Plastic Card Printer
Welcome to our roundup of the top Plastic Card Printer options available in the market today. If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your ID cards, membership cards, or loyalty cards, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best plastic card printers on the market, their features, and pricing, ensuring you make the best decision for your needs.
The Top 20 Best Plastic Card Printer
- Evolis Badgy 100 Color ID Card Printer: High-Quality Badge Creation for Offices — The Evolis Badgy 100 color ID card thermal printer effortlessly creates professional-quality badges for your office staff, vendors, and visitors, boasting a 300 dpi resolution and an impressive 80 ID cards per hour printing speed.
- Evolis Badgy 200 USB ID Card Printer: Colorful, Durable Badges for Producers — Efficiently produce high-quality plastic ID cards and badges with the Evolis Badgy 200’s versatile edge-to-edge printing technology that delivers stunning 300 dpi resolution and 95 cards per hour, streamlined for ease and efficiency.
- Efficient Evolis Badgy Card Printer for Professional IDs — The Evolis Badgy Badgy100 Single-Sided Card Printer is a highly versatile and user-friendly solution designed for convenient and efficient production of professional plastic IDs, capable of printing a full-color badge in just 45 seconds!
- Fast and Efficient Dual-Sided Card Printer — The Fargo 50100 DTC1250e Card Printer, designed for small-to-medium businesses, boasts swift, direct-to-card printing for high-efficiency card production, while its compact footprint easily integrates into various office spaces.
- IDP SMART-21S: Compact Color ID Card Printer for Small Organizations — Revolutionize your ID card printing with the IDP SMART-21S Desktop Color ID Card Printer Kit — a compact, user-friendly solution for small organizations and entry-level needs, offering crystal-clear color printing at impressive speeds.
- High-Capacity Plastic Card Printer for Professional ID Cards — The Fargo DTC4500e Single-Sided ID Card Printer offers professional-grade quality, versatility, and high-volume printing power for medium-to-large organizations, with a robust print engine for continuous, full-color card production.
- Evolis Primacy Duplex Expert Plastic Card Printer: High-Quality, Versatile, and User-Friendly — Make your mark with the Evolis Primacy Duplex — a high-end, flexible, and fast plastic card printer, featuring advanced encoding and printing technologies for top-quality results.
- High-Speed, Professional Quality Card Printer for ID Cards, Membership, and Loyalty Programs — The Fargo DTC1250e Card Printer offers professional-quality color and monochrome printing, is perfect for small businesses, schools, and local governments, and has a built-in Ethernet port for easy sharing with other systems.
- Versatile Card Printer for Custom ID Designs — Experience high-quality, full-color ID printing with the IDP Smart-21s, a versatile and easy-to-use starter kit featuring Enhanced FINE Image Technology, 16.7 million colors, and impressive printing speeds.
- Kodak Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit for Custom Badge Creation — Quickly produce custom badges and cards with the Kodak ID100S Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit, offering 300 to 1200 dpi resolution, Edge-to-Edge printing, and easy-to-use software for creating eye-catching designs.
- Customizable Plastic Card Printer with Advanced Features — Evolis Badgy200 Single Sided Photo ID System: Turn your personalized plastic cards into works of art with 2 million colors, single-side print module, and a user-friendly Card Designer for seamless database management.
- Easy-to-Use Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer Complete Package — Transform your ID card printing experience with the Magicard Pronto & Bodno Bronze Edition, featuring compact size, easy-to-use design, and high-quality PVC cards for professional results.
- Datacard SP55 Plus Plastic Card Printer with One-Sided Edge-to-Edge Printing — The Datacard SP55 Plus plastic card printer delivers top-notch color printing and versatility, perfect for corporate, education, and entertainment needs.
- Evolis Primacy Single-Sided Card Printer: Color and Monochrome Print with USB and Ethernet Connectivity — Experience the power of high-performance printing with the Evolis Primacy Single-Side Card Printer — an eco-friendly, silent, and user-friendly solution for all your plastic card print needs.
- Professional Dye-Sublimation Color Plastic Card Printer — Craft high-quality, secure ID cards with the versatile IDP Smart-51D Dye-Sublimation Plastic Card Printer.
- Zebra ZC300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer: Effortless Custom Card Printing — Effortlessly print high-quality, single- or dual-sided plastic cards for various purposes with the easy-to-use Zebra ZC300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer.
