Zebra has recently enhanced its ZXP family of printers with the new ZXP Series 9. The new printer gives the user more control with its all-new, user-selectable print quality mode, allowing for higher speed and improved print resolution. Featuring industry-leading throughput, Zebra’s second generation retransfer technology enables users to produce cards that have more detail with sharper images.

• Superior image quality: The printer provides exceptional print quality through the all-new fine print mode with Zebra’s exclusive Color Predictive Technology. Plus over-the-edge printing enables true edge-to-edge images on a wide variety of card types including a biodegradable option.
• Fast print speed: With improved first card out performance, the ZXP Series 9 has the fastest print speeds in the industry, printing up to 190 cards per hour, while the dual-sided, simultaneous retransfer process provides best-in-class printing, encoding and laminating throughput.
• High security: The printer uses transfer films and laminates with a multitude of holographic security features to enhance security around unauthorized printer use, counterfeit card supports and multiple encoding options.
• Cost savings: Zebra’s patented waste-free laminate technology provides low cost-per-card operation, eliminating more than 50 percent of the waste compared to competitor laminates and a cost savings of more than 30 percent over the competition.

When deciding on an ID card printer purchase, a typical question is whether you intend to print on one side or both sides. Many sellers fail to dig deeper into the problem and ask if you intend to print color on one or both sides of the card.

If you intend to print color on one side and black on the back, all dual sided printers can offer a ribbon to accomplish that.  For example, the Datacard SD360 allows for printing on both sides and the standard ribbon is the YMCKT-KT. However, this choice of printer and ribbon doesn’t solve the need for full color on both sides of the card. If you know that dual sided color printing is the only way you intend to print, a single sided printer (Datacard SD260) with a full color ribbon (YMCKT), where you put the card through the printing process twice is your best bet. The process uses twice as much ribbon as a standard print, but does save you the cost of a dual sided printer.

Until a dual sided color printer becomes available, your best bet is to use a full color ribbon and run the card through the printing process twice.  Always feel free to contact one of our ID professionals with any questions on what is the best printer and ribbon combination for you.