ID card printers use one of two ways to print: retransfer or direct-to-card. Let's look closer at retransfer to see why it provides one of the best, and most secure, images.
How retransfer printing works
Retransfer printing technology is a two-step process. First, the printhead prints a reverse image of your ID card on a thin retransfer film. Then the film is heat transferred and bonded with the surface of your card. Unlike a direct-to-card printer, a retransfer printer's printhead never comes in contact with the card which is why some manufacturers’ warranty their retransfer printheads for life.
Benefits of using retransfer printers
Here are five benefits a retransfer printer has over other printing methods.
- Increased durability. The image on your card is under a thin layer of film on a retransfer-printed card. This increases its durability, making for a longer-lasting, more wear-proof card. If your ID card solution needs to last longer than others, a retransfer printer can give your cards added life.
- Print consistency. PVC card surfaces can vary, even slightly, which can cause differences between cards printed by direct-to-card. Not so with a retransfer printed card thanks to the thin film onto which your images and text are printed. The film is the same consistency so the same images are consistently retransferred on all your ID cards.
- Long-lasting printhead. Since retransfer printers' printheads never come in contact with a card, they last longer and can print more than a direct-to-card printer. Since the printhead is fairly protected in a retransfer printer, if there are inconsistencies or imperfections on a card's surface, it won't negatively impact the printhead. This is one reason some retransfer card printer manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on printheads.
- Full card printing. A direct-to-card printer leaves a small outline at the edges of a printed card where the printhead won't print to save it from damage. Since a retransfer printer prints directly to a thin film, you can print over the edges of a card for maximum coverage. You have the full face and rear of a card to print out without having to pay attention to the edges.
- More secure. A retransfer card is more secure than a direct-to-card printed one. Since the image is reverse printed and then heat transferred to the card's surface, any attempt at tampering with the card is immediately noticeable. You can also use secure watermarks during the printing process to add another layer of forge-proofing to your ID cards. Or you can use a customizable holographic security design on a laminate applied to your card's surface during printing.
Final thoughts
If you're still unsure which ID card printer system is the right one to choose, contact one of Idesco's ID Experts today to discuss your needs. We'll help guide you to the solution that best meets your business needs and your budget. With over three quarters of a century in serving businesses' ID needs, you can depend on us.