- Evolis Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer: Instantly Print Professional Badges with Easy Customization — Evolis Badgy200 Plastic ID Card Printer: Instantly print high-quality badges, easily import databases, and create personalized cards in under a minute with the hassle-free ID solution perfect for students, employees, and members.
- Zebra ZC100: Compact, Versatile Card Printer for Fast, High-Quality Results — The Zebra ZC100 Plastic Card Printer offers groundbreaking simplicity, a slim design, and exceptional performance for printing single-sided identity badges, membership cards, and event guest passes.
- Fargo DTC1250e Single-Sided ID Card Printer with AES-256 Encryption — Fargo’s DTC1250e Single-Sided ID Card Printer offers AES-256 encryption, magnetic stripe encoding, and high-resolution prints for enhanced security and fast printing capabilities, making it a top choice for plastic card production.
- Eco-Friendly Zenius Classic Line Plastic Card Printer — The Zenius Classic Line Plastic Card Printer offers easy-to-use and scalable features, a compact, lightweight, and silent design, and is eco-friendly, making it the ultimate choice for plastic card printing needs.
Reviews
Evolis Badgy 100 Color ID Card Printer: High-Quality Badge Creation for Offices
Using the Badgy 100 color ID card printer in my daily work has been a game-changer for us here at the office. The printer’s 300 dpi resolution makes our customized cards look professional and polished, boosting our company’s image. I appreciate how quickly it can print up to 80 cards per hour, allowing us to efficiently work on large projects without much delay.
The printer’s compatibility with both PC and Mac systems adds versatility, ensuring that our staff can use it across multiple platforms easily. However, I have experienced some challenges with the software, making it confusing at times. But overall, the printer’s capabilities and speed make it a valuable asset to our working environment.
Evolis Badgy 200 USB ID Card Printer: Colorful, Durable Badges for Producers
have our fair share of issues with technology and software, but Bodno’s support has been fantastic. Angelo went above and beyond to help us resolve our printer troubles, and we couldn’t be happier with his assistance and professionalism. The Badgy200 itself has been reliable, providing great color output and an easy-to-use interface for our needs.
We’re not the most tech-savvy team, but Bodno’s support has made the process smooth and hassle-free for us.
Efficient Evolis Badgy Card Printer for Professional IDs
I’ve recently started using the Evolis Badgy Badgy100 Single-Sided Card Printer and I have to say, it has been quite an experience. In my line of work, designing ID badges for various events has become a breeze with this little machine. It’s not just the device’s performance, but also the fact that it’s so easy for a beginner like me to set up and use.
The Badgy100, as I like to say it, produces professional-quality plastic ID’s on demand. It’s amazing how fast it gets the job done. Analyzing the details, it prints a color badge in just 45 seconds! Now, that’s a feat I haven’t seen in other printers.
However, just like in any tech device, there has been a learning curve. I’ve had issues with the printer once or twice, but the support team has been truly commendable. They assisted me through the process, even going as far as remotely accessing the system to rectify the problem. Talk about top-notch customer service!
But there’s a catch. The printer has a narrow print margin, only 1.35mm/ 0.05". It’s a petty small detail, but it does make a difference especially when designing the badge. I’ve also encountered an issue where the printer sometimes ejects the unprinted card with a mechanical error. These are minor niggles compared to the positive aspects of using this machine.
Overall, using the Evolis Badgy Badgy100 Single-Sided Card Printer is a game-changer. Its ease of use, quick results, and reliable customer service make it a reliable option for any event organizer or designer. Despite the occasional hiccup, the benefits of this printer outweigh the negatives. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone in the ID badge designing or printing industry.
Fast and Efficient Dual-Sided Card Printer
I recently had the pleasure of using the Fargo 050100 DTC1250e Card Printer in my daily life, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer. The compact design of this printer is perfect for small-to-medium businesses, as it fits easily onto any desktop.
Using this printer was an absolute breeze — it’s incredibly user-friendly, with its direct-to-card printing technology allowing me to print high-quality cards with just a few clicks. The built-in erase and rewrite function for temporary and reusable cards made printing even more convenient.
Though the printer’s build is sturdy and durable, I did encounter some issues with card jams and problems printing with specific thicknesses. However, the tech support team was always available and provided expert assistance to help me resolve these issues.
