How to Choose the Right ID Card Printer for Your Business in Dubai
Buying an ID card printer for your organization can save you from huge extra costs of outsourcing ID card printing. But if you do not choose an ID card printer wisely, this will put you in trouble instead of saving you. So before choosing an ID card printer, you need to consider some facts. Here is your complete guide to know how to choose the right ID card printer for your business in Dubai.
We will go through every aspect of choosing an ID card printer. They are:
- Determine Your Needs
- Printing Technology
- Key Features
- Research & Compare
- Do Not Forget Consumables
- Popular Brands to Consider
Determine Your Needs
Before choosing an ID card printer, you need to analyze your specific requirements. Make a list of the reasons why you need to buy an ID card printer. Determine how many cards you need to print regularly, in which quality you need to print, whether you need to print single-sided or dual-sided, how strong the security of your cards should be, etc., and most importantly, the budget you can spend on an ID card printer. By determining these factors, you can choose the perfect ID card printer for your business in Dubai.
Printing Volume
Choosing an ID card printer is dependent on your specific requirements. First, you need to finalize the number of cards you need to print regularly. Consider how many cards you need to print daily, weekly, or monthly. Then choose an ID card printer that has a print volume based on your requirements. High-volume printers are designed for frequent large-scale printing and are ideal for big organizations, while low-volume printers are more suitable for occasional use, perfect for small businesses and institutions.
Print Quality
The quality of printing matters most, as the output of the ID card should be attractive and appealing. If you need high print quality, consider retransfer printing technology for sharp, crisp, and polished finish ID cards. It will help you print high-resolution images and professional-looking ID cards. Retransfer printing technology delivers superior image quality with edge-to-edge coverage and enhanced durability.300 DPI is considered a standard resolution for high-quality printing.
Single-sided or Dual-sided
If your organization needs to print additional information, such as barcodes, contact details, or security features, you can go for dual-sided printers. Such printers help you save time and effort by automatically printing on both sides without the need to manually flip the card. So you can print the required details on both sides of the cards. If your card design is simple and only requires front-side printing, a single-sided printer may be a more cost-effective option.
Security Features
When choosing an ID card printer, it is important to consider the security features provided by the printer. If your cards require enhanced security, look for printers that offer features like lamination, holographic overlays, UV printing, etc. These features are especially important for government IDs, access control cards, or any organization where card security is a top priority.
Encoding Options
Consider the specific requirements of your cards, such as for access control, time tracking, or secure data storage, and then choose an ID card printer with encoding options. You may need a printer that can encode magnetic stripes, RFID chips, or smart cards to allow you to integrate ID cards with security systems, payment gateways, or attendance management tools, adding functionality beyond simple identification.
Budget
Budget is an important factor to consider before buying an ID card printer. Consider both the initial cost of the printer and the ongoing expenses for consumables like ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits. While advanced printers with high-end features may have a higher upfront cost, they can offer better efficiency and lower maintenance costs in the long run. Balancing your budget with your printing needs ensures you make a cost-effective choice.
Printing Technology
ID card printers use different kinds of printing technologies. Direct-to-card printing and retransfer technology are most commonly popular printing technology. The choice of printing technology depends on factors like print volume, image quality, budget etc.
Direct to Card Printer
DTC printers are the most common and affordable option, printing images directly onto the card’s surface. They are ideal for everyday ID card needs but may leave a slight white border around the edges, which is typical for this printing method.
Retransfer
Retransfer printers produce higher-quality, edge-to-edge images with vibrant colors and sharp details. This method involves printing the image onto a film, which is then fused onto the card, making it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. While retransfer printers are generally more expensive, they are perfect for high-security cards or organizations that prioritize professional-grade finishes.
Key Features
The key features of ID card printers are essential to examine before buying one. Analyze the print speed of the printer, connectivity options, user-friendliness, durability, and the warranty and support provided on the selected printer. These factors are important in expanding the life span of the printer.
Print Speed
Consider how quickly the printer can produce cards
- For low-volume printing, 50-100 cards per hour are generally considered an acceptable print speed.
- For medium-volume printing, speeds of 100-150 cards per hour are often sufficient.
- For high-volume printing Speeds of 150-200 cards per hour or higher are desirable.
Faster print speeds are crucial for high-volume environments like schools, corporate offices, or events while slower printers may suffice for occasional or small-scale printing needs.
Connectivity
Go for ID card printers with USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connectivity options to match your network setup. USB is great for single-user, direct connections, while Ethernet supports network sharing in office environments. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to print wirelessly from multiple devices.
Ease of Use
Before choosing an ID card printer, you need to analyze the user-friendliness of the printer. Always keep in mind that even a non-technical person in your organization should be able to print ID cards using the ID card printer. Features like touchscreen displays, simple setup processes, and easy-to-load ribbons or cards make the printer more convenient, reducing training time for staff and minimizing errors.
Durability
Printer's design and durability have significant roles in making it a perfect one. Choose a printer with a robust design and made with durable materials that ensure long-lasting performance. This will help you handle heavy workloads without frequent breakdowns or maintenance issues.
Warranty & Support
Just as with other factors and key elements, you need to consider the manufacturer’s warranty and the availability of technical support. To get peace of mind about your ID card printer, you need a printer with a manufacturer warranty for covering potential defects or malfunctions. Always ensure the provider has reliable customer support to ensure you get prompt assistance if issues arise.
Research & Compare
- To understand the reliability, performance, and potential issues of an ID card printer, you need to go through Google reviews and customer testimonials about the product.
