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Laminating card printers are a variety of printer capable of producing images and laminating the final product in one unified process, avoiding the need to utilize (or purchase) both a traditional printer and a laminating device or machine. The plastic-based material used in the lamination process is called an overlaminate, which help protect against damage, remain flat and reduce the possibility of glares. Two types of overlaminates are typically used in conjunction with laminating card printers: standard overlaminates included in printer model packages, or customized films fitted with a company logo.
Types of Laminating Printers
Laminating Printers come in both single
and dual-sided
varieties and can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor uses and
industries:
Retransfer Card Printers, such as the Zebra ZXP Series 8 are printers that use heat and pressure in order to create a permanent image on a surface. In contrast to regular printers, which are used primarily for variant paper surfaces, retransfer printers are also used to print images on plastic surfaces, such as CD’s, although ID cards are among the most popular items that utilize retransfer printing.
Retransfer printing utilizes a two-step process. The first step is to print the image backwards onto the underside, or substrate, of a thin, transparent retransfer film. The second step is to place this film onto the item being printed on and to create an irremovable and identical image on the surface of the ID card or CD. Retransfer printing as well allows you to print images on a variety of variantly-shaped surfaces, such as smart cards.
Standard DTC, or direct-to-card printing, unavoidably creates a small white border of approximately 1/32nd of an inch around the perimeter of the card. While in some cases this border is desired, in some cases an image that is precisely flush with the edge of the card is preferred. Retransfer printing technology allows for the creation of images that extend to the end of the card. In order to accomplish this, the retransfer film must be slightly larger than the surface being printed on, such as the industry CR-80 PVC ID card.
There is another notable difference between retransfer printing and DTC printing. DTC printing requires that the printhead comes into continual contact with surface, on the order of thousands of cards per month, which gradually wears it down. The retransfer process extends the printhead lifespan by printing the image on the flimsy laminate film instead, thereby avoiding the wear-and-tear that occurs during DTC printing.
A printer ribbon is the part of the printer that administers the image onto the surface being printed on and there are two main types of ribbons: color and monochrome.
Color - Printer ribbons come in two basic types: color and monochrome. Color ribbons are ribbons that are used to create full color images and can
administer a wide range of hues onto a surface. They are typically used for any
print job that requires sharp, distinct colors, such as picture ID’s or advertisements.
Color ribbons contain work somewhat like a palette, containing several panels
of colors. The printhead presses each panel onto the surface in a specific
order until an image is created.
A common term in color printing is “YMC,” which stands for “yellow,
magenta and cyan,” which are the three main colors used to create the full
range of hues needed for color printing. The printer mixes the colors in their
correct proportions in order to create other secondary and tertiary colors. Different
printers come with a different range of colors.
YMCK ribbons are used for color printing but as well contain
a resin black panel, symbolized by the letter K. YMCK ribbons are used for
specific print jobs, such as bar code printing. A bar code cannot be read by a
scanner unless the black ink is printed onto the card’s surface in resin black.
The resin panel also allows for the crisp, distinct lines needed for bar codes.
A third of ribbon used in color printing is a YMCKO ribbon,
which contain an overlay panel, represented by the letter O. The overlay panel
serves somewhat as a protective layer to prevent fading and scratching.
Monochrome - Monochrome means “one color” but refers to black and white
images that contain a wide range of shades of gray. Monochrome printer ribbon
quality is measured, in part, by the range of gray that the ribbon can produce.
Contrary to popular belief, monochrome ribbons are not limited to containing
only black, which is administered in different proportions. Rather, monochrome ribbons can as well contain the entire range of colors as a color printer, only
that the colors are mixed to create black and shades of gray. Most printers as
well have a setting whereby the black ink cartridge can be used in place of the
color.
Our Zebra Photo ID
Systems offer our customers a richer user experience by combining a range
of products from our e-catalog. After
researching customer purchasing patterns and preferences, we’ve hand-picked
specific products that complement each other with regards to usability and
functionality. Our Photo
ID Systems make it easier for you to buy products not only which can improve
your user experience, but without which functionality might become difficult or
limited. For instance, our Zebra Photo ID Systems include Asure ID’s Solo 7
ID card printer software. Software often helps you get the most out of your
printer and to use its encoding and designing capabilities more proficiently
than if you purchased the printer on its own.
What do Zebra Photo ID Systems Typically Include?
