Direct to Card vs Retransfer ID Printers | Easy Badges

Описание: One of the differentiating features between ID printer models is the type of printing technology employed. There are two popular technologies for ID card printing: direct-to-card and reverse transfer (most commonly called retransfer). Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each printing technology to help you choose the right ID printer for your organization.
Most organizations purchase direct-to-card printers as they are less expensive and can handle many common ID designs. Entry level direct-to-card printers can start at a price point of about $800.
Direct-to-card printing involves a one-step process where the print head physically touches the PVC card, injecting the ink directly into the card. Direct-to-card printers produce 300 dpi professional quality badges.
However, these badges will have a very small white border around the edge of the card. As you can see, the border is hardly noticeable from a short distance.
Direct-to-card printers are not ideal for heavily saturated, full-bleed designs. You may notice small blemishes or smears when printing saturated designs. This is no different than if you attempted to print a completely saturated black shape on standard printer paper.
Occasionally, direct-to-card printers can error-out during batch printing if the ribbon tears or melts onto the card while printing.
Reverse transfer printers are more expensive, but can produce true edge-to-edge printing and handle full-bleed, saturated designs with ease.
The printing process involves two-steps: first, the printhead injects the ink onto a clear film; then, the film is fused to the card. This prevents ribbon tearing and produces a smooth print across the entire surface of the card. This process is ideal for Smartcard or proximity printing or high volume printing of saturated designs. Retransfer printers typically start at about $2,500.
We hope you found this video helpful! And remember, Easy Badges offers free lifetime phone and email support with all our ID card printer systems.