How do desktop card printers work?

In a fast paced world, people expect things to be quick and efficient. That’s why knowing how to print on demand from your computer to your card printer is so valuable. It can also save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Desktop card printers use printer ribbons with heat and compression to print onto PVC cards. Depending on which card printer and ribbon you choose, will depend on the efficiency and speed of printing your cards. We will get into this later on in the blog post. 

We will explain the difference between two desktop card printers that we offer at Card Monster including the direct to card printers and the retransfer card printer. We will provide an in-depth comparison of two prominent models from the Entrust range: the DS card printer from the Sigma series and the CR805.

What is a Card Printer?

A card printer is a specialised printer designed to print on PVC plastic cards. These printers are typically used to create identification cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, visitor cards, rule cards and access control cards. 

The printing process involves transferring ribbon dye onto the card surface to create text, images, and logos etc.

Card printers are great because they print cards quickly and efficiently on site within seconds. 

How Do Card Printers Work?

Card printers use different printing technologies to transfer images and text onto plastic cards. The most popular technology is thermal transfer, which involves heating elements in the print head and transferring ink from a ribbon onto the card. There are several types of thermal transfer processes, but they all share the basic principle of fusing ink with the card using heat. The primary methods are:

• Direct to Card (DTC) - Dye Sublimation
• Reverse Transfer (Re-transfer) - Dye Sublimation

Direct to Card (DTC) Printing

Direct to Card (DTC) printing involves directly applying the print head to the ribbon and pressing it against the card. The print head heats the ribbon, and in the case of colour printing, the heat turns the dye into gas, which then sublimates into the card's surface.

This process is most effective on laminated PVC cards due to their microscopic grooves that allow for better dye sublimation. 

When printing in a single colour, such as black, the ribbon is typically a wax resin that melts onto the card. This method is somewhat forgiving of card surface imperfections but still works best on PVC cards.

Reverse Transfer Printing

Reverse Transfer (Re-transfer) printing is similar to DTC but involves an additional carrier layer. The print head first prints a mirror image of the required design onto a clear polyester film. This film is an excellent receptor, ensuring that all the ink is transferred precisely, resulting in crisp, vibrant images. 

The printed film is then laminated onto the card using a heated rubber roller. The elasticity of the rubber roller allows it to adhere perfectly to the card's surface, even if there are bumps, grooves, or depressions.

Which card printer should you choose?

According to Easi-Card, the choice between DTC and Reverse Transfer printing hinges on several factors, including print quality, durability, and cost. 

DTC printers are more affordable and faster, making them suitable for high-volume cards. However, they will not create the same quality as retransfer card printers. You will also have a white border around your cards because this card printer only prints edge to edge printing. 

Reverse Transfer printers, while more expensive and slower, excel in producing high-definition, long-lasting prints that are resilient to wear and tear. This makes them ideal for high-security and professional-grade ID cards. This printer also prints over the edge cards meaning that you will not have a white border around your cards making them look very sophisticated. 

So in easy terms if you’re looking for a very sophisticated card with limited errors, the retransfer card printer is your best bet. 

Card Sizes

The desktop card printer mainly prints onto the standard CR80 cards which are the standard ID Card or credit card size of (86mm X 54mm). The desktop card printer can also print onto adhesive sticky back cards(83.9mm x 51mm). Just note that these are a lower thickness than 30 mil which is the standard thickness of a CR80 card. You will have to adjust the range on the Evolis card printers but not on the Entrust card printers. The self-adhesive cards are used to attach to pre printed access control cards which are normally printed in our factory. 

We do not advise you using access cards in the direct to card printer because of the chips. They are very big and may affect the quality of your printing as the printhead may skip over the chip or damage the card printhead which is costly to repair. You can decide to create a design that does not print over your chip or you can decide to print your access cards with us at our factory to receive an optimal design print. 

Unfortunately you cannot print on any oversized or undersized cards on a desktop card printer. It just does not have that capability. These cards need to have a special dye to create a specific size that your company desires. We will create this unique dye or provide size dimensions of dyes that our factory already creates. Please contact us for a quote on your uniquely sized cards. 

