IDP Smart 31 Printer Review
Changing the game for entry-level ID card printers
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.
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 Printers
The 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
The UK’s most comprehensive ID Card Printer Video Library
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Working closely with our trusted partners, we supply genuine products that are used across the corporate, education and health sectors, and will suit a vast range of card printing needs, whether that be class-leading card security or an eco-friendly, sustainable printing option. All consumables and printer ribbons we supply are certified products purchased direct from source and all come with extensive support and warranty options.
An ID card printer – also known as a plastic card printer is an electronic desktop printer that will print a range of plastic cards such as photo identification which is commonly issued to staff, students, visitors and contractors. Post COVID-19, we are seeing an increase in organisations opting to purchase their own card printer, giving them full control and the ability to print cards as and when required, keeping employees, equipment and buildings secure in 2020. Here at Digital ID, we are the trusted experts in ID card printers, offering the widest range of printers from top printer manufacturers including Evolis, Fargo, Magicard, IDP Smart and Zebra, all designed individually to help you create professional photographic staff ID cards. If you need some advice then why not check out our post on the best ID card printers, or if you have a low volume requirement then why not consider our stress free ID card printing service.
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