Which printer is used to print PVC cards?

PVC cards, including ID cards, membership cards, access cards, and more, are typically printed using specialized PVC card printers. These printers are designed to handle the thickness and rigidity of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cards and can print high-quality images and text on them. There are two main types of PVC card printers:

Direct-to-Card (DTC) Printers: DTC printers are the most common type of PVC card printers. They work by printing directly onto the surface of the PVC card. DTC printers are suitable for applications where high-resolution and full-color printing is required.

Popular brands that manufacture DTC PVC card printers include:

Fargo (a subsidiary of HID Global)

Zebra Technologies

Datacard Group

Evolis

Magicard

Reverse Transfer or Retransfer Printers: Reverse transfer or retransfer printers use a different method. Instead of printing directly onto the PVC card, they print the image onto a transparent film, which is then thermally bonded or fused onto the card's surface. This method can provide superior print quality and is often used for applications requiring high-quality images.

Some well-known brands that produce reverse transfer PVC card printers are:

HID Fargo HDP printers

Zebra ZXP Series printers

Datacard CR805 printers

When choosing a PVC card printer, consider factors such as the volume of cards you need to print, the desired print quality, whether you need single-sided or dual-sided printing, and any additional features such as encoding (for magnetic stripes or smart cards).

It's important to note that PVC card printers are specialized equipment and may require specific software and consumables, such as PVC card stock and printer ribbons, to operate effectively. Additionally, they often come with security features to protect sensitive card data, making them suitable for applications like ID card issuance and access control.