What Printing Technology Should You Invest In?

If your business is looking to start printing and creating your own ID cards, it is important that you get the right kind of printer to suit your business needs. 

Every business is different and has individual requirements from your ID cards. By understanding what each style of printer offers, you can make an informed decision on which type of ID card printer is best for you.

Dye sublimation printers

Also known as dye-sub or direct-to-card printers, a dye sublimation printer uses heat to transfer the design and information directly onto the surface of the ID card. Using this method ensures very little mess as the pigments go from solid to gas and back to solid, coming out completely dry. 

A dye-sublimation printer is ideal for personalised ID cards that have minimal design work. They are the most common type of ID card printer and are ideal for personalisation on photo ID cards and printing over loyalty cards and membership cards.

Dye sublimation infuses the dyes into the cards, meaning the prints are less likely to fade and distort over time. DTC cards are dry and ready to be handled as soon as they leave the printer. 

Printers and consumables are more cost-effective than the alternatives. 

Retransfer Printers

Retransfer printers differ from DTC printers as they first print the card’s design onto a transparent overlay, which is then bonded to the card with a combination of heat and pressure. This method of printing means that the design covers the card edge-to-edge – unlike direct-to-card printers, which will have a small white border around the card design.

Retransfer printers offer a higher quality print than dye sublimation printers, which makes these printers ideal for more intricate and detailed designs, including logos, photographs, and security details.

For businesses that require smart cards and access control, retransfer printers are the safest option due to the printing process. The overlay method means that the printhead doesn’t come in contact with the smart chips and any other technology on the card, therefore reducing any risk of damage to either the card or the printhead.

This also means the printer is less likely to break and therefore ensures the longevity of the machine and less wastage of smart cards. Because retransfer printers are ideal for smart cards, they also have encoding options that can be added for access control, cashless vending and more.

Retransfer printers are ideal for businesses where security is a top priority, such as:

•    Local government agencies
•    Emergency services 
•    Public sector organisations 
•    Environments where cards are prone to wear and tear
•    Any other businesses that use printed access control cards

Which ID card printer is best for you

Which ID card printer is correct for your business really depends on the needs of your business. If you need high-quality images and logos as well as digital information and access control, then a retransfer printer is ideal. 

For businesses that only need a standard photographic ID card or pre-printed cards that need details added, and want an affordable option for their budget, then the DTC option is ideal for a smaller business.

To find out more about what printing technology is best for your business, please get in touch with a member of our expert team.