Shopping for an ID card printer isn't quite as significant as choosing your next motor vehicle but to your organization, it might be up there. And if you're not intimately acquainted with the various brands, options, features, and functionality offered by today's card printer manufacturers, this can be quite the daunting experience.
The good news is that you need not be a technical expert to find the right ID card printer for your organizations business, security, and other needs. In fact, working with an ID Card Expert ensures you get exactly what you need at the best price available. First, though, let's talk about retransfer printers and how and why you might need one.
What is a retransfer printer?
A retransfer printer functions a bit different from a direct-to-card printer, offering both pros and cons. This type printer prints "over the edge" on your ID cards without damaging your printhead. So for example, if you want color graphics, text, and more on your ID cards covering all real estate over the edge, you'll need a retransfer printer. If you don't care, a direct-to-care printer prints "up to the edge" and leaves a small white border around your ID cards.
Companies whose brand image is important might find that a retransfer printer that leaves no border around the ID card is the best option. Others might feel the white border is "less than professional." Only you and your company's executives can decide which effect best represents your brand.
The difference is that the retransfer printer prints the card's image on a film that is then heat-transferred to the card's surface, resulting in a higher quality image and graphics. The direct-to-card printer prints images, text, and graphics directly to the card's surface which results in more wear and tear on your print head and not quite the same intensity as the retransfer printer.
As with anything in life, when you choose quality like the retransfer printer, you're looking at a higher cost. And just as well, if you're more interested in quality, you may choose the higher-priced alternative because it better meets your needs.
Why you need a retransfer ID card printer
First and foremost, the look of your ID cards might be important. If you want "beyond the edge" colors that cover your cards' edges, you need a retransfer printer. Retransfer printers offer higher image quality and print resolution. This doesn't mean that direct-to-card printers don't print quality ID cards, but the white border around the edges can some detract from your ID cards' professionalism.
Another reason you might need a retransfer ID card printer is because of ID cards with uneven surfaces. Direct-to-card printers are particular about what they print on; thus, they can't print "over the edge" because it can irrevocably damage the printhead. They also can't print on technology-type cards with uneven surfaces. For example, technology cards include embedded antennas and chips that cause a card's surface to bulge and ripple. A direct-to-card printer has trouble printing on those surfaces, while a retransfer card printer lays down a film over the card's surface which isn't disrupted by card surface imperfections.
If security is important for your ID cards, retransfer printers offer a step-up from direct-to-card printers. Since your printer is laying down a film over the card's surface, it's difficult—if not impossible—to tamper with the graphics and text. You can also boost the card's security by including holographic images on your overlay film. Since these can't be cloned or altered in any way, your retransfer cards are more secure than direct-to-card printed ones.
Final thoughts
What's most important for your ID card program? If cost is the distinguishing fact, look at direct-to-card printers. You can easily find something that meets your needs.
If security is your determining issue, consider getting a retransfer card printer. Not only does it increase the security of your cards, but it also boosts your cards' lifespan. Retransfer cards are more durable, they protect against wear and tear better, and they're more secure thanks to tamper-resistant features.
Do you need durable, abrasion-resistant cards that last longer than other cards? If so, considerable the higher priced retransfer printers. If security isn't your first consideration, and you need to reduce costs, take a look at direct-to-card printers.
Regardless of which type printer you choose, you'll get employee or student ID cards that meet your needs, offer great image quality, and fit in your budget. Check with an ID Expert to discuss your business and security requirements. With almost a century of experience, we can help you find the right ID card printer for the right price—guaranteed! —to meet or exceed your needs.