In conclusion, the Fargo 050100 DTC1250e Card Printer offers a reliable, easy-to-use solution for small-to-medium businesses. Despite some minor drawbacks, the overall experience was incredibly positive, and I’m confident in recommending this printer to anyone in need.
IDP SMART-21S: Compact Color ID Card Printer for Small Organizations
Recently, I was introduced to the IDP Smart-21s Desktop Color ID Card Printer Kit. As someone who constantly needs to produce new ID cards for different events, this printer quickly became my go-to solution. The compact design of the printer is perfect for small workspaces and eliminates the need for a large-scale setup.
One of the features that stood out to me is the crisp printing quality. Direct dye sublimation ensures that every detail on the card is visible and distinct, resulting in a professional look. This was especially important for our department IDs, where accuracy and precision were the top priority.
However, there were a few drawbacks that I encountered. The individual manual feeding of each card can be time-consuming when dealing with larger volumes of cards, especially in comparison to other larger ID card printers with feeders. Additionally, I faced an issue that caused the printer to unexpectedly shut off, resulting in a significant inconvenience.
In conclusion, the IDP Smart-21s Desktop Color ID Card Printer Kit is a reliable and efficient option for small organizations and businesses that need to produce ID cards in smaller quantities. Despite the occasional hiccups, the overall experience has been positive, and the impressive print quality makes it worth considering for your ID card printing needs.
High-Capacity Plastic Card Printer for Professional ID Cards
When I first heard about the Fargo DTC4500e, I was intrigued by its capabilities. As a tech enthusiast, I was excited to test it out and see if it was worth the investment. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
This plastic card printer is a beast. It can handle high-volume card printing with ease, thanks to its versatility and robust print engine. It also boasts a high-capacity ribbon that allows it to print twice as many full-color cards as most printers before needing a ribbon change. This means less downtime and consistent high-quality card printing and encoding.
What really stood out to me, though, was its direct-to-card printing technology. This results in “edge-to-edge” printing, leaving a small unprinted border around the perimeter of the card. It’s a game-changer for those who require high-volume printing, as it significantly improves efficiency.
And, of course, the 300 dpi resolution and its ability to print on one side of a PVC or Composite card simply added to its appeal. Overall, the Fargo DTC4500e is a top-notch plastic card printer that delivers professional-grade full-color credentials, perfect for medium-to-large organizations, schools, and government institutions. Highly recommended.
Evolis Primacy Duplex Expert Plastic Card Printer: High-Quality, Versatile, and User-Friendly
In my daily life, I’ve been using the Primacy Duplex Expert Plastic Card Printer by Evolis, which has been nothing short of a game-changer. The ease of use, combined with the printer’s quick learning curve, made all the difference. The standout features of this machine include its impressive print speed — I can churn out 225 cards per hour in color and an astounding 850 cards per hour in monochrome, the ultimate time-saver!
What I particularly love about the Primacy is its flexible configuration options. The encoding or double-sided printing features that can be installed on-demand give the printer a versatility that sets it apart from other printers I’ve tried. This allows me to print a variety of cards, including transportation passes, payment cards, identification badges, or multi-feature cards.
Moreover, the 100-card capacity of both feeder and output hopper made the process of handling these cards even more efficient. Without needing to reload cards in the middle of a run, printing becomes a breeze. The front feeder and output hopper on the counter or in the office also add convenience by keeping handling simple and straightforward.
The transparent front panel was a bonus feature that allowed me to check the level of the remaining cards at any time. This ensured I could anticipate when more cards needed to be loaded, preventing any hiccups or downtime in my operations.
One aspect that could use some improvement is the card reject tray system. It’s not as intuitive as it could be, and I couldn’t locate it immediately when required. But once I found it, it worked well.
Lastly, the communication with Bodno’s technical support team has been a breath of fresh air. Despite a few minor, user-error situations, they were always patient, knowledgeable, and ready to help.
In conclusion, while there are some areas that could be improved, the Primacy Duplex Expert Plastic Card Printer by Evolis has been invaluable in my daily operations. Its flexible configurations, ease of use, and impressive print speed are top-notch, making it a high-end, reliable printer that delivers results.
