An ID card printer is a significant investment for any organization, being a crucial piece of equipment. Choosing the right plastic card printer can be challenging with various models and features available.
In order to ensure that you select the best ID card printing solution to satisfy your particular needs, our guide outlines the critical factors that you should take into account during the evaluation process. Without further ado, let's talk about the factors you need to consider in order to choose the ID card printer that is best for your business's needs.
Cost will always be a key consideration in any investment for businesses. Though it's normal to resist buying the priciest option, your ID card printer should last for many years, which can lessen the impact of a big purchase. Keep in mind that expenses for supplies, cards, and other items go beyond the printer itself and can quickly mount up over time. Since every printer has different features, this can have a significant impact on the unit's cost. It is crucial to find out if the business would profit from these pricey add-ons. Devise a budget for your new ID card printer and make sure you always stay within it. Resist the urge to purchase features that will not really benefit you.
Choose a printer that can handle high-volume printing if you intend to print a lot of cards each session or annually. More than 100 cards can typically be held in the input and output card hoppers of these printers.
Systems for printing ID cards have different capacities. Data can be encoded using a variety of methods, such as magnetic stripes and barcodes. Identification software allows you to add barcodes to your ID, but magnetic stripes provide a more secure data feature. Specialized software and a printer are required for this kind of data encoding.
If your ID cards must withstand a year or more, are intended for outdoor use, or come into contact with chemicals or abrasives, think about selecting an ID card printer that can laminate cards. During the lamination process, the card's information and images are shielded by a thin, transparent, or holographic protective layer that is affixed to its surface. Don't choose 100% PVC cards; instead, use composite PET/PVC cards if your printer can handle lamination. The PET/PVC composite cards are made to withstand the heat produced during the lamination process.
Does your printer need to be connected to a network or just one computer? All ID printers come with USB cables, which are used to connect printers to a single computer. To connect to a network, you need an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection.
There are several approaches to security; it just depends on your organization and the way the cards are used. This entails incorporating elements into the card design such as holographic laminates, UV fluorescent or luster panel ribbons, employee pictures, signatures, and logos. You also add an extra degree of security to your ID card printing solution by using smart cards rather than prox or magnetic stripes.
It's important to know exactly what you need before choosing an ID card printer for your business's needs. Begin by closely examining and contrasting the various kinds of ID card printers available. You'll be able to make an informed choice that will contribute to your project's success by doing this.
Are you trying to find the best solution? Explore a variety of ID card printers of renowned brands, that are designed for your business's needs.