5 Clear Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Card Printer
Card printers need to be upgraded at least every five to ten years. Depending on how often you use your card printer. Unfortunately, like all technology they soon start to become outdated and start to malfunction over time. Printing speed starts to decrease, connectivity may be an issue and parts are not as easy to source. As new technology comes along, people want more user-friendly devices that are more reliable.
When printing your own cards, you want to ensure that your card printer is up to the job. You want to avoid costly repairs and issue cards on demand. Whether it be membership, employee ID or loyalty cards. A card printer must be easy to create and print.
Knowing when to replace your ID card printer and what to do with the old one is crucial for your card printing program. You want to avoid costly repairs by upgrading to a new and improved card printer.
In this article, we’ll explore the indicators that it might be time to upgrade to a new ID card printer and shed light on the best ways to deal with the old one.
At Card Monster, we pride ourselves on being the leading supplier of card printers in South Africa, especially focusing on the trusted brands Entrust and Evolis. With our silver and gold reseller awards, we’ve proven our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Discontinued Card Printer Models
One of the first signs that you need to upgrade your card printer is when the manufacturer discontinues the production of a particular model.
Card Monster imports their ID card products from America and France and we resell them in South Africa as authorised suppliers for these companies.
Manufacturers typically inform the market 1-2 years prior to ceasing production to prepare distributors, resellers, and end-users for the printer’s “end-of-life.” After this period, the card printer model is deemed obsolete, and the manufacturer will no longer provide firmware and driver upgrades.
When a card printer model becomes outdated, the cost of supplies and spare parts increases significantly, raising the running costs of your card printing program. Unfortunately there is nothing that Card Monster can do at this point to reduce costs as the importers hike the prices.
Additionally, spare parts become more difficult to find. Upgrading your ID card printer at this point is a good idea and avoids the inconvenience of sourcing card printer parts at ridiculously high prices. There are significant running costs involved in maintaining a model no longer supported by the manufacturer.
At Card Monster, we offer the latest Entrust and Evolis card printers, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date technology and support. We offer the Sigma range from Entrust, these are the newest card printers for the Entrust range. For Evolis, we are selling the newer range of Primacy card printers and Badgy card printers.
These brands are renowned for their reliability and innovative features, making them a smart investment for your business. They offer extended warranty plans of two to three year plans.
We suggest upgrading to the same card printer brand that you currently have. This is because there is a bit of a learning curve when getting a new printer. If you are already accustomed to an old model, a newer model will be easy to use.
Changes in Your Card Printing Program
As your business grows and changes, so do your card printing needs. It’s essential to look for opportunities to improve your card printing program, speeding up the process, enhancing security, and simplifying operations. Upgrading your card printer can help you achieve these goals.
Faster Card Issuance
ID card printing technology is continually evolving, with new models offering faster printing speeds without compromising on quality.
For instance, the Entrust Sigma range includes cost-effective supplies such as ribbons and cleaning kits. This is a significant consideration when deciding to upgrade your ID card printer.
Consumables are something you constantly need for your card printer and if they are affordable then upgrading is definitely a good decision.
Secure Card Issuance
The security requirements of your busines’s ID or membership cards may have changed. Upgrading to a dual-sided card printer, such as the models available from Entrust and Evolis, allows for the inclusion of more secure features like holograms, laminations, and tactile impressions. These features ensure your cards are counterfeit-proof and tamper-resistant.
Read a bit more on the solutions we offer. Choosing the right ID Card Printer.
Smarter and Simpler Card Issuance
Modern card printers like the Entrust Sigma range come with web access to manage card printing and cleaning. Pre-loaded cartridges for easy ribbon changes make use easy for any member of your business. Upgrading to these smart printers ensures your card printing program supports uninterrupted business operations.
The user-friendly touch screens ensure that card printers are easy to use on the LCD screen. Allowing you to maintain your card printer with a touch of a button. The printer settings are also very easy to get into and manage. Please make sure not to play around with the printer manager settings as this may affect the quality of your printing or snap ribbons.
