ID card printers have a number of standard or add on features.  When purchasing your id card printer, you can specify which modules you want incorporated to make sure that you get everything you need for current and future plans. Some manufacturers have built their ID card printers so that you can obtain a base model printer and add additional modules and features at a later time.

Magnetic Stripe Programming

Cards with magnetic stripes on them have either a HiCo or LoCo mag stripe on the card.  The mag stripe is encoded by a stand alone encoder or can be encoded by a module in the printer.  Data for the encoding can be transferred to the encoding module in the printer by the card production software.  The information is added to the magnetic stripe by electromagnetic stimulation.  Encoders can program both HiCo and LoCo cards.  They also can erase and rewrite information on the magnetic strip. The encoder can encode three separate tracks of information that will allow the card to be used for different applications.

Lamination

To add a laminate to your id card, there are two basic methods.  The first way is to use the standard YMCKO print ribbon.  The “O” on the ribbon stands for overlay.  Although this top coat, clear protection is not durable like a separate laminate, the “O” layer automatically adds a layer of protection that will help to increase the lifetime of the card.

If you want to increase the durability of the card, the other option is to add a laminate to the top of a printed card.  The laminate comes in a separate roll and is applied to the card with a laminate module in the printer.  Laminates come in different thicknesses.  The card slows down card production, but makes the completed card more durable.  Laminates can also increase the security of the card as they can contain custom holograms and other security features that make card duplication difficult.

Smart Chip Data Loading

A smart card has the capability of processing various types of data by use of an integrated circuit chip in the card.  The chip is a transfer device that can take information from one point to another.  These chips are very secure and can handle sensitive information.  The cards are available in both contact and contactless formats.  The contact smart chip must connect into a data port or receiver to begin information transfer.  Contactless cards use RFID technology to transfer data.

RFID Encoding

Radio frequency identification devices are becoming more common as the components are smaller and relatively inexpensive to produce.  They can be incorporated into plastic id cards.  Using an RFID reader, the device can be read remotely through plastic cards, labels, buttons or other encasements.  Businesses often use this method to allow employees and contractors to access secure facilities. These cards do not have to be swiped as the card can be held close to a reader to open a gate or door.  The cards are activated by their proximity to the antenna in the card reader.  Since batteries or a power source is not needed to activate the card, the chip can last for many years.

Card, Features, options, Printer