We all have them! Plastic cards in the form of credit cards, driver's licenses, membership cards, employee ID badges, and more. In order to create these cards a special piece of technology is required: an ID card printer! Learn about two different types of ID card printing technology and where you can purchase an ID badge printer for your organization.

1. What is an ID Card Printer?

2. Overview of an ID Card Printer
• We all have them! Plastic cards in the form of
employee ID badges, student ID cards, credit cards,
membership cards, and more. In order to print these
cards, a special piece of technology is required: an ID
card printer.
• ID card printers are typically about the same size as a
regular desktop office or inkjet printer. However, the
technology inside the printers is much different.

3. A Look Inside an ID Card Printer
• While an inkjet printer has a paper tray and ink
cartridges, an ID card printer has a card input and
output card hopper, as well as ink that is carried on
ribbon.
• ID card printers feature special technology to print on
plastic cards called “dye sublimation.”
• The dye sublimation printing process produces
smooth, continuous-tone and photo-quality images for
ID cards:

4. A Look Inside an ID Card Printer
• There are two types of
ID card printing technology –
direct-to-card and retransfer:
• Direct-to-card is the most common type of card
printing, with images being printed directly onto the
surface of cards. Direct-to-card ID printers are ideal
for creating basic ID badges on PVC cards.
• In retransfer printing – also known as reverse
transfer – images are printed to a clear film that is
then heat-sealed to the surface of cards. Retransfer ID
printers produce rich, vibrantly colored cards and are
also ideal for printing onto technology cards, such as
proximity cards or smart cards.

5. What Options Do I Have?
In addition to ID card printing technology, there are
many options to customize your card printer:
• Single- vs. dual-sided printing – single-sided
printers print on one side of a card; dual-sided
printers print on both sides of a card in one single
process.
• Encoding options – printers with encoding
capabilities allow you to add data – like cardholder
details or access privileges – onto a card’s magnetic
stripe or directly onto technology cards such as smart
cards or proximity cards.
• USB, Ethernet or Wireless – allows for flexibility in
where your card printer is located

6. What Options Do I Have?
• Lamination – adds a protective layer to cards so they
last longer
• Extra or Larger Input & Output Card Hoppers –
increase productivity and efficiency with longer “hands-
free” printing cycles
• Extended Warranty Plans – added protection and
peace of mind for your card printing program
• Loaner Coverage – provides additional card printing
program protection with a loaner printer for your use
while your printer is being serviced
• Printer Upgradeability – some printers can be
upgraded with additional features any time, as your card
program grows
• Common upgrades include dual-sided printing, encoding, and
lamination

7. Supplies for an ID Card Printer
• In addition to the ID badge printer, special
supplies and equipment are required to print on
plastic cards, including:
• ID card printer ribbons and blank ID cards
• Cleaning kit to maintain efficiency & protect from damage
• ID software to manage your database & design cards
• Camera, tripod & backdrop to take quality ID photos
• Badge holders, lanyards & reels to wear & display cards

8. Do You Need an ID Card Printer?
• ID Wholesaler has helped thousands of businesses,
schools, and other organizations start a plastic card
printing program.
• Our job is to make your job easier. Here’s how we
deliver:
• An easy-to-use website with everything you’ll need
• Expert service from your personal account manager
• Fast delivery and free shipping
• Lifetime support from our expert, in-house tech team
• Contact us today to receive award-winning service from
our ID Professionals.
www.IDWholesaler.com | (800) 321-4405 | sales@IDWholesaler.com

9. Shop & Save!
Save an extra 10% on our already low
prices by using Coupon Code SS1075
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Shop ID Wholesaler now!
www.IDWholesaler.com | (800) 321-4405 | sales@IDWholesaler.com