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.

Flawless quality and efficiency at its best

Avansia, the latest in card printers from Evolis, capitalizes on retransfer card printing, a technology that is proven to deliver top-notch quality. With retransfer, card printing is performed in two steps: first, the card layout is printed on a transparent film; then the print layer is transferred from the film to the card. This technology makes it possible to cover the entire surface of the card. Avansia’s 600dpi print head delivers vivid quality images, as well as sharp texts, microprints and water marks.

Retransfer technology offered by Avansia supports and actually improves a variety of applications: employee badges, secured access cards, student IDs, payment cards, official identification cards, driver’s licenses, and more.

Continue reading »

Direct-to-Card (DTC) printing is the most common technology used by desktop card printer/encoders to transfer images directly onto a plastic ID card. DTC technology prints images by heating a print ribbon beneath a thermal printhead, resulting in the transfer of color from the ribbon to a blank card. With DTC printing, images have sharp edges, deep blacks and a full spectrum of colors. This printing method does not provide full card coverage as a small white border will be at the edges of the card. All major manufacturers produce DTC ID card Printers, with some of most popular models being Zebra ZXP Series 3, Datacard SD360, Fargo DTC1000, and Evolis Primacy.

Retransfer printing is a two-step process that transfers your image to a retransfer film before applying    it to the card. First, the image is printed in reverse directly onto a clear layer of film. Next, the printhead heats up and bonds the imaged film    to the card’s surface by applying heat and pressure. The two step retransfer process creates a true edge to edge (100% card coverage) high quality image on PVC cards and other card types. High end models using this technology include Zebra ZXP Series 8 and Fargo HDP5000. Remember, when using a retransfer printer; don’t forget to add the retransfer film with your ribbon.

For help finding the right  ID Card Printer for your business, contact us at Barcodes Inc.

The Fargo HDP5000 is a Retransfer Printer, which provides edge-to-edge printing through the use of retransfer film. This printer will produce a clearer and longer lasting image, when compared to a direct to card printer. In order to have a full working solution, the following elements will be required:

Ribbon:

• YMCK full color ribbon which allows for printing on one side of the card or
• YMCKK full color ribbon which allows for color printing on the front and black on the back

Retransfer Film:

• Retransfer film that covers the card once the image has been transferred

Plastic ID Cards

• UltraCard Premium ID cards, composed of 60/40 Composite CR-80

Software

• Asure ID Express Card Design software

For more information on other ribbons, cards, and software,  contact us at Barcodes Inc.