High-Speed, Professional Quality Card Printer for ID Cards, Membership, and Loyalty Programs
As someone who frequently deals with card printing, the Fargo DTC1250e Card Printer has proven to be an efficient and reliable choice. One of the features I appreciate the most is its ability to produce high-quality documents in both color and monochrome, providing me with the flexibility to choose based on my specific needs.
Its small, compact design also makes it a perfect fit for various office environments, and the built-in Ethernet port allows me to easily share the printer with other systems. Additionally, the option to add a Wi-Fi accessory provides the convenience of printing anytime, anywhere.
However, I have noticed that the printer requires the latest Windows software to function optimally, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. Overall, the Fargo DTC1250e Card Printer is a cost-effective and efficient solution for producing professional-quality cards, making it a worthy addition to any small business, school, or local government.
Versatile Card Printer for Custom ID Designs
Recently, I found myself in need of a reliable ID card printer for our small business. I discovered the IDP Smart-21s Starter ID Printer Bundle and decided to give it a try. Boy, I was impressed!
This tiny powerhouse packs a punch when it comes to printing ID cards. With its enhanced FINE Image Technology that boasts edge-to-edge printing and up to 16.7 million colors, my team could finally create ID cards that stood out. The best part? It printed at an incredible rate of 156 full-color single-sided cards per hour, all in-house.
The setup process was a breeze, and the Smart IDesigner Software allowed us to design custom cards tailored to our specifications. The printer itself was simple and compact, fitting perfectly on our desk, and the USB connection made it hassle-free to connect to our computers.
However, there were a few minor drawbacks. Although the dye sublimation printing produced sharp images, it wasn’t as fast as I had hoped when using monochrome ribbons. Also, the printer didn’t come with an LCD screen, so you had to rely on the software for status updates, which could be inconvenient at times.
Overall, the IDP Smart-21s Starter ID Printer Bundle proved to be a great investment for our team. It may not be perfect, but it certainly does its job well, and its ease of use made it a favorite in our office.
Kodak Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit for Custom Badge Creation
Recently, I had the pleasure of using the Kodak ID100S Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit to create custom badges and cards for an event. The quality of the printed ID cards was impressive, featuring vibrant colors and crisp details thanks to the Enhanced Image Technology with 300 to 1200 dpi Edge to Edge Printing and up to 16.7 million colors. The printer was surprisingly easy to use, with the KODAK ID Studio Software guiding me through the creation process.
One of the standout features was the ability to print 150 full-color single-sided cards per hour in-house, saving time and effort compared to outsourcing the job. Additionally, the manual, hand-fed card feeder made the process simple and stress-free. However, there were a few drawbacks, such as the printer occasionally jamming and the need for more guidance on advanced features within the software.
Overall, the Kodak ID100S Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit proved to be a reliable and efficient solution for creating custom ID cards for a variety of purposes. The high-quality printing, ease of use, and versatile software make this a great investment for anyone looking to streamline their ID card production process.
Customizable Plastic Card Printer with Advanced Features
The Evolis Badgy200, a versatile and user-friendly photo ID system, has become an invaluable part of my daily life. As a busy professional, I needed a reliable and efficient way to create personalized identification cards, and the Badgy200 has exceeded my expectations in this regard.
One of the standout features of the Badgy200 is its single-side print module. The ability to print on one side of the card and then flip it over to print on the other has made the process streamlined and hassle-free. The printer is capable of producing high-quality images with color sublimation and monochrome thermal transfer, ensuring that my cards are both professional and visually appealing.
The Badgy200 also boasts impressive printing resolution, with the capacity to print at 300 dpi resolution and supporting 2 million colors. This means that my cards come out with sharp, detailed images and vibrant colors, making them a real asset for events or in-house identification.
However, there have been a few drawbacks to using the Badgy200. While the printer itself is reliable, I’ve encountered some issues with the printer ribbons. On occasion, they have burned to the PVC plastic cards, resulting in smudged and unreadable text on the final product. Additionally, the printer’s software can be quite complex and somewhat challenging to navigate, especially for those with limited IT experience.
To summarize my experience, the Evolis Badgy200 is a powerful and reliable solution for personalized identification cards. Though there are a few areas where it could improve, overall, it has proven to be a worthwhile investment for my needs.
Easy-to-Use Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer Complete Package
In the world of ID printing, ease of use is the name of the game. The Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package in Bronze Edition doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has tried printing their own ID cards, it’s a breath of fresh air to work with a printer that’s user-friendly and effortless.