- Reach out to a reputable supplier for a live demo and ask specific questions about the printer's features to know about the printer’s functionality.
- Choose a printer that can grow with your organization
Do Not Forget Consumables
Ribbons, blank cards, and cleaning supplies are essential for the printer’s operation and can significantly impact long-term costs. High-quality consumables ensure better print results and help maintain the printer’s performance, while regular cleaning extends the device's lifespan. Calculate an overall budget for an ID card printer, including the cost for printer consumables.
Popular Brands to Consider
There are a number of ID card printers of various models and various brands available in the market. But choosing the right and genuine one among them is crucial. Here are the popular brands that offer the best-quality ID card printers in Dubai.
Zebra
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Volume | Medium to high |
| Print Quality | Sharp, clear printing with good color accuracy |
| Single-Sided/Dual-Sided | Offers both single-sided and dual-sided printing options |
| Print Volume | Medium to high |
| Print Volume | Medium to high |
| Security Features | Supports lamination, holographic overlays, and UV printing |
| Encoding Options | Magnetic stripe, contact/contactless smart cards, and RFID |
| Price Affordability | Mid-range pricing, offering good value for the price |
| Printing Technology | Primarily Direct-to-Card (DTC) and retransfer options available |
| Print Speed | 100-200 cards per hour, depending on the model |
If you are looking for reliable and high-quality ID card printing solutions, explore the wide range of Zebra ID card printers and discover the perfect model to suit your needs.
Evolis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Volume | High-volume capabilities with large card hoppers |
| Print Quality | High-quality, vibrant images with edge-to-edge printing |
| Single-Sided/Dual-Sided | Offers both single-sided and dual-sided printing options |
| Security Features | Lamination, holograms, and UV printing |
| Encoding Options | Magnetic stripe, contact/contactless smart cards, and RFID |
| Price Affordability | Mid-to-high-end pricing, reflecting quality and advanced features |
| Printing Technology | Primarily retransfer printing for superior image quality |
| Print Speed | High print speeds, suitable for demanding environments |
To find the ideal Evolis ID card printers for your organization, take a closer look at the various models available, each designed to meet different printing requirements and business needs.
Fargo
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Volume | Handles both low and high-volume printing needs |
| Print Quality | Good quality with high-resolution options |
| Single-Sided/Dual-Sided | Offers both single-sided and dual-sided printing options |
| Security Features | Lamination, holographic overlays, and UV printing |
| Encoding Options | Supports a wide range of encoding technologies |
| Price Affordability | Range of printers to suit various budgets |
| Printing Technology | Primarily Direct-to-Card (DTC) and retransfer options available |
| Print Speed | Options for high-speed printing, depending on the model |
If you are interested in advanced ID card printing technology, see a complete list of Fargo’s most popular models, each offering unique features and capabilities to help streamline your card production process.
Heidi: Budget-friendly, perfect for schools
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Volume | Designed for low-volume printing needs |
| Print Quality | Good quality for basic ID card applications |
| Single-Sided/Dual-Sided | Often single-sided, some models offer dual-sided options |
| Security Features | Basic security features depending on the model |
| Encoding Options | Limited compared to higher-end brands |
| Price Affordability | Budget-friendly compared to other brands |
| Printing Technology | Primarily Direct-to-Card (DTC) |
| Print Speed | Lower speeds compared to high-volume printers |
Whether you need a simple solution or a budget-friendly card printer, click here to compare the different Heidi ID card printer models available, and find the one that fits your specific requirements and budget.
Magicard: User-friendly with advanced security options
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Volume | Suitable for low and medium-volume printing |
| Print Quality | Good quality with high-resolution options |
| Single-Sided/Dual-Sided | Offers both single-sided and dual-sided printing options |
| Security Features | Holographic overlays, UV printing, and digital signatures |
| Encoding Options | Magnetic stripe, contact/contactless smart cards, and RFID |
| Price Affordability | Mid-range pricing, balancing features and affordability |
| Printing Technology | Primarily Direct-to-Card (DTC) and retransfer options available |
| Print Speed | Moderate to high-speed printing, depending on the model |
To find the perfect Magicard ID card printers for your organization, explore the wide array of models on offer, each designed to provide top-tier performance and flexibility for your card production needs.
Entrust
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Volume | Designed for high-volume, demanding environments |
| Print Quality | High-quality with excellent color accuracy and detail |
| Single-Sided/Dual-Sided | Offers both single-sided and dual-sided printing options |
| Security Features | Advanced security features and encryption options |
| Encoding Options | Wide range of technologies, including high-security encryption options |
| Price Affordability | High-end pricing, reflecting advanced features and security |
| Printing Technology | Primarily retransfer printing for superior quality and durability |
| Print Speed | High speeds to meet demanding production requirements |
Upgrade your ID card printing system with the diverse collection of Entrust ID card printers in Dubai.
Now, you have become aware of how to choose a perfect ID card printer for your organization. But confused about where to buy one? Infome, UAE’s leading ID card printer distributor, is here to offer you the best choice for you. We are the authorized partner of leading brands like Zebra, Evolis, Heidi, Fargo, etc. Our expert team will help you choose the right ID card printer within your budget by understanding your requirements. Along with ID card printers, we offer top-quality ID card accessories such as badge reels, lanyards, badge holders, ribbons, smart cards, etc. Infome is your one-stop shop for purchasing ID card printers in the UAE. Contact us today and get amazing offers on ID card printers.
