An ID card printer does not use inkjet cartridges but ribbons. Each ribbon features a series of different panels. In direct-to-card printers, the printhead heats each color panel of the ribbon. Because of the heat, the dye turns into vapor and diffuses onto the surface of the card to create vivid colors. Direct-to-card ID card printers can produce up to 16.7 million colors with a 300 dpi resolution.
In retransfer printers, the card images are printed onto a clear film called retransfer film that is then fused onto the surface of the card.
A card printer cannot function without the right supplies. From ribbons to ID cards, here is an overview of what you need to operate a successful card program.