The first thing that caught my attention was the compatibility. Being able to use this printer with various operating systems like Windows XP, Vista, Win7–8–10, and even Mac OSX makes it an all-around great tool for anyone.
The color ribbon it comes with is amazing. It allows for 100 impressions, which is more than enough for most people’s needs. The PVC cards it uses are top-notch too. I had no issues with them either, they’re durable and look professional.
Now, let’s talk about the Bodno Bronze Software. It’s a dream to use. It’s not just easy to learn, but also super intuitive. You can pretty much create your own designs from scratch and have them looking like they were made by a professional. It’s really fun, especially when you start to see your creations come to life on the ID cards.
But, as with any product, there are cons. The most significant one was the color inaccuracy. When designing my cards, I found that the colors on the screen did not translate perfectly onto the paper. It took a bit of trial and error, but I eventually figured out which settings worked best to reduce that issue.
Lastly, the speed of the printer was quite slow. I was used to faster printers, so this was definitely a surprise. However, considering the overall quality, the slightly slower pace seemed worth it.
Overall, the Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package in Bronze Edition has a unique blend of professional-level tools and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to create their own ID cards.
Datacard SP55 Plus Plastic Card Printer with One-Sided Edge-to-Edge Printing
I recently tried out the Datacard SP55 Plus card printer and absolutely loved it. This little powerhouse offers both one-sided and two-sided printing with edge-to-edge imaging. The ability to print in full-color or monochrome adds a touch of professionalism to every card.
Using the printer is a breeze, thanks to its USB connectivity and intuitive controls. The printheads are operator-replaceable, ensuring durability and minimal downtime during maintenance. The automatic card feed and quick-change error-free ribbon loading cartridge are such thoughtful design choices, making the process of printing cards effortless and hassle-free.
One of my favorite features has to be the cleaning roller. With continuous cleaning, the printer ensures that your cards always come out looking their best. The inclusion of audio and visual message prompts is also a nice touch, helping you keep track of any potential issues that may arise during the printing process.
Overall, the Datacard SP55 Plus is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable, efficient, and versatile plastic card printer. Its high-quality imaging, easy setup, and user-friendly features make it a delight to use in my daily life.
Evolis Primacy Single-Sided Card Printer: Color and Monochrome Print with USB and Ethernet Connectivity
I’ve been using the Evolis Primacy Single-Side Card Printer for quite a while now, and it has been quite the reliable companion. The printing quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors that never fail to impress. The single-sided printing capability is convenient, and the USB and Ethernet connectivity options make it versatile for different environments.
However, one of the main drawbacks I’ve encountered is the somewhat challenging setup process, which was further complicated by the absence of a proper manual. The customer support from Bodno has been helpful, but it would be great if the company provided a more comprehensive guide to assist new users.
On the positive side, the low energy consumption of this printer is a significant benefit for eco-conscious users, and it operates at a low sound level, making it an ideal addition to any working space. The automatic ribbon identification feature also eases the process of changing ribbons when needed.
In summary, the Evolis Primacy Single-Side Card Printer is a reliable and efficient choice for those needing a capable ID card printer. With some improvements in user-friendliness, this product could only become more appealing.
Professional Dye-Sublimation Color Plastic Card Printer
As someone who has been using the IDP Smart-51D plastic card printer for a while now, I can confidently say that it’s a game-changer for my everyday business operations. The versatility of the dye-sublimation and thermal transfer printing techniques is truly remarkable, creating professional and secure ID cards that leave a lasting impression.
One of the standout features of this printer is its incredible edge-to-edge printing, boasting a resolution of up to 1200 dpi. This attention to detail has been a game-changer for me, especially when it comes to ensuring the high-quality appearance of each card.
Another plus of this printer is its efficiency — it can produce up to 22 seconds per color card in the ymckok mode and only 5 seconds for monochrome cards. This speed has been a lifesaver for me, as it allows me to quickly produce the cards needed for my organization without sacrificing quality.
However, a small drawback I’ve encountered is the occasional need to replace or repair the printer, which might be a concern for some users. Overall, the IDP Smart-51D is a reliable option for businesses, schools, and organizations looking to create professional ID cards in a timely manner.
Zebra ZC300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer: Effortless Custom Card Printing
I’ve been using the Zebra ZC300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer for a while now, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer. With the ability to print access, identity, membership, and even debit/credit cards, it has dramatically simplified my life.
