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Bristol
ID Technologies is a direct value added distributor for several
lines of PVC card printers including Zebra / Eltron, Fargo, and
Magicard. Whether your needs are as basic as printing a photo
on a plastic card or as complex as smart card encoding, we can
help steer you in the right direction. We pride ourselves on
product knowledge, reliable stocking levels, and competitive
pricing.
Card Printer Differentiation
Monochrome versus Color
Most card printer applications today use a color printer. By
using a color multi-panel ribbon (YMCKO = Yellow, Magenta,
Cyan, Black,
and Overlay varnish), a full range of colors can be achieved. If
your application is for Photo ID or designs with multi-colored
logos,
then a color
printer is for you. Color printers can be used in monochrome
applications, but the reverse is not true, so make sure you
have researched your
needs thoroughly before making a decision.
Single Sided versus
Duplex
Single sided PVC card printers will print one side of a card
at a time while a duplex printer has a card flipper built
in that
will allow for two sided printing prior to the card exiting
the printer. Duplex printers are used most commonly when
variable information
exists on both sides of the card. A good example is a photo
ID card that has a name and picture on the front and an employee
number
and barcode on the back. Most applications with static text
are pre-printed on the back of the card and then put in a
single sided
card printer for variable imaging on the front.
Non-Laminating
versus Laminating
Laminating printers are vital when cards are used in harsh
environments or when durability is important. Most laminating
card printers
will apply a laminate
patch that covers one or both sides of the card providing protection from
abrasion and fading. Common applications for laminating printers
are college ID’s
or Government issued ID’s. One advantage of a laminating printer
is that a stock or custom hologram can be added to the laminate to increase
the visual
security of the card.
Direct to Card versus Re-Transfer
Card printer technology falls into two basic categories: those
that print directly to the surface of a card and those that
print to a transfer film
that is adhered
to the card after printing. The vast majority of printers on the market
use a “direct
to card” method of printing because it is simple and cost effective.
Re-transfer technology can provide a superior print quality and is most often
used when printing
to an uneven surface like a proximity or smart card.
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