IDP Smart 31 Printer Review
The IDP Smart 51 secure GDPR printer is a perfect fit for any organisation looking for a reliable, easy to use and secure ID card printer. With low-cost consumables and an unrivalled 5-year manufacturer warranty included, it's the perfect solution for those printing staff ID cards in-house.
Learn MorePrinter Lock
Unique ribbon lock ensures used printer ribbons cannot be removed from the printer.
Card Security
This low-cost feature adds a layer of visual security to each card, lowering the risk of card cloning attempts.
Kensington Lock
Kensington lock significantly decreases the risk of your card printer being stolen.
Warranty
Stress free printing with a five-year unrivalled manufacturer warranty.
Speed
Print a full colour secure card in just 17 seconds.
Card printers are specifically designed and developed to print photos, images and detailed text directly on to blank plastic or proximity cards. They share many similarities with a traditional desktop inkjet printer, commonly found in the home or office.
The blank plastic card is passed through a thermal print head at the same time as a colour or monochrome (single colour) ribbon.
The colour from the ribbon is then transferred onto the card through the heat given out from the print head.
As a result your photo, images and text are visible on the card, and the card is ready to issue.
Direct to card is by far the most common printing technique used today for plastic ID card printing in low volumes. This print process works by the printhead coming in to direct contact with the surface of the blank card. The printhead applies heat directly to the ribbon panels to print vibrant colours and crisp detailed text to the card.
The main benefits of opting for a DTC printer are:
Retransfer printers, also referred to as reverse transfer printing is a more secure type of ID card printer and is traditionally used by corporate organisations with a high volume requirement. The print process works by creating a mirror image that is then printed onto a clear film called a retransfer film, which is then fused onto the surface of the card.
The main benefits of opting for a Retransfer printer are:
Single-sided card printers print to one side of the card only, whereas dual-sided will print to both sides of a card. When addressing your needs, think about the card design and information being added. Will all of the information fit onto one side of the card and still look professional?
view single-sided PrintersThe benefit of a dual-sided printer over a single-sided is flexibility. With more space to add images, photos and text, the card looks less cluttered. Please bear in mind that if you opt for a single-sided machine, and further down the line you need to upgrade, this will be an additional cost to the business or organisation.
view dual-sided PrintersAll ID card printers offer a range of security features, but different manufacturers will offer different types and levels of security, both for the machine itself and the printed cards. Adding a layer of security to your card printing setup helps reduced card cloning attempts, keeps your data secure in light of GDPR, and also ensures your printer cannot be stolen from the premises. When thinking about which printer is right for you, consider your long-term goals and whether your printer will be able to adapt as the security needs of your business change.
Feature Description
Low-cost security significantly lowers the risk of card cloning attempts.
Available on
IDP Smart 31 and IDP Smart 51.
Feature Description
SmartMark appears as a transparent overlay panel on surface of the card. It's visible to the naked eye and can be customised to include text, pictures or logos.
Available on
IDP Smart 51 and IDP Smart 51 Secure GDPR
Feature Description
HoloKote ® is a secure watermark that is printed onto the cards surface and can be visually verified when the card is tilted in the light.
Available on
Magicard Pronto, Enduro3e, Rio Pro 360 and Rio Pro 360 secure.
Feature Description
The all-in-one lock prevents cards being taken from an unattended printer. It secures the used printer ribbon which contains personal information and data from printed cards
Available on
IDP Smart 51 and IDP Smart 51 Secure GDPR
Feature Description
The Kensington lock secures the printer to a desk or work surface ensuring that it can't be stolen.
Available on
IDP Smart 51 and IDP Smart 51 Secure GDPR
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If you want to find out more about the leading card printer manufacturers, then below is a fully comprehensive selection of the leading ID card printer manufacturers available. Furthermore we are the official UK distributors for IDP Smart, HID Fargo and Magicard, meaning you will only ever receive genuine products at the lowest possible prices all year round.
We are the official UK distributors of IDP Smart, Magicard and HID Fargo. Our customers receive unrivalled support pre and post-sale, with rock bottom prices all year round.