Direct to Card vs. Reverse Transfer Printers

Understanding the differences between Direct to Card (DTC) and Reverse Transfer (Re-transfer) printers is crucial for choosing the right printer for your needs.

Direct to Card Printers

DTC printers, as mentioned, print directly onto the card's surface. This method is quick and cost-effective, making it ideal for high-volume printing. However, the direct printing process may result in less vibrant colors and lower image resolution compared to reverse transfer printing. DTC printers are also less forgiving of surface imperfections, which can affect print quality.

Reverse Transfer Printers

Re-transfer printers offer higher print quality and durability. By printing onto a transfer film and then laminating it onto the card, they produce more vibrant colors and sharper images. 

This method is more tolerant of surface imperfections, ensuring consistent print quality even on cards with uneven surfaces. However, re-transfer printers are typically more expensive and slower than DTC printers, making them better suited for applications where print quality is necessary for important cards.

Desktop Card Printing vs. Factory Printing

In addition to understanding the types of card printers, it's essential to know the differences between desktop card printing and factory printing. Here is an excerpt from our previous blog:

Desktop Card Printing vs. Factory Printing

Desktop card printers are versatile and ideal for businesses that need to print small to medium volumes of cards on demand. 

They provide flexibility and control, allowing people to print cards as needed without waiting for bulk orders from a factory which take up to 7-14 business days after artwork is signed off. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses with frequent changes in card designs or those that need to create cards quickly.

Factory printing, on the other hand, is suitable for large volume orders and offers high consistency and quality. This method is often used for producing cards that require advanced security features or intricate designs that are not feasible with desktop printers. This may include matte designs, spot UV designs or transparent designs etc. While factory printing may take longer and require planning ahead (7-14 business days after artwork sign off), it ensures a professional finish and can handle complex card requirements.

Comparing Entrust DS Card Printer (Sigma Series) and Entrust CR805

As a trusted reseller of desktop card printers in South Africa, including the Entrust card printer range. We offer two standout models: the DS card printer from the Sigma series and the CR805. Let's compare these two models to help you make an informed decision.

Entrust DS Card Printer (Sigma Series)

The DS card printer from the Sigma series is a Direct to Card (DTC) printer known for its reliability and efficiency. Key features include:

• High-Speed Printing: Capable of printing large volumes quickly, making it ideal for organizations with high card issuance needs.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and straightforward setup process. We have many support videos to help you along the way. 
• Compact Design: Space-saving design suitable for various work environments.
• Cost-Effective: Lower initial investment and operational costs compared to re-transfer printers.
• Security Features: Includes options for secure printing, such as UV printing and tactile impressions.

The DS card printer is perfect for cards where speed and efficiency are necessary, such as employee ID cards, membership cards, and loyalty cards.

Entrust CR805

The CR805 is a Reverse Transfer (Re-transfer) printer that offers superior print quality and durability. Key features include:

• High-Resolution Printing: Produces high-definition images and text with exceptional colour accuracy.
• Enhanced Durability: The laminated transfer film adds a layer of protection to the printed card, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
• Versatility: Can print on various card types, including those with embedded electronics like smart cards.
• Security Features: Includes options for secure printing, such as UV printing and tactile impressions.

The CR805 is ideal for cards where print quality and durability are very necessary, such as government ID cards, access control cards, and secure identification cards for universities, hospitals, mining and other secure companies. 

Conclusion

Desktop card printers are necessary tools for creating high-quality cards. Perfect for creating identification, access, gift, visitor, loyalty and membership cards. 

Understanding the differences between Direct to Card (DTC) and Reverse Transfer (Re-transfer) printers is crucial for selecting the right printer for your business needs. 

The Entrust DS card printer from the Sigma series offers speed and efficiency, making it ideal for high-volume applications. In contrast, the Entrust CR805 provides superior print quality and durability, making it perfect for secure and high-definition printing needs.

As a trusted reseller in South Africa, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality card printers and excellent customer service. Whether you need a cost-effective solution for printing large volumes of cards or a high-definition printer for secure and durable cards, we have the right product for you.

Explore our range of desktop card printers today and find the perfect solution for your card printing needs. Or please contact us today for more information on printing cards with our factory and we will be happy to assist.