Before a client starts the process of selecting an ID card printer, the ID Edge team highly recommends figuring out whether a retransfer or a direct-to-card printer is a good choice for you. Although both of these technologies can produce top quality ID cards, they are fundamentally different in how they work. Such differences will impact your ID printing process, how often the cards may need to be replaced, and so much more. Let’s take a closer look at the core differences between retransfer vs. direct-to-card printing.
Printing Methodology
The core difference between retransfer and direct-to-card printers is how the images and text are rendered onto the card.
Direct-to-card printers print the image directly onto the surface of a PVC or a composite card. In this case, the print head comes in direct contact with the surface of the card to deliver the pigment.
The retransfer ID printing method has an extra step in between. Instead of printing directly onto the card surface, a retransfer printer will first render the image in reverse onto a clear, thin film. The film is then applied to the card.
Benefits of Retransfer Printing
Although direct-to-card printers can be a quality and efficient solution for many organizations, retransfer printing has several important advantages.
- Reduced Print Head Damage: Because the print head of a retransfer printer doesn’t come in direct contact with the ID card, there is less possibility of damage to the print head. It’s an important consideration because even small imperfections on the card’s surface can cause significant wear and tear on the print head over time. This is one of the reasons why direct-to-card printers typically have very limited print-head warranties.
- Over-the-Edge Printing: Another benefit of retransfer printing is that text and images can be rendered onto the entire surface of the card. With direct-to-card printers, this isn’t possible, because the design prevents the print head from going all the way to the edge (to reduce chances of damage). Hence, ID cards printed with direct-to-card technology will typically have a very thin border around the edge. This is not an issue with retransfer printers, which allows for a full coverage of the card’s surface.
- Protective Layer: Another little-discussed benefit of retransfer printing is the protective layer that is formed by the clear retransfer film. This film acts as a thin laminate and provides an added form of protection for the pigment against rubbing or scratching.
- Image Quality: Although both types of printers can produce beautiful images, retransfer technology creates images that are somewhat more crisp and vivid. This is because it’s easier to create detailed images on the surface of retransfer film rather than on the hard surface of a PVC or a composite card.
Benefits of Direct-to-Card Printers
When considering retransfer vs. direct-to-card printers it’s important to keep in mind that the latter also have their advantages.
- Price: Direct-to-card printers are typically cheaper than retransfer models. This is important for organizations that have a smaller security budget. (Though it’s important to keep warranty differences in mind).
- Supplies: Ongoing operation of direct-to-card printers is also somewhat less expensive because they do not incur the additional cost of retransfer film. All you need with a direct-to-card printer is the ribbon and the blank cards. This savings can add up over time.
Organizational Setting
Lastly, it’s important to consider the setting in which the printer will be used. If you’re going to print a high volume of cards on a regular basis, then a retransfer printer may be a better choice. You won’t have to replace the print head as often and you can print high volumes of cards with clear, crisp images.
On the other hand, an organization that only prints a handful of cards per month (for new employees or contractors, for example) can easily manage with a direct-to-card model.
Of course, the best way to decide which type of printer is right for you is to speak with an expert. Here at ID Edge we’ve helped thousands of clients for over three decades, and we’ll be happy to help you too. Just give us a call at (800) 798-3343 or send us a message via the Contact Form, below.