The Zebra
P100i Photo ID System, for example, includes the following items:
A bundle is an aggregation of products or services brought together in one comprehensive package. Many businesses utilize bundles, also known as product or service bundling, for a variety of reasons.
One of the main reasons businesses decide to create
bundles is that consumers often search for the simplest and most direct way to
make a purchase. A bundle that has packaged together several products makes for
an easier purchasing decision on the consumer end. Another reason is related to
indications that consumer demands are relatively different and difficult to
pinpoint. For example, market research studies show that consumers will value
separate products at varying amounts. For instance, one customer will assign a
high value to “Product A” and a low value to “Product B,” while another
customer assigns a low value to “Product A” and a high value to “Product B.” In
this scenario both consumers want to buy both products, but each believes that
one of them is overpriced or not worth the money. By combining both products
(or more) into a package for a fixed price, both consumers are more likely to
purchase the package.
A third reason for bundling is that consumers benefit from the range of products that are included within a particular bundle. Several industries require products that either complement each other or without which functionality is difficult or limited. For example, most industrial or professional grade card printers require some sort of software ID program in order to perform specific types of print jobs. A consumer can either decide to purchase each product separately or he can opt for a bundle that includes both.
From the business end, manufacturers or vendors may choose to create a bundle with another manufacturer or vendor of a product or service belonging to a related industry.
ID card software is any software that provides secure identification, barcode and asset tracking and visitor management. The following post gives a brief overview of each of the basic elements central to an ID card software program.
Secure Identification
Secure identification is the bread and butter of ID card software and is the process by which professional-looking and good quality ID cards are created. These cards, which are created for and issued to a building visitor upon entrance, are typically printed on the spot and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as corporate and student ID cards, government credentials and driver’s licenses. Identification badges usually display the picture of the individual on the front and function either through a barcode printed on the front or back of the card, through a magnetic strip embedded alongside the back of the card (as with a credit card), or through biometrics, which is the recording of biological characteristics such as fingerprints or DNA.
Barcode and Asset Tracking
An asset is defined as any permanent piece of equipment or item used by a business on a regular and fixed basis. Assets can generally be split into two categories: tangible and non-tangible. Thus, computers, phones, desks, hardware, computer files and data are all considered assets and a company must be able to track them on a regular basis.
Asset tracking is integrally related to asset protection, or
retail loss prevention, which is an investigative method into the occurrence of
workplace theft. According to the 2006 National Retail Security Survey, company
losses and their percentages are split into 5 main categories: 46.8% from employee theft, 31.6% from
shoplifting, 14.4% from administrative error, 3.75% from vendor error, and 2.86%
from unknown error. While there is no way to determine how much revenue goes unaccounted
for yearly through retail loss, failure to properly track business assets can
lead to very high costs for the company, estimated at billions of dollars a
year.
Some of the main problems associated with asset tracking are
the amount of time needed to locate missing items, repurchasing lost items and the
complexity involved with substantiating asset inventories, all of which
contribute to revenue loss. Jolly, an asset tracking software provider, allows a company to track
their assets by connecting to existing databases such as MS Access, MS SQL
Server, MySQL, Excel spreadsheets, CSV or text files.
Visitor Management
Visitor management refers to the system used to track public building traffic by recording the identity, location and number of people entering and exiting the site on a daily basis. Visitor management software typically focuses on three basic elements: visitor registration, badge printing and creating reports from collected data.
After the Oklahoma Federal Building was bombed by Timothy
McVeigh in 1995, which took 168 lives, injured more than 680 people and cost approximately
$652 million in damages, a report later determined that he carried out preliminary
walkthroughs of the building’s lobby. Investigative access to a corporation’s
visitor management data reports, which record an individual’s whereabouts and visitor
frequency, are instrumental in preventing similar events.
Usage of a typical visitor management software system
requires that a person entering the building register for a company-issued
identification badge, usually printed on the spot, which he swipes every time
enters or exits the building. The badge is also used to gain access to
different parts of the building, in some cases including elevators. At the end
of a given period the information amassed regarding the traffic of all building
visitors is created into a report and stored.
ID Card Software Categories
Different vendors divide their software options in variant ways. For example, Asure ID divides its software features into 4 different software packages (Solo, Enterprise, Express and Exchange), while Jolly categorizes them as Standard Edition Software and Premier Edition Software.
