cards improves your ID card printer's lifespan. Beyond following the manufacturer's instructions for printing on blank cards, handle your cards only by the edges. Never touch your blank cards' surfaces with bare hands; if you can't handle them properly, consider wearing gloves to reduce the amount of oils and more your card surface comes in contact with.
Always use a dust cover. Especially for ID card printers used in a manufacturing or warehouse environment, your printer's location affects its lifespan. The more dust, dirt, and debris your environment generates, the shorter your printer's lifespan. A dust cover can reduce the number of contaminants your printer is exposed to, boosting its lifespan exponentially.
Manage technology updates. Manufacturer's technology updates help your ID card printer to function seamlessly, thereby reducing its wear and tear. Keeping your printer drivers and firmware up to date regularly can prolong its life. Choose an ID card printer vendor who keeps you up-to-date on firmware and driver updates.
Consider an extended warranty with loaner coverage. A reputable ID card printer vendor will offer an extended warranty that covers your printer beyond what the manufacturer provides. And a great ID card printer vendor offers loaner coverage. This means if your printer goes down, they provide an alternate printer so your ID card program isn't affected while your actual printer is being serviced.
Final thoughts
Finally, make sure you train all users in the appropriate way to handle blank cards, change printer ribbons and other supplies, how to deal with card jams, and how you protect the printer (e.g., printer cover). Improper use and handling will reduce your ID card printer's lifespan.
An extended warranty gives you more years with your ID card printer. But at some point, you need to determine if repairs to your current system are more expensive than buying a new ID card solution.
If you're uncertain about whether sticking with your current solution or purchasing a new one is most cost effective, contact an Idesco ID Expert at 212-889-2530 who can walk you through your options. We'll help you decide which is the best for your business needs, your budget, and your long-term strategy.