An Introduction To Hard Plastic Card Printers

Plastic card printers are an invaluable tool for secure access control, ID systems, and other identification solutions. Today, hard plastic ID cards are being used in businesses, government agencies, schools, and military organizations around the world. Using a plastic card printer allows all these organizations to quickly and cost-effectively produce the cards they need without the need to outsource the job. But with so many models on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs.

Types Of Plastic Card Printers

Plastic card printers come in a variety of different types and models. Some of the most popular include single-sided printers, double-sided printers, re-transfer printers, and thermal printers. Single-sided printers are most suitable for basic ID cards. Double-sided printers are perfect for printing on both sides of the card, while re-transfer printers are great for printing on uneven surfaces. Thermal printers are the most reliable and expensive option, but they are the most secure.

Benefits Of Plastic Card Printers

• Printing on demand You can print the exact number of cards you need, when you need them.
• High-quality printing Plastic card printers can produce cards with superior detail and clarity.
• Security Plastic card printers help to prevent counterfeiting and other security issues.
• Low cost Plastic card printers are relatively low-cost compared to outsourcing.
• Quick turnaround Plastic card printers are faster than traditional methods of card printing.

Card Printer Accessories

To get the most out of your plastic card printer, you may want to invest in some accessories. Common accessories include lanyards, card holders, magnetic card readers, and more. Lanyards allow you to keep your cards secure and visible, and card holders protect them against dirt and damage. Magnetic card readers allow you to quickly and easily read the information encoded onto the card.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Card Printers

Case Study 1 - A University

A university in the UK decided to invest in a plastic card printer to allow them to easily produce ID cards for students, staff, and visitors. The university was able to purchase a single-sided printer with ink ribbon and lanyard bundle for a reasonable cost. After installation, they were able to quickly issue cards to those who required them with minimum hassle.

Case Study 2 - A Government Agency

A government agency decided to invest in a double-sided plastic card printer to allow them to issue secure access cards to their staff. They opted for a re-transfer printer to allow them to print uneven surfaces. They installed a magnetic card reader to allow them to quickly and easily read the information encoded onto the cards.

FAQ's

• Q: What are the different types of plastic card printers?
  

  A: The most common types of plastic card printers are single-sided, double-sided, re-transfer, and thermal.

• Q: Are plastic card printers expensive?
  

  A: While there is an upfront cost to purchase a plastic card printer, it is generally more cost-effective than outsourcing your card printing needs.

• Q: What type of printer should I choose?
  

  A: It depends on the specific needs of your business. Single-sided printers are suitable for basic ID cards, while double-sided and re-transfer printers are more suitable for more secure applications.

Mistakes People Make

• Not researching different models It's important to research the different types of plastic card printers and select one that best fits your needs.
• Not using quality materials It's important to use quality materials when printing on plastic cards to ensure longevity and legibility.
• Insufficient access control If you are printing secure access cards, you should ensure that you have sufficient access control measures in place.
• Not investing in accessories Investing in accessories like magnetic card readers and lanyards can help to maximize your plastic card printer's potential.

Best Practices For Using Plastic Card Printers

• Research different models Make sure you choose the right printer for your needs.
• Use quality materials Use quality printing materials to ensure your cards are legible and durable.
• Secure access control Invest in measures to ensure that your cards are secure.
• Invest in accessories Invest in accessories to maximize the benefit of your printer.

Conclusion

Plastic card printers are a valuable tool for printing secure access cards and IDs. They are cost-effective, reliable, and capable of producing high-quality cards. When selecting a plastic card printer, it's important to research different models and choose one that best suits your needs. Investing in quality materials and accessories can help to ensure the longevity and security of your cards, and using best practices can help to maximize your printer's potential.