This is a great starting point for choosing a card printer! Here are the 10 key points expanded upon, with some additional considerations:

1. Print Volume & Speed:

• Volume: How many cards do you need to print daily, weekly, or monthly?
• Speed: What is the acceptable wait time for a card to be printed? High-volume environments may require faster printers.
• Peak Periods: Consider if you have any periods of high card printing demand (e.g., employee onboarding, event registrations).

2. Monochrome or Colour Printing:

• Colour: Necessary for visually appealing cards with logos, photos, and complex designs.
• Monochrome: Suitable for basic identification cards, access cards, or cards with primarily text.
• Consider the impact of colour on your brand image.

3. Single or Double-Sided Printing:

• Double-sided: Allows for more information, such as front/back photos, barcodes on both sides, or detailed instructions.
• Single-sided: Simpler and often more cost-effective.
• Evaluate the information density required for your cards.

4. Card Lifespan & Durability:

• Durability: Consider the environment the cards will be used in (e.g., harsh outdoor conditions, frequent handling).
• Lamination: Protects cards from wear and tear, moisture, and chemicals.
• Varnish: Provides a protective coating to enhance card appearance and durability.

5. Issuance Method:

• Centralized Printing: Ideal for high-volume printing and centralized card issuance.
• Decentralized Printing: Suitable for departments or locations that need to print cards independently.
• Self-Service Kiosks: Allow employees or customers to print their own cards, increasing convenience and efficiency.

6. Data Encoding:

• Magnetic Stripe: Common for access control and payment cards.
• RFID: Enables contactless data transfer for applications like access control, time and attendance, and loyalty programs.
• Smart Cards (Chip): Offer high-level security and can store large amounts of data.
• Choose the encoding method that best suits your application's needs.

7. Security Level:

• Data Encryption: Protect sensitive data stored on cards during printing and transmission.
• Access Control: Restrict access to the printer and card issuance software.
• Authentication: Implement user authentication to prevent unauthorized card printing.
• Consider the level of security required to protect your data and comply with relevant regulations.

8. Connectivity:

• USB: Simple and reliable for direct connection to a computer.
• Ethernet: Provides stable network connectivity for centralized printing and high-volume environments.
• Wi-Fi: Offers flexibility for mobile printing and integration with existing network infrastructure.
• Consider the network infrastructure in your environment and the need for wireless printing.

9. Associated Services & Products:

• Software: Card design software, driver software, card issuance software.
• Consumables: High-quality ribbons, cards (PVC, PET, etc.), cleaning kits.
• Accessories: Card hoppers, feeders, encoders, laminators.
• Technical Support: Reliable technical support and maintenance services.

10. Budget:

• Determine your budget for the printer, consumables, and associated costs.
• Compare prices from different vendors and consider the total cost of ownership.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the card printer that best meets your specific needs and budget, ensuring a successful and cost-effective card printing solution.

 

Check out our Evolis Card Printer range or contact us to find out more information.