When it comes to selecting which ribbon you need to buy for your Evolis printer, many companies don’t even realize they have options. You may notice terms like “YMCKOK” or “YMCKO” in the ribbon product description but most likely, you’re clueless as to what these terms actually mean. You’re not alone, so I have compiled a brief guide in order to help customers chose which ribbon is right for your Evolis printer.
First let’s start with what YMCK stand for. These letters stand for the colors- yellow (Y), magenta(M), cyan(K), and black(K) which compromise the ribbon. The first three colors pass over your ID badge during the printing process in succession in order to create the appearance of a full spectrum of colors. The black portion of the ribbon is added to give text or dark images a sharp, crisp appearance. Finally an “O” in the ribbon description (such as YMCKO or YMCKOK) stands for “overlay”. This type of ribbon adds a layer of protective film over what ever you printed.
When it comes to single sided printing, the only ribbons you need to concern yourself with are the YMCKO ribbons. If you’re looking into printing dual sided ID cards, however, you might want to consider a YMCKK or a YMCKOK ribbon. A YMCKK printer comes with an extra black panel and allows for full color printing on one side of the card and monochrome black printing on the other side of the card. The YMCKOK ribbon essentially does the same thing but adds the clear overlay to the cards for a protective and professional looking finish.
“But what if I want full color printing on both sides of my ID cards?” you may find yourself asking at this point. The only option you have at point is using one YMCKO ribbon on both sides of the card. Keep in mind that this will increase your printing costs as you will be going through printer ribbons at roughly twice the average speed.
Remember, if you’re looking to cut the cost of printing cards and don’t require much variety in your design, monochrome printing is always an option for your Evolis printer. IDSecurity Online offers a wide array of single color ribbons to cater to all of your monochrome printing needs.
To make this process even simpler for you, here is a list you can use to guide you when choosing a printer ribbon. All of the ribbons below are compatible with the following printers.
For Dual-Sided Printing
R3011- Printing color on one or both sides of the card
R3314- Printing color on one side of the card and black on the other side
R3013- Half panel ribbon printing color on one or both sides of the card
For Single Sided Printing
R3011-printing color on one side of the card or both
R3013- Half panel ribbon printing color on one side of the card
For Monochrome Printing
Black- Printing black on one or both sides of the card
Blue-Printing blue on one or both sides of the card
Red- Printing red on one or both sides of the card
Green- Printing green on one or both sides of the card
Gold- Printing gold on one or both sides of the card
Silver- Printing silver on one or both sides of the card
To choose which ribbon works best with your Evolis printer, feel free to give us a call at (800) 897-7024
Fargo’s latest printer, the HDP 5000 offers users the latest in ID card printing technology. The HDP 5000 allows users maximum security at the most affordable cost. Whether your organization needs high security access control, storage of personal information, or encoding to enable financial transactions, the HDP 5000 is suited to cater to your needs.
The HDP 5000 redefines the industry standard when it comes to high definition printing. Instead of printing directly on the card, Fargos HDP 5000 prints your desired image in reverse on the underside of a special high definition film. The printer then fuses the film onto the cards surface. The final result is a sharp, crisp, professional image that has extra protection against every day wear and tear.
Not only is this printer excellent for company security but it can actually be used to build revenue. This ID badge printer also doubles as a high class gift card printer. You can program your cards to contain a set amount of funds that clients can use in your store. Using this printer to print gift cards also raises awareness about your company or product as current clients can give them to friends and give them incentive to shop at your location. All it takes, oftentimes, to build a long standing client relationship is just one initial purchase.
This printer is prepared for any problems that might come your way. Fargo's HDP 5000 comes with a two year warranty plan and a 1 year printer loaner. If your printer encounters problems during this time period, Fargo will not only fix your printer free of charge, but send you a printer that you can use while yours is being fixed.
We at IDSecurity Online know that your company aspires to grow. Fargo’s HDP 5000 has the capability to expand in capacity along with your company. This printer can change from a basic single sided printer to a dual sided printer with multiple laminating and encoding options. The sky is the limit when it comes to Fargo’s HDP 5000 printer.