The printer’s user-friendly design was a big highlight for me. With push-button simplicity and logical grouping of settings, I can easily navigate and adjust the printer to get the desired outcome. Not to mention, the visual display makes it super easy to see how the card looks before printing, eliminating the hassle of reprints.
However, one downside I found was the card feeder’s automatic adjustment to card thickness. It can be a bit finicky at times, leading to some misaligned cards. But overall, the Zebra ZC300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer has exceeded my expectations and made the once tedious process of card printing a breeze.
Evolis Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer: Instantly Print Professional Badges with Easy Customization
I’ve been using the Badgy200 All-In-One ID Card Printing Solution by Evolis for a few months now, and it’s been quite a journey. I was impressed with how quickly I could create professional-quality badges right at home, using the edge-to-edge printing feature. The capacity of 100 prints per color ribbon is definitely enough for my needs, and the printer comes with a complete set to get started.
One of my favorite features is being able to create personalized badges in less than a minute, with printing speeds of just 38 seconds per color card and 11 seconds per black and white card. I love the versatility that this printer offers, as it’s compatible with both PC and Mac, and supports USB 1.1 and 3.0.
While the online library of badge designs is a great feature, I found that creating my own designs using the ID design software was even more enjoyable. The software is easy to use and allows for plenty of customization, including adjusting font, size, color, and alignment. I especially like that I can put my own images as backgrounds and logos where I want on the badges.
However, I do have to say that I’ve faced some issues with the printer. Sometimes the printing quality isn’t as great as I hoped for, and the printer has occasional connectivity problems. The customer support has been less than helpful in these situations, as I’ve struggled to get the issues resolved.
Overall, the Badgy200 has its ups and downs. It’s an amazing product if it works as intended, but it can be quite frustrating when it doesn’t.
Zebra ZC100: Compact, Versatile Card Printer for Fast, High-Quality Results
Imagine a world where printing credit card-sized employee badges and event guest passes is effortless and time-saving. That’s where the Zebra ZC100 plastic card printer comes in. This device, with its slimmer-than-a-pencil design and simple operation, has been designed to elevate your business to new heights in terms of branding, staff productivity, and overall operational efficiency.
With its high print quality capacity, it can produce an astounding 150 full-colour cards per hour and even adjust itself to 10, 20, 30, and 40 mils cards. However, I must also mention that it’s not compatible with Mac computers, as some users have reported. Despite a few minor setbacks, the Zebra ZC100 is truly an exceptional value for money, making it a worthwhile investment for any business.
Fargo DTC1250e Single-Sided ID Card Printer with AES-256 Encryption
I was super excited to try out the Fargo DTC1250e Single-Sided ID Card Printer. It’s packed with useful features that made my card printing experience seamless.
The printer excelled in its dye sublimation and resin thermal transfer print methods, offering a great 300 dpi resolution. It did a fantastic job in printing edge-to-edge on adhesive back card sizes of CR-80 and CR-79. The ISO standard magnetic stripes encoding added a nice touch for added security.
Despite its size, the printer maneuvered fast print speeds that stood out for me. It could print a black and white card in just 6 seconds and a full color one in 24 seconds, showing off its impressive printing capabilities.
The DTC1250e doesn’t ask for much in terms of storage space either. It holds a neat 100 cards in its input hopper and 30 in its output hopper.
One thing I particularly liked about this printer was its SmartScreen graphical display. It’s got a USB 2.0 interface connectivity for easy setup and efficient operation.
However, there was one area I felt this printer needed improvements on, the latest Windows software requirement. It can be a bit frustrating for users who don’t update their software frequently.
Overall, I was impressed with the Fargo DTC1250e Single-Sided ID Card Printer. It’s a reliable, durable, and fast device, which I believe is a fantastic value for the price it comes at.
Eco-Friendly Zenius Classic Line Plastic Card Printer
I recently started using the Zenius Plastic Card Printer, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! The color printing is incredibly vibrant and has really upped the quality of the cards I’ve produced. Plus, it’s so easy to use that anyone can handle it — no more complicated settings or endless tinkering.
What really stands out about this printer is its compact size and light weight. I can easily take it with me wherever I go, and it barely makes a sound. It’s perfect for working in a variety of environments, from a busy office to a bustling welcome desk.
