The purpose of this post is to inform the reader of the various types of ID cards that exist out there in the printing world. My hope is to present a brief, but high quality, catalogue of the different ID cards as well as an explanation of what the cards are typically used for. Many of the types of cards explained herein overlap to some degree. For example, one type of card might be a general category of card, while several others are types of that card that belong in that general category.
Proximity Cards
You’ve probably heard this term a whole lot, but don’t know exactly what it is. The term refers to an integrated circuit apparatus used for a variety of basic uses such as security access control and payment systems. The two main types of proximity cards come in the 125 kHz devices or the newer 13.56 MHz variety. These cards are often referred to as RFID cards, or Radio-frequency Identification Cards, but are also known by the term “contactless smartcards.”
Access Control
An Access Control card is designed to grant access to an enclosed area, be it a business office, airport, or government-type organization. Access Control is a general category, and access control cards can take the form of proximity cards and come with the option of displaying a photo of the card holder. Access control cards typically contain magnetic chips that grant the user access.
Clamshell Card
AClamshell Card is a protective covering used to house a contactless smartcard.
Flexpass Imageable Cards
Flexpass Imageable cards are particularly useful for barcode transactions or those which require magnetic stripes and a dye-sublimation printer can be used to print digital images and graphics onto their surface.
Embeddable Cards
An embeddable card, sometimes also known as embedded cards, is an RFID card embedded with a chip. The card can be used for access control, purchases and cash withdrawal and this type of card has been in use for several years.
Hologram card
An ID card with a built-in hologram, an added security measure from counterfeiting.
iClass Key
The “key” in iClass Key refers to a small contactless smartcard placed in an also-small plastic knob. It serves the same purpose as most access proximity cards as long as the function does not require you to present a photo ID. Some of the plusses of this technology is that it protects your card from the elements and can be easily carried on a key chain or some similar accessory.
iClass Tag
The “tag” in iClass Tag is a contactless smartcard device roughly the size of a coin and is a transponder that you can attach to a non-metallic surface.
ISO/IEC 14443
The international standard that defines ID proximity cards and its communications transmission protocols.
Mifare Card
A patented contactless smart card standard corresponding to ISO 14443.
SDK (Software Development Kit)
An SDK is a software development kit that is used to create applications for software packages and other platforms.
Wiegand Cards
A Wiegand card utilizes embedded ferromagnetic wires, ferromagnetism being the mechanism that causes materials to be permanently magnetized, even after the energy field is removed. These wires are turkced away in a strategic fashion as to generate the user’s individual ID number.
A badge reel is a simple little gadget, a badge accessory that holds your badge in place with a retractable cord that allows you to latch it onto your clothing. It lets you comfortably walk around your place of work without having to hold onto your name badge or reach into your pocket every second to retrieve it (which shouldn't be a need anyway because most people in your workplace know who you are). It also can give you a sense of belonging in your workplace given that most badge reels sport their companies name or a customized graphic. Many of them have a white label that features your company logo beneath a clear dome. Business-wise, badge reels promote your company's brand — in some way it can be seen as a walking advertisement of sorts. Consider that you're at the grocery store doing some shopping. While deciding whether to buy green or red apples, someone sees your badge reel and strikes up a conversation with you about your line of work and your company. In the most unintentional manner you've now brought your organization and its goals to someone's attention (and you prepared to make a nice apple pie in the process). Who knows? Perhaps in the future this individual might contact your company for business or refer a friend. Badge reels come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, such as round and square, heavy duty and custom made. Heavy-Duty Custom Badge Reels, for example, are not your typical badge reels, and are made with high-quality, durable construction and are designed to withstand the roughest work environments. Most of them were also designed to hold clips, pins and magnets, useful for quick and easy attachment and detachment. Generally speaking, a cord is usually around 64 millimeters long and is rated for 100,000 pulls and fall within the range of $70 to $90. I would defintely say that finding a good badge reel provider is a good thing for your company, especially since it seems to be the "in" thing right now. Don't take my word for it though; next time you're at a business event of some sort, or if you visit someone's office, take a look around and see if people are wearing them. Chances are that you will.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024.