Declining Print Quality
Over time, you may notice a decline in the print quality of your old ID cards. This can be due to wear and tear on the printer’s components, such as the print head, rollers, and ribbons. If your cards start to show white streaks, smudges, or inconsistent colours on your cards, it’s a clear sign that your card printer is nearing the end of its useful life.
Replacing a card printhead is very costly and may be more affordable to purchase a new card printer rather than replacing the printhead. You will usually know when your printhead is damaged as it will print white lines on your cards.
Upgrading to a new card printer from Card Monster ensures you get high-quality prints every time. Entrust and Evolis printers are designed to deliver sharp, vibrant, and durable cards, keeping your business looking its best. With Quality cards all the time.
Increased Maintenance and Downtime
As card printers age, they often require more frequent maintenance and repairs. Increased downtime not only disrupts your card printing program but also adds to service costs.
If you find yourself calling for service more often or experiencing prolonged periods of inactivity due to printer issues, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Newer card printers, like those from Entrust and Evolis, are built with advanced technology that reduces the need for maintenance and ensures reliable performance. By ensuring that you clean and maintain your card printer, you will reduce the need for costly repairs and avoid calling for service.
We advise you to clean your card printer after every 250 prints or after a ribbon or printhead change. You will need to use a cleaning card and a cleaning swab to ensure your card printer is nice and clean. Read more on how to clean your card printer properly.
Investing in a new printer reduces downtime and keeps your card printing program running smoothly.
Need for Advanced Features
The ID card printing industry is constantly evolving, with new features and capabilities being introduced regularly. If your current card printer lacks the advanced features you need, upgrading can significantly enhance your card printing program.
Enhanced Security Features
Modern card printers come with enhanced security features, such as UV printing, holographic overlays, and smart card encoding. These features are essential for businesses that need to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorised access.
Connectivity and Integration
Newer card printers offer better connectivity options, including wireless and Ethernet connections. This allows for easier integration with your desktop and laptops. Upgrading to a printer with these features ensures you stay ahead of technological advancements.
The newer models are easier to set up and connect to than the previous models. Especially with the Entrust range, the older models always had issues with uninstalling drivers and reinstalling them. Whereas the newer models are so much easier to connect.
Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses worldwide. Many new card printers are designed with eco-friendly features, such as energy-saving modes and recyclable materials. Upgrading to an environmentally friendly printer helps your business reduce its carbon footprint and align with green initiatives.
How to Handle Your Old Card Printer
Once you’ve decided to upgrade to a new card printer, you might wonder what to do with your old one. Here are some responsible and practical options:
Selling or Donating
If your old card printer is still in good working condition but doesn’t meet your current needs, selling it could be a viable option.
Many small businesses or community service businesses can benefit from a second-hand printer. Donating your old printer is another great choice, especially if you want to support local non-profit business.
If they are not going to print as many cards as you are and don’t mind the increased consumable costs, selling or donating is a good option.
Trade-In Offers
Card Monster provides regular trade-in offers where you can trade in your old ID card printer for an upgraded model at a discounted price.
This ensures your old printer is disposed of responsibly, and you receive ongoing support with your new printer, including genuine supplies, manufacturer-approved warranty support, and service.
Contact us for more information on trading in your card printer.
Proper Disposal and Recycling
If your printer is beyond repair, proper disposal becomes necessary. Due to the potential environmental hazards posed by the materials used in printers, it’s essential to dispose of your old printer responsibly.
Card Monster offers take-back programs to responsibly recycle your old printer. Alternatively, look for local e-waste recycling facilities to ensure proper disposal.
Conclusion
Recognising the right time to upgrade your card printer is crucial for maintaining an efficient and secure card printing program. Stay vigilant about your current printer’s performance and keep up to date with the latest technology.
Upgrading to a new card printer from Card Monster ensures you benefit from the latest features, improved performance, and ongoing support.
With our exclusive partnership with Entrust and Evolis, Card Monster is the leading supplier of ID card printing solutions in South Africa.
Our silver and gold reseller awards reflect our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
Explore our range of ID card printers and discover the best options for your business’s needs.
For further questions about trading or purchasing your card printer, contact Card Monster today.
Let us help you choose the right ID card printer for your businesses needs and keep moving forward.