Fargo’s line of single and dual-sided card printers/encoders are each designed with a specific set of tasks in mind. HID/Fargo designed this printer specifically for large organizations with more stringent security and volume requirements than were available with the DTC1000 printer. But the goal was not to cloud intuitive use, compatibility and flexibility with indecipherable technological advance and complexity, but rather to find a way where both ends could be met in one easy-to-use and advanced printer/encoder. And like other Fargo models, the DTC4000 represents an advanced generation of high quality specialization printers that efficiently carries out its tasks. Today’s consumer demands a high level of compatibility and so the DTC4000 serves on these expectations as a highly intuitive product requiring very little operational training. HID/Fargo sought to design a printer as simple as it was sophisticated. The DTC4000 is field upgradable, small and light, contains encoding options, is compatible with professional environments, has advanced security and encoding options.
The DTC4000 is field upgradeable and customizable in accordance with a breadth of complex projects and uses. Using the field upgradability feature you can toggle between single and dual-sided printing and adding magnetic stripe, HID proximity, iClass contactless and/or contact chip encoding functionality. It is also Ethernet compatible, which was optional with the DTC400e, DTC550, Persona C30e (now discontinued) and as a standard accessory with the DTC5000. Configuring the printer is very easy and completed via the standard window and tab combination. Once your printer is installed, you can simply open the Configuration Tab and select whether you want the printer set on Dual-Sided, Magnetic Encoder, Dual-input Card Hopper, or Input/Output Card Hopper, which, by the way, is a same-side card hopper. These advanced flexibility options mean that this model can serve a wide variety of industries and job descriptions, such as hospitals, schools, businesses, banks and legal and administrative institutions, not to mention the high tech industry.
Its physical design is also ideally-oriented for office and institutional use, with dimensions making it compatible with most professional environments. The weight and dimensional specs of the single-sided printer are 8 pounds at 9.8 inches high, 17.6 inches wide and 9.2 inches deep, and the specs of the dual-sided printer are 10 pounds at 9.8 inches high, 18.2 inches wide and 9.2 inches deep, making it not much larger than a standard shoebox. At the same time, it comes with an optional same-side input/output card hopper accessory, which means that the DTC4000 can be inconspicuously placed in most places in your office.
As long we’re discussing location, it is important to consider where placing your printer as there are some guidelines to consider. Like with other printers and most electrical machines, the printer should be placed in a location with sufficient air circulation, which prevents internal heat build-up. Keep in mind that although the printer is small, you should allow for enough room for people to walk in front of it when its covers have been opened. You should also avoid installing the printer in areas near heat sources such as air ducts or in front of a window where the printer will be exposed to direct sunlight. Also avoid placing it in areas of high dust accumulation or mechanical vibration. If the printer is brought directly from a cold to a warm, or a dry to a moist location, there may occur a build-up of moisture condensation, which can negatively affect the print quality. In such a case, unplug the printer and leave it in a dry room for several hours, which will cause the moisture to evaporate.
The DTC4000 comes with a sophisticated security encoding system that includes password protection to allow only select and approved administrators to carry out print jobs and encode security badges and cards. It also comes with an Ultraviolet layer for an increased security level regarding the physical card once printed. This fluorescent panel works by producing grayscale holographic text and images that are only displayed when the card is placed under UV light and are excellent fraud-battling measures. This is part of what makes this printer appropriate for banks, other financial and governmental institutions. The DTC4000 can also be password protected at the printer so only approved operators can print and encode plastic security cards and badges.
A feature available only with the DTC4000 is the option to select the fluorescent panel ribbon. Mentioned briefly in the previous paragraph, the The YMCFKO (yellow, magenta, cyan, fluorescing, resin black)/YMCFKOK Ribbon is an cost-effective method to customize the security measures of your photo identification cards. You are even able to create a custom image to appear as a holograph on your cards.
The design of Fargo card printers necessitates highly specific supplies, such as ribbons, to function correctly, such as the one-piece disposable ribbon cartridge load system used by both the Fargo DTC1000 and 4000 models. While you are able to use supplies belonging to other printer brands, it is highly recommended to use only Fargo certified supplies, which will prolong the life of your printer and maximize its print quality. Using supplies belonging to other brands as well nullifies your warranty in locations not prohibited by law. Other warnings can be found in the DTC4000 User Guide.
The encoding options and ISO standards, as discussed previously regarding field upgradability, can be changed easily in the traditional window and tab format, such as when printing a document. Encoding options include a 125 kHz (HID Prox) reader, a 13.56 MHz, compatible with iCLASS®, MIFARE®, ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693, a read/write encoder, in Contact Smart Code Encoder, ISO Magnetic Stripe Encoding and dual high- and low-coercivity. More information is available in DTC4000 User Guide.