However, one thing I did notice was that it tends to run a bit slowly. It took a bit longer than expected to print my cards, but I’m willing to overlook that for how fantastic the end result is.
All in all, the Zenius Plastic Card Printer is definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use printer for your plastic card needs. It’s not without its issues, but the pros far outweigh the cons in my book.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right plastic card printer for your business can be a daunting task. With so many options available on the market, it’s crucial to understand the essential features you should consider before making a purchase. In this buyer’s guide, we will outline the most important aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Plastic Card Printers
Before diving into specific features, it’s essential to know that there are two main types of plastic card printers: direct-to-card printers and ribbon-based printers. Direct-to-card printers are faster and more efficient, while ribbon-based printers provide higher quality card printing.
Consideration 1: Printing Speed
If your business requires a high volume of card production, a faster printing speed should be a priority. Look for printers with an output of at least 100 cards per hour for direct-to-card printers and 300 cards per hour for ribbon-based printers.
Consideration 2: Image Quality
The quality of the printed images is vital to ensure that your cards look professional. Check the printer’s resolution capabilities, and consider purchasing a printer with a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality results.
Consideration 3: Durability
Make sure the printer you select can handle high volumes of cards without breaking down. Look for printers with a sturdy build and a robust design to withstand wear and tear.
Consideration 4: Compatibility
Ensure that the plastic card printer you choose is compatible with your existing card stock, cards with magnetic stripes, and other features you may require. Select a printer that supports a wide range of card materials and sizes for your convenience.
Consideration 5: Integration and Software
Check if the printer comes with an easy-to-use software package or if it can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems. This will help streamline your printing process and save you time and effort.
Consideration 6: Security Features
If your business involves handling confidential information, look for a printer with security features like encryption, access control, and secure boot functions. This will help ensure that your card printing process remains safe and secure.
General Advice for Plastic Card Printers
Always read customer reviews before finalizing your purchase to get an idea of the printer’s overall performance. Consider choosing a printer with a reliable warranty and excellent customer support. Additionally, ensure that you have access to ongoing support, spare parts, and updates to keep your printer running smoothly.
Choosing the right plastic card printer requires careful consideration and research. With the right knowledge and understanding, you can find a printer that suits your needs, budget, and offers durability and reliable performance.
FAQ
What is a plastic card printer?
A plastic card printer is a device used to produce plastic cards, such as ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, and access control cards. It can print images, text, barcodes, and other information onto the cards using various technologies like thermal, laser, or inkjet printing.
What types of plastic card printers are available in the market?
There are several types of plastic card printers available, including:
- Thermal card printers: These printers use heat to transfer an image onto the card surface.
- Laser card printers: These printers use a laser to print the image onto the card.
- Inkjet card printers: These printers use inkjet technology to print the image onto the card.
Which plastic card printer is best for my needs?
The best plastic card printer for your needs depends on factors such as the quantity of cards you need to print, the complexity of the design, and your budget. For smaller-scale projects or simple designs, a thermal printer might be sufficient. However, for larger quantities or more intricate designs, laser or inkjet printers may be more suitable.
How much does a plastic card printer cost?
The cost of a plastic card printer can vary significantly depending on the type, quality, and features. Entry-level thermal card printers can cost as little as $100, while high-end laser or inkjet printers with advanced features can cost several thousand dollars.
What kind of materials can be used with a plastic card printer?
Most plastic card printers are compatible with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cards, which are the most common type of plastic cards used for ID cards, membership cards, and access control cards. Some printers may also support more specialized materials, such as polycarbonate or PETG.
Can I design my own plastic cards using a printer?
Yes, you can design your own plastic cards using software provided with the plastic card printer or by using third-party design tools specifically for creating card designs. Once your design is ready, you can print the cards using the printer.
What is the lifespan of a plastic card printer?
The lifespan of a plastic card printer depends on various factors, including its usage, maintenance, and the quality of the printer. With proper maintenance, some plastic card printers can last for several years before requiring replacement.
Are there any additional costs associated with using a plastic card printer?
Yes, there may be additional costs associated with using a plastic card printer, such as the cost of consumables (e. g. , ribbons, printer heads, and cleaning kits), card blanks, and shipping charges if purchasing online. Additionally, some printers may require a subscription or license for access to design software or support services.