Fake ID’s are a real problem, as any police force will tell you. This is true as well a number of other institutions, such as convenient stores, who require people to present a valid photo ID before being granted permission to purchase. This is equally important for the professional business atmosphere, which has a lot to gain (and much to lose) from a poorly-set up security structure where many companies require both employees and visitors to present a company-issued ID in order to get beyond the lobby area of a building. A breach of security caused by a counterfeit ID card can lead to individual harm, loss of information and the prevention of identity theft, all of which can then lead to irreparable personal and professional damage. The good news is that such tragedies can be offset by a fully-functioning security procedure. A fantastic place to start is with high quality and reliable ID cards, such as our range of ID Cards. What goes into a high quality ID card? A holographic laminate makes it more difficult for would-be counterfeiters to recreate, which is the reason that government-related institutions, such as those who issue drivers licenses, use holographic images. Just imagine how such technology would decrease the amount of counterfeit money produced every year. By utilizing ID software, this technology is available for the security-interested world. You can also increase your security by employing visitor badges, which expire after a given period of time. An employee’s or visitor’s use of an expiring badge allows you to track his or her time of entry and exit and increase your ID Security.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024.
In our ever-increasingly technological world, not to mention one in which crime is still a factor, the need for security has not expired. Visitor Management is a buzzword as much today as it was yesterday. Fortunately, even though technological advances have made the world of cybercrime more complex and sophisticated, traditional security still functions in very much the same was as it always has. The main concern is with instituting preventative measures to control physical entrance and exits from corporate buildings. Expiring badges deal with this challenge in a very effective manner, granting to individuals access for only a given and predetermined period of time. The run-of-the-mill check-in/check-out system also assures who is entering and leaving the front doors. Be it for the corporate world, sporting events or school functions, ID Security Online specializes in security badges for all your security needs. Go to our Visitor Management section at ID Security Online or contact one of our staff members by contacting us free of charge.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024.
We want your ID printer to run smoothly and effectively for as many years as possible. Buying a new ID card printer is expensive, repairing one can drain your pocket just as much. While most ID card printers come with a warranty, there are certain conditions to that warranty that you have to keep in mind. An ID card printer is just like any other mechanical device; it must be treated with care and regularly maintained. You wouldn’t drive your car for 10 years without taking it to a mechanic, would you? Routine maintenance is just as important with your ID card printer as it is with your car! Both machines have frequently mobile parts that can collect dust, dirt and grime. When an ID card printer is neglected, these foreign agents can cause your ribbons to break and render your ID cards useless. To get the maximum amount of usage from your ID card printer, you have to upkeep it with the same regularity and care that you would with a car or any other mechanical device with constantly moving parts. Here are some tips to help your ID card printer run smoothly and efficiently for many years.
Remove Your Jewelry Before Changing Your ID Card Printer Ribbon
This is very important as jewelry can scratch the printhead or any other inner components of your printer. This type of damage is not covered under the warranty and replacing the components will be solely your responsibility. Make sure to remove all jewelry that might come into contact with the machine (rings, watches, bracelets, etc.) prior to performing any maintenance.
Clean Your ID Card Printer Regularly
All ID card printer models now have card counters that are used to trigger several actions by the operator. If you do not perform the required cleanings, you run the risk of voiding your warranty. We suggest cleaning your ID card printer after every ribbon change
Buy a Cleaning Kit
Cleaning kits are an inexpensive way to maintain your ID card printer. These ID card printer cleaning kits include everything you need for routine upkeep of your machine, reducing the risk of a part breaking. ID Security Online offers a vast array of cleaning kits for most ID card printer models that cost no more than a couple of dollars per cleaning (certainly less expensive than replacing a machine).
Human beings don’t live forever, and neither do card printers. And the reality is that regardless of the quality (and the price), every card printer has its day. Although a typical card printer comes with a standard warranty of 2 years on parts and labor, there is some variation, as some come with a warranty of 3 years. However, retransfer printers come with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor, including the print head. The reason for this is that retransfer printers utilize a unique printing method that functionally eliminates the need to factor in the cost of a replacement print head.
What’s the difference, you ask, between a direct-to-card printer (DTC) and a retransfer printer? During the DTC printing process the print head comes into repeated contact with rigid cards. Typically-speaking, a company printer can print on the order of thousands of cards per month, gradually wearing down the print head. The retransfer method avoids this deterioration by retransferring the image onto the retransfer film, hence its name, thereby significantly extending its lifespan. What’s more is that print heads cost between approximately $500-$900 and is considered to be a commonly-replaced part in DTC printing. Using a retransfer card printer also often translates into higher return on investment, which means that you can save your company a good deal of heartache and money.
