ID Card Printers

Choosing the Right Technology - Direct-to-Card v. Retransfer Card Printing

DIRECT-TO-CARD
Direct-to-card printers print the image directly onto the surface of the card. The print head directly touches the card to deliver the colors which leaves a very small white border around the design.

Consider your card design with this in mind. If you use bold solid colors the white border will be more obvious. Lighter colors or designs with white backgrounds work best with direct-to-card printing.

Price: Direct-to-card printers are typically less expensive to own and operate.

Speed: Direct-to-card printers are faster as they do not require the film layer used in retransfer printing.
Quality: Although both technologies produce excellent results, each printer model will produce slight variations in color, durability and sharpness.
Use: Direct-to-card printers typically a smaller footprint than their retransfer sisters. They are usually quieter as well.

For users with higher demands, Zebra's ZXP 7 and Datacard's CD800 are powerful, high-production machines. If you print a small number of cards on an occasional basis, then Zebra's ZC series or IDP's smart series direct-to-card printers are more budget-friendly options.

RETRANSFER CARD PRINTING
Retransfer technology adds an extra step. Retransfer printers apply the image in reverse onto a clear, thin film which is then applied to the surface of the card. Because the images is "wrapped" around the card, retransfer printing completely covers the face of the card without leaving any border.

Retransfer printing is the best option for technology cards as the design can flow over the surface and cover completely regardless of any variations in the card surface. As retransfer printing requires higher temperatures, composite cards are highly recommended.

Protective Layer: The clear retransfer film required in retransfer printing, acts as a thin laminate adding a protective layer to shield against rubbing and scratching.
Image Quality: Compared with most direct-to-card printers, retransfer technology creates images that are noticeably more crisp and vivid.
Reduced Print Head Damage: Because the print head of a retransfer printer doesn’t come in direct contact with the ID card, there is less wear and potential damage for the print head.

The Matica 8300 and 8600 retransfer machines have the longest history and are considered as one of the most reliable retransfer printers available. The 8600 features 600 dpi printing and offers microprint for advanced security and protection against fraud.