There’s also the question of to replace or not to replace. Many factors can affect this decision, such as the decreased cost of ID card printers and technological improvements that necessitate system upgrades. It’s also noteworthy that a printer evaluation fee, minus the cost for the actual repair, figures in the ballpark of $120 or more. Not exactly a walk in the park itself, though tolerable. Frequently Asked Questions Choosing a Printer Finding the optimal card printer for your company can be an easy, and even enjoyable, process. ID Security Online’s experts will listen to your needs and help you find the best printer for your organization or business. ID Security Online’s consultation team also helps you determine the best software system for your application, walking you through the installation process and teaching you how to operate it on your own. Troubleshooting
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024 to discuss your card printing needs.
The Fargo HDP5000 ID card printer is the ultimate in quality, reliability, and security. From it’s high-definition print engine to the guaranteed reliability. The Fargo HDP5000 printer is backed with a lifetime print head warranty and two-year warranty on everything else.
The print head on the Fargo HDP5000 card printer never comes in contact with the surface. Debris never touches the print head, ensuring that it’s long lasting and never damaged. All of this is backed by Fargo's lifetime print head warranty. You can ensure your graphics and text will look crisp from the first day to every day.
High definition card printing is the latest technology. If brand image is important to you the Fargo HDP5000 ID card printer is a smart choice.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024 to reorder supplies for your Fargo printer or to discuss your card printing needs.
With the Evolis Dualys ID card printer you will be able to print and encode your ID cards on both sides. The Evolis Dualys card printer is one of the fastest card printers on the market and produces the stunning image quality.
User Friendly
No training needed. This ID card printer is ready to go out of the box. With a convenient clam-shell opening maintenance and loading are greatly sped up. Feed one card at a time or use a card feeder. Configured and ready to go in just a few clicks.
Fast
Dual sided color cards print at a rate of 125 cards per hour. Dual sided monochrome cards print at 350 cards an hour. One sided monochrome cards are printed at the rate of 1,000 cards per hour!
Dual-Sided
From bulk personalization to single card printing this printer prints on both sides of the card in high-resolution color.
For fast dual-sided printing the Evolis Dualys ID card printer can not be beat. It’s one of the fastest ID card printers available. You can be up and running in no time with it’s user friendly features.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024 to reorder supplies for your Evolis printer or to discuss your card printing needs.
The Fargo DTC550 ID card printer is at home whether as a standalone ID card printer or as part of distributed system. With it’s easy cartridge style ribbon and cleaner roller replacement system and intuitive LCD panel, this ID card printer will easily fit in to your work flow.
With it’s versatility and ability to grow the Fargo DTC550 ID card printer is a good fit for many industries and applications.
With it’s ability to print secure cards and durable cards the Fargo DTC550 ID card printer is a great solution for your growing business. As you grow you will be able to grow the Fargo DTC550 with your business thanks to its modular system.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024 to reorder supplies for your Fargo printer or to discuss your card printing needs.
So its time to upgrade your HDP 5000 and add the magnetic encoder! Its actually simple to do and here are the steps:
We also created a How-To video for the HDP5000 Mag Upgrade.
The Printer Wiz
http://www.idsecurityonline.com/
With its amazing set of features the Fargo DTC4500 ID card printer will fit in at multiple applications. You can be sure with it’s ability to grow as you grow the Fargo DTC4500 ID card printer will still be a great fit for you years down the road. The Fargo DTC4500 is at home in a variety of applications including these:
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024 to reorder supplies for your Fargo printer or to discuss your card printing needs.
With it’s professional quality ID card printing capabilities and high level of flexibility this ID card printer will be an easy fit in many industries. Thanks to its SmartScreen LCD display error handling and reporting is similar to a copy machine. The Fargo DTC4000 ID card printer is at home in many settings including these:
Student ID cards
Mass transit cards
Membership cards
Loyalty cards
Health clubs
Library cards
Access cards
Versatile, flexible, modular, and so much more - the Fargo DTC4000 ID card printer will be able to make an immediate contribution to your ID card needs.
Contact us at IDSecurityOnline today at (800) 897 7024 to reorder supplies for your Fargo printer or to discuss your card printing needs.
| « previous | | 1 | 2| 3 | next » |